My mat collectors would easily also fit the short(ish) range exploration role, due to the similar equipment. But as I am in the museum, a Scarab is mandatory for ground exploration. And they are all small ships, like the Champion (an Adder) or the Stargazer.I don't have a small explorer type ship. Well, no, actually I do - in the guise of a DBx but I really don't enjoy flying it.
I also have two dedicated explorers, the Star Moth and the Star Chief, which are able to go a little further.
The Heart Of Gold's main function is as a memento of my commander's heritage, but she still gets flown every once in a while.