Question: Space Mining - Is this possible ?

[DCF]

Posted this on PCF few days ago...wanted ot know ifyou guys at MA think this would be possible or even viable ?

Finding

Uses Research Drone > Insert Oil > Attach current Finder > Attach Probes > Set range parameter > Set drop frequency > Place externally > Activate from Safe > Recall (Flies back, NOT auto inventory)
Finds are Marketed on Operators map not visible to outsiders to be mined later by the operator.
Research Drones cannot be attacked.
The operator does not need to be present at the location where finds are made.

Extraction / Recovery

Uses Resource Recovery Drone > Insert oil > Attach current Extractor > Place externally > Activate > Recall (Flies back, NOT auto inventory)
Mine multiple claims
Minor SI and evasive capabilities
Recovery Drones can be attacked and looted (Their own storage) but the operator has the ability to minimise range or be present and defend or not.
Can be healed with spawned Repair Drone (Attach repair tool > Set target > Activate > recall (Recall activated the return flight NOT auto inventory recall)
The operator does need to be in relative range (Cannot be in safe) of finds being extracted.

Extraction/Recovery Drones can have multiple uses in mining and hunting

Repair Drone > Insert oil > Attach existing repair tool > Set target (Dependant on range) > Recall or Auto recall if RD drone is destroyed.
Can auto follow and repair any (multiple) target in repair range.

Recalling any type drone does NOT auto recall to inventory or storage. They should be allowed to fly back at their own speeds and board the operators vessel unless intercepted by the operator on site.
Any tool that is attached to any drone will auto recall to operators inventory.
Damaged drones can be spawned on site in space and repaired.


I quite like the idea of integrating existing tools with less new stuff (too much already). So here is what i got real quick on Mining in Space...... So maybe no more than say 4 drone types where we can attach exiting tool and functionality too with minor new enhancements SO as not to over crowd the "new stuff" situation any more than is needed.

Here is how i would see a system like this in action

Space Miner Deploys Research Drone from safe and they fly out into lootable at a range that is conducive to the miners finder range (maybe ^^)

Resources are identified and pos markers activated on the operators map as and when they find them before the research drones return.

The Operator then moves within range and deploys a Recovery Drone and two Defense Drones to accompany it.

Mean while a pirate in near some asteroids has deployed his own Research Drones but set to identify Other Drones/Treasure rather than resources) before he flies off and tries again.

At the new location the Pirates Research Drones find one of the miners Recover Drones and tags it before carrying on the search, showing on the Pirates map.

Having tracked a Recover drone the pirate heads off in that direction, not realising there are also two Defense Drones accompanying the Miners Recovery drone Drone.

One shot on the Recovery Drone activates the Defense drones who start circling the Recovery Drone to deflect shots for myself. Due to their small size hitting them is hard as it is without the defensive drones helping out also.

Noticing the damage the Space miner Recalls, and the Recovery drones starts heading back with the defensive drones deflecting shots all the way (Maybe they should have the ability to at least do some damage to the attacker also)

At this time the Pirate also deploys Defensive Drones or in his case Attack Drones inflicting the same miner damage but ONLY tot he other defensive drones (They cant damage a Recovery Drone, only a pilot can)

The Miners sends out another two Defensive drones which fly out, meet up with their target and help increase the protection factor as the Miners drones head back to safe.

The scenario can ofc play out in a variety of different ways.....So on and so forth.....well that was my vision more or less.

Possible ?

Daisy ColdFinger

[Bjorn|MindArk]

Space mining is indeed on the roadmap for future space development, though it may not be implemented exactly as you describe.

[raxxor]

Interesting.. Sounds like a new nice way for pirates to steal massive amounts of ores and enmatter. How about you remove the part about pirates hunting the drones.. And let the miner collect his finds in a MS or quad. These claims should also not disappear within 24 hours minimum

[BattleAxe]

Originally Posted by raxxor

Interesting.. Sounds like a new nice way for pirates to steal massive amounts of ores and enmatter. How about you remove the part about pirates hunting the drones.. And let the miner collect his finds in a MS or quad. These claims should also not disappear within 24 hours minimum

Well, MA does still has to profit, and what better way for them to profit than PvP, only a massive scale like this? It seems like a fantastic idea to me (and I normally hate pirates). - It seems like a great way to put PED back into the system, I mean, think about it: we have crafters buy some ores, enmatts, and some robot loot in order to make the drones. Then we have people buying the drones for MU (possibly depoing just in order to buy the drones). Then we have additional PvP, which includes additional ammo spent (both by the drones and pirates/miner), etc.. - To me, it seems like a fantastic way for MA and the planet partners to capitalize on PvP, mining, and crafting.