Prospector

Fast and efficent yield

Designed for maximum harvesting yield, the Prospector sacrifices maneuverability and ruggedness to squeeze every drop of power out of its mining laser. It has good forward speed and reasonable damage output, but should avoid drawn-out engagements.

Ship Attributes

Stat	Info
Attack	8
Missile Capacity	10
Armor	140
Shield	100
Shield Max	150
Energy	150
Energy Max	200
Speed	5.5
Maneuverability	11
Mining Power	5
Mining Speed	3
Mining Purity	5
Mining Eff.	2
Hauling	6

The numbers in this graphic are meant as a reference and are not the research order.

Prospector Tech Tree

1. Feedback Assimilator (starting point node): An assimilator module placed inside the Mining Laser generator that empowers the ship as the Prospector mines ore. Increases damage done by 1% for 1 min with each pulse of Mining Laser when used on an Ore rock. Stacks up to 15 times.

2. Recalibration System (starting point node): This system allows the Prospector to consume less energy for combat purposes, thus saving energy for mining oriented activities. Blast Shield and energy based weapons consume 10% less energy.

3. Miner’s Battery (starting point node): An upgrade that lets the ship engage in mining endeavors with more explosive firepower. Increase missile capacity score by 8 and start with additional Concussion Missiles.

4. Expanded Arsenal: Increase Missile Capacity by 2.

   • Prerequisites: **Miner’s Battery (**3).

5. Optimized Nitro Charges: These charges are especially powerful against ore rocks and other obstacles such as enemy ships. Increase all missile and explosive gadgets damage by 5%.

   • Prerequisites: **Expanded Arsenal (**4).

6. Intensified Explosives: Increase Missile Damage by 5%.

   • Prerequisites: **Optimized Nitro Charges (**5).

7. Gadget Recalibration: Increase Gadget Damage by 5%.

   • Prerequisites: Recalibration System (2).

8. Plasma Drill: While most mining ships have stopped using Plasma Drills, it’s still the most efficient Mining Tool upgrade for the Prospector. Increases Mining Laser Purity and Efficiency, and Attack Score by 1.

   • Prerequisites: **Gadget Recalibration (**7) & **Improved Mining Laser (**9).

9. Improved Mining Laser: Increase Mining Speed by 10%.

   • Prerequisites: Feedback Assimilator (1).

10. 

Mining-Class Prospector with a Legendary Otis kit equipped

Background

Although late to the mining craft game, by early 2293 Starbright executives were noting the rise in multipurpose drones and began looking for market niches to dominate. The popularity of Almuttik’s aging Mole series frightened off many competitors, but Starbright’s data analysis suggested the platform was maturing and would soon be vulnerable.

After several failed attempts, Starbright launched the Prospector in September 2296. Built around a new, lighter version of the company’s advanced “Minotaur 7S” mining laser and fitted with updated general-purpose capacitors, the Prospector made considerable headway in its first iteration.

Two years later, the updated Prospector 2 ship made waves with its reinforced hull and improved combat characteristics. Within six months, this new version supplanted the Mole as market leader, rising to dominate this generation of mining ships.

Today’s Prospector still fields a respectable mining laser and is widely praised for its efficient subassembly design, which minimizes nanofac material wastage and subcomponent storage space. As a result, many pilots still prefer to field the reliable Prospector over more recent designs.