Signal Downloading

Downloading signals detected in space is the first step toward extracting blueprints. The process requires ship modules equipped with antennas.

Efficient signal downloading requires a combination of optimal positioning, multiple high-powered antennas operated by a skilled crew, and minimal surrounding interference.

Detection

Signals are located by detecting anomalies on the sector map.

Each signal can be identified by its numerical designation. Every signal has a permanent universal ID displayed in [square brackets] after its name.

Downloading

Downloading is performed using the ship ability “ANTENNA.” From the list of available signals, choose the one that seems most suitable and begin downloading.

During the download process, the ship is difficult to defend, as any nearby station or vessel causes interference with the already weak and hard-to-capture transmissions.

If a signal disappears during the download process, don’t worry — the ship has it stored in memory and will complete the operation.

Cards affecting signal downloading

Crew Influence on Antenna Performance

The antenna’s performance is determined by the astronauts’ “SCIENCE” [S] attribute and whether all scientific workstations within the module are occupied.

If the ship has multiple antennas, their effectiveness is cumulative.

Robots are mechanical and generate interference, so they are not suitable as crew members on a decoding ship.

Example of calculating the effectiveness of an antenna module with three scientific workstations:

	Crew 1 / 3 Members	Crew 2 / 3 Members	Crew 3 / 3 Members
Average Crew Science	Antenna Range (%)	Antenna Range (%)	Antenna Range (%)
1
9
17
25
32
40
48
56
64
72
79
87
95
103
111
119
126
134
142
150

If there are multiple antennas on the ship, their effectiveness is combined.