As a member of a research faction I quite often think of possible mechanics for making scientific RP more interesting. Recently an idea crossed my mind.
Is it possible to add, say, probes in CD slot for non-snubs that can be shot at planets and other celestial bodies and for doing so can generate some sci-related RP commodities? Different planets and asteroids generate different commodities that can be used for RP and if assembled in large numbers and of every type - exchanged on a small number of sci data what research RP should generate in theory or be sold at some research bases for decent value. Aside from CD, maybe there can be a research module mounted on CM slot or separately like drone bay that can collect intel if activated in some places/systems to generalte intelligence/research commodity .
Overall, it can provide:
motivation for researcher RPers to fly around
additional way of making money alike mining by flying not same trade routes but some remote places in systems never visited
some game mechanics for sci-based RP that we lack
Maybe, official factions with the R&D focus like IRG or SCEC can get a better bonus to that equipment like mining factions do.
I wonder if it is technically possible to implement something like this.
Would love something to improve the order science division in-game. Pretty much always ended up being just another order combatant outside of forum RP.
I'd like to know if they can add something, possibly via FLhook, that actually extends your scanner range or gives other information. For example:
Sensor Probe (CD slot)
Fires a sensor probe that travels forward in a straight line. The sensor probe transmits scanner contacts and data back to your ship, and has a 10km sensor radius. It will travel 50-100km distance before extinguishing itself.
This way, a ship giving up the CD slot could fire off a few probes throughout a system and have sensor contact info way beyond the range you could normally get. That would give you a way to support your fleet movements/allies as well.
Of course, if it's a CD slot it would be put on any ship, which would kinda defeat the purpose - Perhaps a specialized slot on research specific ship types?
Another option would be using mines for the same purpose: it takes up a mine slot, drops a sensor beacon/buoy, and you gain contact info around that item for a while.