GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Solar Expanse - Space Exploration Manager session
Our independent guide breaks down Solar Expanse’s core systems so you can plan smarter, avoid costly missteps, and keep your corporation on a growth trajectory. By observing each mechanic’s documented limits, you’ll develop a workflow that scales from early asteroid mining to interstellar ambition.
01 / THE GUIDE
Profit Margin Comparison
Create a simple spreadsheet listing water‑rich and metal‑rich asteroids you’ve scanned. Note the delivery cost, travel time, and revenue. Compare the net profit per kilogram to decide which class to prioritize in the next launch window.
- Compare the profit margins of water‑rich versus metal‑rich asteroids before committing a launch.
- Balance early low‑cost missions with later high‑value contracts to keep cash flow steady.
02 / THE GUIDE
Gravity‑Assist Mapping
Plot the positions of nearby planets over a two‑week period. Identify moments when a planet’s motion aligns with your intended outbound trajectory. Record the delta‑v saved for each window to build a reference guide for future missions.
- Map the orbital paths of nearby planets to find optimal slingshot windows.
- Schedule launches when the target body is moving toward your approach vector.
03 / THE GUIDE
Infrastructure Placement Audit
List all built fuel stations and launch sites. For each, note the average number of flights that refuel there per month. Adjust placement by moving future stations toward bodies with higher traffic to reduce overall fuel expenditure.
- Prioritize scanning missions for unknown belt objects before committing mining rockets.
- Cross‑reference water‑rich scans with future colony water needs.
04 / THE GUIDE
Contract Timing Review
When a permanent‑base contract appears, compare its deadline with your current resource stockpile. If the deadline is tight, schedule a high‑yield mining run first; otherwise, use the interval to expand infrastructure before committing.
- Place fuel stations on bodies that serve as frequent slingshot points to cut refuel trips.
- Use elevators where gravity is low to streamline material transport.
05 / THE GUIDE
Interstellar Readiness Tracker
Set a cumulative resource goal based on the game’s description of interstellar ship construction. Update the tracker after each delivery mission, and use the percentage complete to gauge when to shift focus from Solar System projects.
- Track cumulative resource totals to gauge when interstellar ship construction becomes feasible.
- Compare the resource profiles of different moons to decide which offers the best long‑term return.
