Survey Data Units (SDUs) are special resources used for crafting and upgrading starbases in Starbased. Scanning is how you find them and it can be a highly rewarding activity if done right.
Prepare Your Fleet
Before you can scan, make sure your fleet:
Is undocked from a Starbase
Has enough Fuel to move to a sector
Has enough Food to support scanning (unless using a Data Runner ship)
Is equipped with ships that have strong SDU/Scan stats
Tip: The further you are from the Central Space Station (CSS) and the closer to the center of the map, the better your scan odds.
Understanding SDU Scanning Mechanics
Scan Cooldown: The cooldown is determined by the slowest ship in your fleet
SDU/Scan Stat: Each ship contributes to the total number of SDUs your fleet can retrieve per scan
Information Density: This hidden sector stat determines scan success rate and how many SDUs are available
Example: If your fleet can scan up to 100 SDUs, but the sector’s Information Density only allows 30 SDUs, you’ll only receive 30 if successful
Start Scanning
There are two ways to initiate a scan:
Method A – Classic Scan:
Select your undocked fleet
Click "Scan" in the bottom control panel
Sign the transaction in your wallet (first time scanning in a sector may require an extra registration transaction)
Method B – Sector Survey Panel:
Toggle “Sector Survey” in the top-right of the screen
Click “Scan” next to any idle fleet
See a real-time cooldown countdown after scanning
Use “Scan All” to trigger multiple fleet scans at once—just remember, each one requires a transaction signature.
Review Scan Results
A popup will notify you of the scan outcome:
Success: You’ll receive SDUs directly in your fleet’s cargo
Failure: You’ll see your chance % and suggested retry timing
Even a failed scan tells you useful info about a sector’s Information Density.
Best Ships for Scanning
These Data Runners are optimized for scanning:
Opal Rayfam (Small)
VZUS opod (Medium)
Fimbul BYOS Ranger (Medium)
They use no food and have high SDU/Scan stats.