SAGE Labs Starbased
      Back to home
      1. Star Atlas Help Center
      2. SAGE
      3. SAGE Labs Starbased

      How to Scan for SDUs in SAGE Labs?

      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.