logistics Tech Comparison
Deep Survey Expeditions vs Interstellar Exchange
Comparing the Deep Survey Expeditions (Tier 3) and Interstellar Exchange (Tier 3), both logistics technologies in Starforge MMO. Use this to decide which to queue first when your research lab can only run one project at a time.
Research Comparison
| Attribute | Deep Survey Expeditions | Interstellar Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 16▼ | 20 |
| metal cost | 38,000 | 30,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 26,000 | 15,000▼ |
| gas cost | 8,000▼ | — |
| credits cost | — | 50,000▼ |
| Effect | +40% expedition range; +30% anomaly detection; +15% expedition event quality | unlocks neutral market: true |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Deep Survey Expeditions
Long-range survey doctrine that fits scouts with extended life support and wide-band sensor sweeps for multi-jump expeditions into uncharted space. Unlocks the Horizon Explorer.
Unlocks ships: horizon explorer
Requires: logistics 3
Interstellar Exchange
Opens cross-faction neutral market. Trade any resource with neutral NPC merchants.
Unlocks buildings: interstellar exchange
Requires: logistics 2, logistics 3
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Deep Survey Expeditions is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.