28: Automated data collection

At that moment, pioneer-01 transmitted back an exploration report.

"Three potential high-value targets discovered. Designations: M-1, M-2, M-3. Detailed data uploaded."

Han Zhe immediately called up the data.

M-1: A roughly spherical metallic asteroid approximately eighty meters in diameter (possibly a planetary core fragment), with a relatively smooth surface and an unusually dense, stable structure. Metal content is extremely high, but preliminary scans indicate a complex composition containing multiple high-hardness, refractory metals. Extraction difficulty is high, likely causing rapid drill bit wear.

M-2: The main wreckage of a medium-sized cargo vessel, approximately one hundred and twenty meters in length. The structure is damaged but largely intact. Internal compartment scans show numerous standard metal cargo containers (some intact) and the wreckage of a medium-scale engine reactor (energy depleted, but containing rare elements). Disadvantages: structurally unstable with risk of disintegration/implosion, and the complex internal space requires extensive clearing and reinforcement before deploying a collection station.

M-3: An irregular composite material wreckage approximately sixty meters in diameter, seemingly part of a space facility (possibly a refinery or foundry workshop). The outer layer is thick protective armor. Internal scans reveal regular piping structures and storage holds, rich in various alloys and composite materials. The central area detects weak, continuous thermal radiation, suggesting the possible presence of a low-power energy source (such as a geothermal simulation device or a small auxiliary reactor not fully shut down). Structure is more stable than M-2, but the outer armor is extremely thick.

Han Zhe quickly analyzed. M-1 was too hard; extraction costs might outweigh the gains. M-2 was resource-rich but too risky, like a dilapidated building ready to collapse at any moment. M-3... structurally stable, rich in resource variety, and with a potential energy source! Although the outer armor was thick, it wasn't an insurmountable obstacle for him with his cutting lasers and SCVs.

"Lock onto target M-3! pioneer-01, perform a deeper penetration scan on M-3, map its internal structure in detail, especially that heat source area. Assess the safest and most efficient entry point. pioneer-02, 03, speed up the assembly of MDMP-1 and the collection station, prepare for deployment operations!"

With the target selected, the entire base's pace quickened once more.

Two hours later, MDMP-1 was completed. It looked crude, but it had all the necessary functions: four powerful magnetic/mechanical anchoring legs, a set of simple attitude-adjustment thrusters, a central platform integrating power and data interfaces, and a T-shaped robotic arm capable of basic grasping, rotating, and positioning.

All components of the collection station had also been prefabricated and were piled to the side, waiting to be transported to the mining site for final assembly.

"pioneer-01 reporting: Scan of M-3 complete. Recommended entry point is a relatively weak armor seam on the side formed by an impact, at a moderate distance from the internal resource-rich zone and heat source. Coordinates marked. Internal structure map uploaded. Heat source analysis: Confirmed as a small auxiliary fusion reactor (civilian-grade, severely damaged, output power extremely low and unstable, but with continuous low-level radiation and thermal energy, possibly containing unspent fuel or recoverable components). Safety assessment: Entry operation risk medium. Caution required to avoid damaging internal pressure-bearing structures or triggering heat source malfunction."

A fusion reactor! Even a severely damaged civilian-grade wreck held immense technological value and the potential for residual fuel/components, a huge temptation for Han Zhe! This was like getting energy for free with the ore!

"That's the one! Prepare for deployment! pioneer-02, 03, you are responsible for transporting the MDMP-1 and collection station components near the marked point on M-3. pioneer-01, you proceed ahead, clear obstacles around the entry point, and perform preliminary securing. I will coordinate and monitor overall operations from here."

The three SCVs acknowledged the order and immediately sprang into action. pioneer-01 flew towards M-3 first, using its cutting laser to clear attachments and small debris around the marked point. pioneer-02 and 03 worked together to transport the heavy MDMP-1 frame (it had small thrusters itself but needed initial pushing and guidance) and the packaged collection station components, forming a small convoy heading towards the M-3 wreckage two kilometers away.

Han Zhe, at the console, nervously watched the entire process through the real-time feed and sensor data transmitted by pioneer-01. Beyond the shielding field was the perilous void; any accident could lead to SCV damage or mission failure.

The transport process went mostly smoothly. MDMP-1 was successfully delivered near M-3 and, with pioneer-01's assistance, its four anchoring legs were firmly secured to a relatively flat area on the wreckage's surface. The robotic arm deployed, entering standby mode.

Next, the collection station components were transported one by one to the platform beside MDMP-1. Under the system's remote guidance and the SCVs' precise operation, the drilling module, crushing chamber, sorter, primary furnace, conveyor belts... these components, coordinated by MDMP-1's robotic arm and the SCVs, began final assembly on-site like building blocks.

This was a meticulous and time-consuming task. In the weightlessness of space, assembling large mechanical structures required extreme stability and coordination. The three SCVs and MDMP-1's robotic arm worked in tandem, welding flashes flickering intermittently, metal components precisely aligning under the control of invisible forces.

Han Zhe monitored the entire process, occasionally fine-tuning the assembly sequence or parameters based on the on-site situation. Six hours passed.

When the final conveyor belt was debugged, and all power and data interfaces were connected, that roughly assembled but structurally complete "Automated Mineral Collection Station (Prototype)" finally stood steadily atop the MDMP-1 platform, its massive drill bit hovering above the marked entry point on M-3.

['Automated Mineral Collection Station (Prototype)' on-site assembly complete. MDMP-1 docking normal. Awaiting startup command.]

"Initiate drilling! Begin with a tentative entry, monitor structural stress and heat source response!" Han Zhe ordered, his palms slightly sweaty.

"Command confirmed. Initiating drilling program." pioneer-01 responded, simultaneously operating MDMP-1 to channel energy into the collection station's drill bit.

A low, rumbling sound transmitted through solid matter (relayed via SCV sensors) arose. The high-strength alloy drill bit began to rotate, with a momentum that seemed ready to tear through anything, slowly pressing against the thick armor seam of M-3.

Sparks (molten metal particles in the vacuum) flew everywhere! The drill bit fiercely ground against the armor, producing a piercing, vibration that the sensors translated into a teeth-grating sound. Progress was slow but steady.

A few minutes later, a sharp *crack* sounded as the drill bit penetrated the outermost armor! The internal structure appeared on the scan—a crisscross of pipes, support beams, and... neatly stacked metal ingots and composite material plates!

"Penetration achieved! Halt drilling, expand the opening! Prepare to deploy the internal collection module!"

The drill bit retracted, replaced by more flexible cutting and grasping tools. The opening was carefully widened, forming a passage large enough for the collection station's internal telescopic arms to enter and exit.

When the first telescopic arm, equipped with a small crushing head at its front, extended into M-3's interior, grabbed a composite metal plate from the edge, dragged it out, and fed it into the crushing chamber, Han Zhe couldn't help but clench his fist.

Success! Automated collection had begun!