Astral Exploration

Fly by thrust and momentum

Inspired by the gravity and cargo towing of the classic Solar Jetman, Astral Exploration makes hauling a piloting challenge. Your ship keeps drifting after you cut thrust, and a loaded pod can swing behind you on its tractor tether. Give yourself room to brake and line up with the docking port.

Steer with the arrow keys, WASD, or the on-screen flight pad. Zoom in for docking or pull back to see nearby hazards.

Survey a seeded galaxy

Track your travels on local and galaxy maps. Buy charts at outposts or fit a survey array and use a powered pulse scan to reveal nearby landmarks. Hold on an asteroid, star, or planet for a closer reading.

Mine, tow, and trade

Fit a drill to extract ore and take it to a refinery for processing. Use a tractor beam to haul freight pods, then match speeds with a nearby pod to transfer goods.

Stop at outposts to trade supplies and refined goods, buy equipment, refill fuel and power, or repair damaged sections. Pick a hull and loadout for the trip you want to make.

Getting started

How to play Astral Exploration

1. 1

   Outfit a ship

   Buy a hull at the starting outpost and fit a rocket engine before undocking.

2. 2

   Fly and brake

   Use left and right to turn, up to thrust forward, and down for reverse thrust.

3. 3

   Choose a tool

   Fit a survey array to scan, a drill to mine ore, or a tractor beam to tow freight.