Tow and recover with an ARGO SRV

Identify the target with its owner

Confirm the owner, hull, destination and people aboard. Choose a clear practice area and agree who receives the ship after release.

Expected result: Both pilots identify the same recovery and handoff.

If it did not work: An abandoned-looking hull does not prove permission. Do not turn a rescue agreement into an ownership claim.

Brief both pilots before the approach

Voice or party communication

Have the owner confirm permission, occupants and the finish location. Agree who holds position, who moves and who calls stop.

Expected result: Both pilots describe the same target and can stop the exercise without guessing.

If it did not work: If the owner cannot confirm the target or people aboard, postpone capture. Do not practise on a stranger's apparently abandoned ship.

Prepare a stable target before capture

Ask the owner to stop the target and put its shields in the state required by the current tractor feedback. At the SRV controls, inspect the tractor action binding and the target capability indication before engaging.

Expected result: The tractor reports a captured object and the target remains controllable.

If it did not work: The design Q&A supports a stationary, shields-down setup, but not a current universal tow-mass table. Stop if the live system rejects or destabilizes the load.

Enter the SRV tractor mode from the pilot seat

Mining Mode Toggle; check your saved device assignment

Keep the agreed target stationary in the owner-confirmed shield state from the capture preparation card. In the SRV pilot seat, activate the saved Mining Mode Toggle action used for the dated tractor-mode route. Read the resulting operator mode before using a fire input.

Expected result: The SRV is presenting its tractor operation rather than ordinary flight weapons.

If it did not work: If the action does not enter tractor operation, stop at the mode step and inspect the current device mapping. Do not try arbitrary weapon inputs beside the target.

Use a view that shows the target beneath the tug

Saved Look Behind or your assigned external-view controls

Select a saved Look Behind or suitable third-person view so you can see the target relative to the SRV underside and rear. Make small alignment changes until the intended target is in the tractor operating view. Returning from a remote-turret view is an alternative operator route, not itself proof of capture.

Expected result: You can identify the intended hull and see separation between it and the tug.

If it did not work: If you cannot see the target or clearance, return to a stable position before aligning again. No distance or universal rear-view key is established by this source.

Engage the tractor and verify the attached target

Current tractor/fire action for the selected operator mode

With tractor operation and target identity established, use its saved tractor/fire action. Inspect the actual attachment feedback and ask the owner whether the correct ship is connected. Continue with the existing short movement-and-stop test below only after that check.

Expected result: The intended target reports or visibly demonstrates an attachment; the next step tests whether it follows predictably.

If it did not work: A beam effect without attachment is an unsuccessful attempt. Stop motion and compare the mode, alignment and target state before another try; do not treat rejection as proof that the hull is always towable.

Make one movement and stop cycle

Current flight controls and tractor feedback

Use your verified flight controls for a small clear movement, then stop. Have the lookout or owner call clearance and whether the target followed as expected.

Expected result: Both ships remain separated and the crew can explain the stopping response.

If it did not work: If control or clearance is uncertain, abandon the longer trip. Reposition only after the target and occupants are accounted for.

Make a short handling test before the journey

Move a small distance in a clear direction, stop, and ask the owner to confirm the target's condition. Check separation, fuel and a clear route before continuing.

Expected result: The tow follows predictably and the crew can identify an abnormal movement before travelling far.

If it did not work: If attachment or handling is unstable, stop and reposition. The SRV shields do not protect the object outside them.

Release into an accessible recovery position

At the destination stop with enough clearance for both craft. Coordinate release with the owner and confirm the recovered ship can be boarded or serviced.

Expected result: The object is stable, accessible and no longer unintentionally attached.

If it did not work: If the landing or service location will not accept the load, agree an alternative before releasing it in traffic.

Contact the port within service range

Approach the spaceport at a controlled speed and request landing. If the shortcut does not connect, use F11, find the local Landing Services entry and call it.

Expected result: ATC acknowledges you and assigns a marked hangar, pad or docking port.

If it did not work: If no service appears, check that you are near the actual spaceport. Continue a careful approach without entering restricted space.

Identify the assigned entrance before descending

Follow the assignment marker, stop outside it and identify the opening and floor orientation. Read any docking instruction if the port assigned a dock rather than a hangar.

Expected result: You can point to the assigned entrance and a clear approach path.

If it did not work: If the marker points elsewhere, do not use the nearest open door. Back out of traffic and recheck the assignment.