Forward station

Forward stations are Andromeda Initiative checkpoints that provide a number of benefits.

Overview
Forward stations are automatically deployed upon approaching a marked drop point on the map. Each forward station adds 2 AVP and increases planetary viability by 2%. (See Notes for exceptions)

Each forward station adds mining zones to the map, acts as a fast travel point, allows changing loadout, restocks the squad as a large supply cache, and allows calling the ND1 Nomad if it gets lost or destroyed. Forward stations also repair damage to the Nomad and act as a safe zone to restore life support while protecting the squad from any environmental hazards. In addition, forward stations established in an Initiative outpost are equipped with a research center.

On Havarl, where the Nomad cannot be deployed, direct extraction to the Tempest is available at a forward station. On H-047c, because you can't leave the Nomad, normal functions of a forward station aren't available. Loadout, research center, and terminal entries won't work. Most of the domes have a marked loadout terminal.

Codex
Automated forward stations are part of the initial wave of exploration or colonist deployment. They contain valuable resource caches for explorers to resupply, repair stations for vehicles, and ground-penetrating sensors to identify mineral deposits. Their presence improves the chances of a planet being considered viable.

When a planet is seriously considered for settlement or a survey is ongoing, forward stations are seeded into orbit via automated barges. Once summoned to a designated zone, forward stations descend and anchor themselves on the ground, becoming valuable landmarks. Most scout rovers have forward station connectivity, allowing them to be summoned to the stations.

Current resource constraints mean that, in theory, only Pathfinders have official sanction to call down forward stations. In reality, reports show that enterprising colonists or unscrupulous scavengers have been know to hack the signals to raid the stations for supplies.

Upgrades
Forward stations can be upgraded with additional functionality with the cryo pod perks Expanded Field Analysis, Expanded Field Analysis II, and Reconnaissance.

Forward station terminal entries
Forward stations can be interacted with for additional planetary information. These function in the same manner as terminal entries provide information on the exploration of the planet.