Remote scanning outpost

Remote Scanning Outposts are small manned stations on the edges of systems controlled by the UNSC. Remote Scanning Outposts, sometimes also referred to as "Remote Sensing Stations," are usually manned by a small crew of Naval personnel. They scan deep space and Slipspace for any sign of scientific phenomena, pirates, and incoming Covenant vessels. They usually carry a payload of three probes which enter Slipspace, scan, and reemerge to return their information to the outpost.

Remote Scanning Outposts are required to send hourly reports of all activities to the habitable planets in the system. They are also required to sound the alarm should they detect any suspicious activity in Slipspace. As a sort of "lookout" system, these outposts took newfound importance after the information they transmit proved critical in countering the Covenant invasion of Sigma Octanus IV during The Battle of Sigma Octanus IV. After this struggle, HIGHCOM moved some of its best officers from core installations such as Fort York into Remote Scanning Outposts. Once again, the information an outpost provided prevented the UNSC from being caught completely off guard at The Battle of Reach.

Remote Scanning Outposts are subject to the Cole Protocol and must self destruct when in imminent danger from Covenant invasion, in order to avoid vital information being captured.

Personnel are usually not assigned to Remote Scanning Outposts for extended periods of time, as they are considered to be rather cramped and isolated.

Known Remote Scanning Outposts

 * Fermion- Reach System (Destroyed)
 * Archimedes- Sigma Octanus System
 * Democritus- Solar System