A basic salvage run has four phases: survey, uninstall, haul, and repair. Carry the correct tools and a working suit, secure a valid permit in controlled space, take high-value equipment before low-value scrap, and remember that every item you load increases ship mass and stopping distance.
Pre-flight checklist
- A valid salvage permit for the region you plan to work in.
- Cutting, welding, soldering, fastening, and prying tools appropriate to the target parts.
- A pressure suit for short work or a complete, charged EVA suit for safer long work.
- Free storage, a pressurized fallback space, food and water, and a weapon for unknown threats.
The four-step loop
- Survey the wreck and mark valuable, intact, or personally useful equipment.
- Uninstall parts with the correct tool to reduce damage and wasted time.
- Haul the best value-per-space items to your ship before filling gaps with scrap.
- Repair or restore worthwhile parts before sale, then choose a kiosk that buys that category.
What to take first
The official wiki highlights ship equipment such as thrusters, pumps, intakes, and rare reactor parts, plus EVA gear, tools, medicine, and useful components. Exact sale value depends on condition and vendor, so use the list as a priority guide rather than a guaranteed payout table.
Mass is the hidden cargo limit
Storage tiles are only the first constraint. Added cargo increases ship mass, which increases the time, fuel, and thrust needed to accelerate or stop. Check maneuvering performance before leaving a stripped wreck, especially if the return route ends at a crowded station.