Transport missions are also simple in nature, where a given container is taken to another station. Others are somewhat more complicated, requiring supplemental equipment to perform specific objectives. If you want to mine metal ore from asteroids, you must first purchase a mining laser which is outfitted on one of your ship's weapon slots. For scouting missions, pilots are assigned to either take pictures of a particular object or scan an anomaly, so a camera or scanner is needed respectively. Although there are some exceptions, landing at any space station will automatically deposit credits into your account once an assigned task is done.
Missions can also fail following an action that irrevocably prevents the completion of an objective.
If enemy fire destroys your ship which was carrying a transport container to deliver, you won't get a second chance to complete the very same assignment. In this respect, certain missions are safer than others. Using another example, your ship can be destroyed as many times as you like while performing patrol duties, since reconnaissance is independent of your ship's well-being. Just recently, a significant patch was added to the beta version that introduces some long-term goals. Important structures can now be collectively built by completing various missions as assigned by your faction.