> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://asteroid-shiba.gitbook.io/asteroid-shiba-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://asteroid-shiba.gitbook.io/asteroid-shiba-docs/research/overview.md).

# How Research works

If the **Scanner** decides *what* you find, **Research** decides *how much* it earns. It's how you turn a good asteroid into a great one.

## The idea

Every asteroid in your portfolio mines a base amount of ASTRO per day. Spend ASTRO on **Research** for a specific asteroid, and its daily income goes up — permanently, for that asteroid.

```
Collect ASTRO → invest it in Research on an asteroid → that asteroid earns more per day
```

## Five levels, up to +50%

Research has five levels (**R1 → R5**). Fully researched, an asteroid earns **+50%** more per day than its base.

| Level | Cumulative bonus |
| ----- | ---------------- |
| R1    | +5%              |
| R2    | +12.5%           |
| R3    | +22.5%           |
| R4    | +35%             |
| R5    | **+50%**         |

Early levels are cheap and quick; the last levels cost more and are for asteroids you truly want to invest in. Rarer asteroids have a higher base, so their Research costs (and rewards) scale up too.

## What it costs

Every level is paid in ASTRO, and the exact cost and the exact result are shown before you commit — nothing is hidden.

| Level        | Common    | Rare      | Epic       | Legendary  | Genesis     |
| ------------ | --------- | --------- | ---------- | ---------- | ----------- |
| R1           | 500       | 700       | 2,800      | 5,000      | 15,000      |
| R2           | 750       | 1,050     | 4,200      | 7,500      | 22,500      |
| R3           | 1,000     | 1,400     | 5,600      | 10,000     | 30,000      |
| R4           | 1,250     | 1,750     | 7,000      | 12,500     | 37,500      |
| R5           | 1,500     | 2,100     | 8,400      | 15,000     | 45,000      |
| **All five** | **5,000** | **7,000** | **28,000** | **50,000** | **150,000** |

{% hint style="info" %}
For **Rare and above**, a full R1–R5 investment pays for itself in roughly **20 days** of the extra income it unlocks. **Common** Research is a long-term upgrade rather than a quick return — treat it as polish, not as a way to earn back ASTRO fast.
{% endhint %}

## ASTRO is burned

When you spend ASTRO on Research, it's **removed from circulation** — a deflationary sink that keeps the economy healthy and gives your ASTRO a meaningful purpose beyond just cashing out.

**Next:** [Seasons & leaderboard →](/asteroid-shiba-docs/seasons-and-competition/overview.md)


---

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