A planetary scanner is a combination of a variety of different scientific instruments that can be installed on a ship, used to scan and survey celestial objects. Planetary scanners use different instruments such high-resolution visual telescopes, spectrometers, spatial radars, and more to gleam information about a planet when in its orbit. The information gleamed can include:
Some features of a planetary scanner may not work, such as intense cloud or storm activity blocking spatial radar and other surface scanners, or the presence of ion storms and solar flares that may subject the scanner to natural EMPs.
Not all ships are equipped with planetary scanners, but it is common to find them on exploration or prospecting ships.