> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.outpostsurge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.outpostsurge.com/exploration-missions/mechanics.md).

# Mechanics

### Refueling

A mission begins when the first contribution is made. Some missions may start with a predetermined seed amount to boost rewards, though this may vary based on game activity and token availability.

Once fuel is added, a `60` minute countdown timer begins.

Each contribution resets the timer, but the reset time decreases by `30` seconds per contribution until it reaches a minimum of `5` minutes, where it remains until the mission ends.

If the timer reaches zero without a new contribution, the mission ends, and rewards are distributed.

The first contribution starts at the `initial token contribution`, with each subsequent contribution increasing by `3%` (e.g., 1 → 0.13 → 0.161, etc.). The initial seed amount does not factor into these calculations. See [Supported Missions](/exploration-missions/supported-missions.md) for numbers.

90% of the contribution is split 70 / 30 between the  `Discoveries` and `Last Refueler` Pools.

10% of the contribution is sent to the Outpost Surge treasury.

A cap to contributions may be added, which caps the # of tokens sent to rewards pools. Any excess beyond this cap is redirected to the Outpost Surge treasury to help sustain future missions.

*Missions variables may change based on token and blockchain type.*

### Mission Phases

Each mission goes through 4 phases. The location of the phase is randomly determined, and corresponds to a location on Mars.

The phase changes after a certain amount of contributions are made:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="104.515625"></th><th width="281.42578125"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Phase</strong></td><td><strong>Total Contributions Required to Advance</strong></td><td><strong>Does the Phase End?</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Phase 1</strong></td><td>60 Contributions</td><td>Ends when full</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Phase 2</strong></td><td>30 Contributions</td><td>Ends when full</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Phase 3</strong></td><td>15 Contributions</td><td>Ends when full</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Phase 4</strong></td><td>Unlimited</td><td>Continues until mission ends</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Discoveries

Each refueling contribution has a baseline chance to uncover a discovery. Discoveries are themed as actual Mars scientific discoveries.

| **Common (10 pts)** | **Uncommon (20 pts)** | **Rare (50 pts)** | **Epic (100 pts)** | **Legendary (200 pts)** |
| ------------------- | --------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| 30.0%               | 12.5%                 | 5.0%              | 2.0%               | 0.5%                    |

#### Bonus Odds for Discoveries

Certain NFTs may increase the odds of finding discoveries. Exact odds bonuses are still being determined and will be published when they are ready.

### Rewards

All the tokens in the `Last Refueler` rewards pool is sent to the last player to contribute to the mission before the timer runs out.

The tokens in the Discoveries pool are split up between players that found a discovery, based on their total point values at the end of the mission. The approximate token amount is shown in the discoveries leaderboard in the UI.