The Search for UAPs

Player Aid

Turn Sequence

The player whose Researcher token is farthest back on the Time Track is the active player.

1. Take One Action

Choose one action and interact with the app. Record results on your note board - all information is private.

2. Advance Your Token

Move your Researcher token clockwise on the Time Track by the action's time cost. If others are in that space, place your token in front of them.

3. Rotate the Earth (if necessary)

When ALL tokens have crossed a thick line (between spaces 3-4, 6-7, 9-10, 12-1), rotate the Earth's inner orbit 1 sector counterclockwise on the board, your space board, and in the app. Then verify all face-down photos.


Actions

Move (1-2 time)

Move Researcher to an adjacent Quadrant (1 time) or the opposite Quadrant (2 time). You may end in a Quadrant with other Researchers.

Survey (1-3 time)

Select sectors in your current Quadrant and an object type. App reveals how many of that object are in those sectors. The UAP counts as Space Junk in Surveys.

Survey RangeCost
Entire Quadrant1
One Orbit in Quadrant2
One Stack (2 sectors)2
Single Sector3

Target (4 time)

Select a sector in your Quadrant. App reveals the exact object in that sector. Announce which sector you are targeting. The UAP appears as Space Junk when targeted.

Take a Photo (1 time)

Place one of your photo tokens face-down at a 90-degree angle in a sector in your Quadrant. Photos are verified each time the Earth rotates. Rotate face-up when verified correct; incorrect photos are removed and their owner advances 1 on the Time Track.

Analyze Satellite Data (1-2 time)

Requires at least 1 verified photo of that satellite type anywhere on the board. Reveals a logic rule specific to this game.

SatelliteInfo TypeCost
Communications (A, B)Position of one object type1
Navigation (C, D)Relationship between two types1
Spy (E, F)Exact quantity per orbit/quadrant2

Find the UAP (5 time)

Select the sector you believe contains the UAP and identify all 3 neighboring sectors. App confirms correct or incorrect. Announce your result (not the location) to all players. Triggers end of game if correct.

Object Logic Rules

ObjectRuleOrbit
LunaRevealed at startOuter only
HubbleCannot be next to LunaOuter only
ISSMust be next to at least 1 Space JunkInner only
Spy SatellitesOdd-numbered sectors onlyInner only
Meteor ShowersAlways stacked in pairs at game startBoth
Comm. SatellitesEven-numbered sectors only; max 2 per orbit (Expert)Both
Nav. SatellitesAlways in directly opposite sectors, same orbitBoth
Space JunkNever more than 2 next to each otherBoth
UAPAppears as Space JunkBoth

End of Game

Triggered when one player correctly finds the UAP. That player advances their token 5 spaces.

All other players whose tokens are at least 1 space back get one final scoring opportunity (in back-to-front order):

Final photos may be placed in any Quadrant. Press "End Game and Reveal All" in app when done.

Spatial Terms

TermMeaning
Next toSame orbit, neighboring sector
StackedInner/outer orbit, neighboring sector
Directly acrossSame orbit, opposite side of Earth

Declassified UAP Reports

When the green UAP icon pulses in the app, new information has been declassified. Write it at the bottom of your note board. Tap the icon to review all reports received so far. Do not share this information - other players may not have received it yet.