ΔV: Rings of Saturn
https://store.steampowered.com/app/846030/V_Rings_of_Saturn
A hard sci-fi 2D space mining sim.
“A physics-based mining sim, set in the thickest debris field in Sol. Every action has a reaction, lasers are invisible without a medium, and your thrust is a potent weapon. Find trade, adapt your equipment to your playstyle, hire a crew to help. Unravel the mysteries of the rings, or just get rich.”
Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.