/lit/ - Literature

>soft scifi, alien planet setting
>space faring human faction arrives
>sets up several "work/mission"-oriented facilities, not civilian living-type expansion settlements.

Need ideas for a specific tangible goal(s) that could motivate those humans to do something of the sort that is not your typical extract some bullshit natural resource mcguffin. If its a field research kinda situation(doesn't have to be) it needs a meaningful objective purpose with practical application, not some vague "for science!/for knowledge!" reason. Must also be an intentional landing, not a castaway survival scenario.

Extra notes:
- These humans are part of a larger civilization which is detached from the actual story, it can be assumed they are under allegiance and maintain some degree of communication with it but for the moment are distanced enough to be running a semi-independent operation, i.e. it's not like they can snap their fingers and have reinforcements dropping in pronto. They are not some main vital task force all remaining humanity is devotedly counting on.

Any suggestions welcome, whatever comes to mind.