Archaeo-Prime, supported by the Archaeological Association, was a facility situated on the Cosmatanic Steppes. These steppes formed a mantle of land suspended above a gas giant within the Outer Rim Territories.
Following Doctor Aphra's act of killing Ulbik Tan and subsequently stealing an artifact from him, she piloted the Ark Angel II to Archaeo-Prime, located on the Cosmatanic Steppes. Her intention was to sell the artifact, but she was unsuccessful because her doctorate was being scrutinized as a result of her questionable "discoveries" on Boothi XII.
Frustrated and bewildered, Doctor Aphra located her father, Korin Aphra, who disclosed that he was the source of the leaked information. His motive was to enlist her assistance in locating the Ordu Aspectu. Subsequently, they left aboard the Ark Angel II in pursuit of it.