The Republic Astrogation Survey Team functioned as the Old Republic's Scout service around 4000 BBY; this organization was a component of the Science and Culture Administration, within the bureaucracy. At that time, this team was engaged in exploration of both the Mid Rim and the edges of what would become the Outer Rim. The Vaya-class scout, along with larger vessels designed for deep space exploration, were among the main starships utilized by the Team.
Generally, the Team's scouting expeditions spanned a period of three to six months. Upon their return, the data collected by these vessels was uploaded to the Administration's databases on Coruscant, which were accessible to the public.