Can't deploy SRV in Elite: Dangerous

I'm trying to deploy a Surface Recon Vehicle (SRV) in Elite: Dangerous (with the Horizons DLC), but the option to Deploy the SRV in red / greyed out, so I can't select it.

Question: How do I deploy the SRV?


If you ever encounter non-functional systems in Elite: Dangerous, there's a very good possibility that you've disabled one of your ship's modules, and simply forgotten about it. It happens to me on a regular basis.

Thankfully, this is an easy thing to check:

  1. In your ship, visit the Systems Panel, on the right (4 by default)
  2. Use the Q and E keys to navigate to Modules
  3. Select your Planetary Vehicle Hangar from the list of modules
  4. Activate the module
  5. Go back to the Role Panel (the bottom one) and try to the SRV again

If this doesn't work, make sure you have a SRV in the Planetary Vehicle Hangar (PVH). If you destroyed your SRV, you might need to purchase a new one. Some PVH's hold more than one SRV, for backup purposes.


It's also worth making sure you have an SRV equipped in your vehicle hangar, as they aren't automatically purchased along with a vehicle hangar.


Remember to deploy your Landing Gear as it's possible to land with it up & there are no warnng sounds. This prevents the SRV deploying (lowering the LG while on the ground landed also allows you to deploy).