Mines and sensors

[Drgong (OP)]

Can you build a mine that launches missiles based off a thermal contact? or do you need to have a active sensor on the mine as well?

[AL]

IIRC the mine can have thermal sensors only, but the warhead stage needs onboard actives.

[sublight]

Thermal-only should work. I've used passive-only when blindly firing missiles so I know actives aren't required on warhead stages.

[Iranon]

Keep in mind that passive sensors have no IFF though.
Deploying Thermal mines and beam-based jump gate monitors together may be problematic.

[bean]

Keep in mind that passive sensors have no IFF though.
Deploying Thermal mines and beam-based jump gate monitors together may be problematic.

They have IFF, but it only recognizes you.  IIRC, it goes after anyone who isn't you, regardless of who or what your relationship with them is.