The reconnaissance probe[1] was the Goa'uld version of a MALP used by Anubis. Probes were sent to various planets to determine which planets should be explored by Anubis's forces. The probes are equipped with plasma repeaters, defense shields, long-range communicators, and data-storage crystals.
On a survey of P2X-787, simultaneously being explored by SG-13, a probe sent to search for information in regards to the Ancients stumbled across the SG team and, after a brief firefight, was successfully disabled. Deeming the world to be safe, at least for the immediate future, Stargate Command allowed SG-13 to continue to study the ruins they had found. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the SGC, the probe had dispatched a sub-space signal before it was destroyed, and a Goa'uld strike force appeared soon afterwards to engage the explorers, triggering an intense firefight between Jaffa troops and teams associated with the SGC including the flagship team, SG-1. (SG1: "Heroes, Part 1")
Notes
- The Goa'uld reconnaissance probe bears a striking resemblance to the Probe Droids from Star Wars, specifically seen in the beginning sequence of The Empire Strikes Back when the Empire is scouting Hoth, an ice planet where the Rebel Alliance has a base.