I tried picking up cargo cannisters after a battle had seen a large ship destroyed only to have them bounce of me hull no matter how careful approach. I thought you musnt be able to collect 'booty' in this game. Then, later I landed on a planet for the first time, had a fiddle about trying to get the srv I didnt have, out of the cargo hold. When it came to taking off again I couldnt because me cargo bay was open, it was then i had my eureka moment, that i must have to open the cargo bay doors in order to scoop up booty.
Dim of me I know but Ive not had the opportuniy to get back on and test my theory yet!
It'll work if you have that target screen in the cockpit. I think it beeps as well. Can't remember what you need to deploy. Months since i touched this game.