Astero is nice.
It’s still a bit slower at exploration than the T2 CovOps ships (lower scan bonuses, lower warp speed), not capable of bubble immunity and a lot more expensive.
But in return you get a frigate that’s a very capable fighter if you fit well (which you should, because those noncombat Astero fits are yuck), which you can use to kill soft targets and other explorers that you come across while exploring.