Use a Science Lab to research artifacts to receive boosts and benefits.
Some artifacts require specific research unlocked before they can be researched.
Most artifacts provide useful benefits when you establish an Outpost with the artifact in it and others will also provide minor handicaps to Outposts too.

Crashed UFO: Gateway to great knowledge by researching Spacetime Manipulation Theory at the crash site. +2 Science per tick added to research for -20 Electricity per tick when researched and within an Outpost. Can store 250 Electricity before and after being researched.

Stone Hand: +10% resource extraction rate increase across faction when researched. 0.1 Radioactive waste removed per tick (construct a shielded container), -25 Carbon Dioxide per tick removed when researched and within an Outpost. Can store 1,000,000,000 Credits before and after being researched.

Stone Head: +10% base hull strength across faction when researched. +75 Electricity per tick provided, -0.125 Radioactive Waste per tick removed (construct a shielded container) when researched and within an Outpost. Can store 750 Electricity and 1,000,000,000 Credits before and after being researched.

Sun Tower: +125 Electricity per tick provided, +10 Science per tick added to research, 0.01 Radioactive Waste produced per tick (construct a shielded container to prevent pollution) when researched and within an Outpost. Can store 250 Electricity and 1,000,000,000 Credits before and after being researched.
Research level required: Electromagnetic Forces.

Hexagonal Pillar: No effects during daylight. At night... Variable minor EMP Electricity drain on vehicles depending on proximity. -25 Electricity drain per tick, +5 Science per tick added to research when researched and within an Outpost. Can store 750 Electricity before and after being researched.
Research level required: Electromagnetic Forces.

Skeletal Remains: +10% base weapon damage across faction when researched. An Osmiridium 'factory' when researched. Can produce +2 Osmiridium per tick when supplied with Electricity, Carbon plus 2 catalysts for the reaction (Zinc and Nickel - 5000 of each). Can store 150 Electricity, 1,000,000,000 Credits, 50 Carbon and 20 Osmiridium before and after research when within an Outpost.

Strange Tower: A teleport device. You can teleport your vehicle (no followers) between any Towers you discover scattered around the world once one tower has been researched.

Crashed Orbital Shuttle: Once you can repair it, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.
Research level required: Shielded Warfare II.

All information is open to correction.