The deliberate infection of Eros Station's population with the protomolecule by Protogen Corporation, under the direction of lead scientist Antony Dresden and funded by Jules-Pierre Mao. Roughly 100,000 people were exposed after Protogen forces locked down the station and introduced the alien substance. The protomolecule consumed and repurposed the population's biomass, eventually causing Eros to move under its own power on a collision course with Earth. Detective Joe Miller, who had been investigating the disappearance of Julie Mao, remained on Eros and convinced the protomolecule - channelling Julie's consciousness - to divert into Venus instead. The incident exposed Protogen's crimes, shattered public trust in corporate governance, and marked the beginning of the protomolecule's transformation from a curiosity into a civilisation-altering force.