Thanks for the feedback so far.
Probe destruction rates were ok when I was testing. If you're a bit lazy (and being more safe) you can scan the planets but don't collect anomalies. Got to the Bot Config display and click the "Cache" tab. Anomalies are stored in the planetary cache. You collect them that way without a risk of a probe being destroyed.
You can not create Thermoplast but you can find it if you're lucky. Thermoplast should not show up in Creation until you have the log event. I could probably add a filter to the anomalies but it's kinda cool if you do get lucky to get some. You don't actually find any through the events, only the ability to make it.
** Spoiler Alert **
Go to Suenyo system (134.6, 122.2, 131.2) -> Find Derelict Ship -> Thermal Plates added to cargo -> Research Plates to learn how to make Thermoplast