Starship Simulator - User contributions [en-gb]

Genesis System

2026-10-05T14:57:49Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* The Generation Pipeline */

{{WIP}}
The '''Genesis system''' is the game mechanic used to create and generate the game world in ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. It serves as both the galaxy and system generation mechanic, creating the layout of both the [[Milky Way]] galaxy and the various star systems that populate it.

==Overview==
The Genesis System utilises galaxy and star system generation using astrophysics papers and real-world astronomical data gathered from multiple sources. There are fourteen steps split between each phase. In Phase 1, it generates the galactic density and star generation around the Milky Way galaxy. In Phase 2, star-forming regions and HII-fit arms in the outer regions of the galaxy. In Phase 3, the star systems and their regions are developed, including planet locations and types, Kuiper belts, moons and stellar remnants. This allows galaxies to be seed-driven, enabling an infinite number of unique galaxies and paving the way for features like wormhole travel. Genesis features a celestial-sphere star renderer, utilizing a unit-direction by fixed-radius Niagara field with slot-stable incremental spawn and kill mechanics, which requires approximately 450 times less spawn work per light-year. The system also utilizes the Tanner-Helland fit algorithm for calculating blackbody color.

=== Real-World Data Integration ===
Genesis collates data from various real-world catalogues to generate a highly accurate universe. The foundation utilizes the AT-HYG v3.3 bright/named star base catalogue, supplemented by Gaia DR3 for faint-end M/K dwarfs and white-dwarfs up to 2,000 light-years from Earth. The Tokovinin 2018 Multiple Star Catalog is used to populate the per-star companions field. The system currently features over 21 million real-world stars, including:
* '''M Class:''' 12,567,403
* '''K Class:''' 4,058,175
* '''G Class:''' 1,598,614
* '''F Class:''' 951,215
* '''A Class:''' 324,345
* '''White Dwarfs:''' 197,692
* '''B Class:''' 58,093
* '''HII Regions:''' 8,399
* '''Exoplanets:''' 6,316

Additionally, the '''862 stars''' required to draw known Earth constellations are isolated in their own rendering cell to guarantee accurate night-sky visibility.

== The Generation Pipeline ==
The formation process is fully simulated from start to finish, dynamically calculating system architecture through a structured 14-step pipeline split across three phases:

===Phase 1: Galactic Density Model===
The Galactic Density Model phase is generated in four stages:

'''1. Three component galactic density model:''' 
The Genesis System calculates the size of the galaxy and the location of the disc characteristics. It uses Sloan Digital Sky Survey provide data for calculating the thick disc, thin disc, halo, Sérsic bulge and disc breaks in the galaxy. The system then uses spatanic structures to calculate mono-abundance structures around the galaxy.

'''2. Analytic log-periodic spiral arms, bar, warp and flare:''' 
The Genesis System generates structural parameters using BeSSeL VLBI maser parallaxes, classical-Cepheid warp models (Chen et al. 2019), and galactic bar data.

'''3. Per class-distribution: arm contrast, vertical scale heights, younger-star cluster rational:''' 
The Genesis System determines arm contrast and vertical scale heights, operating on the rationale that old stellar mass traces two arms while gas and young stars trace four.

'''4. Real-sky catalogue:''' 
The Genesis System bakes the ~21 million real-world stars into the world.

===Phase 2: Star-forming regions and HII-fit arms===
The Star-forming regions and HII-fit arms phase is generated in a single step:

'''5. HII-fit spiral arms and the SFR layer:''' 
The Genesis System fits spiral arms to 1,058 regions from the WISE HII-region catalogue and applies initial mass functions to determine O and Wolf-Rayet Star Forming Region generation.

===Phase 3: Star system generation===
The Star system generation phase is generated in nine steps:

'''6. Proto-planetary disc modeling:''' 
The Genesis System calculates self-similar viscous disc profiles, temperature/snow lines, and disc mass/lifetime distributions, successfully fixing an issue where M dwarfs received giant planets by applying the M_disc ∝ M★^1.8 scaling.

'''7. Planet growth:''' 
The Genesis System simulates oligarchic seeding, pebble accretion, and the Kelvin-Helmholtz gas race. This results in an emergent 10 Earth-mass threshold required for runaway gas accretion.

'''8. System architecture:''' 
The Genesis System runs stability passes and calculates resonant capture, planetesimal-driven outward migration, and Kuiper belt structures. Kepler multi-planet systems are densely packed at 12–14 mutual Hill radii.

'''9. Planet properties:''' 
The Genesis System determines radius and composition using a mass-radius relation with less than 3% error from Ceres to Earth, and calculates habitable-zone flux polynomials.

'''10. Moons:''' 
The Genesis System simulates three formation channels (circumplanetary-disc, giant-impact, and orbital stability limits) while observing the "potato radius" for small bodies.

'''11. Stellar multiplicity and binary planet suppression:''' 
The Genesis System simulates companion truncation/drainage and circumbinary flips. The model emergently reproduces a ~39.3% close-binary hosting rate.

'''12. Per-position metallicity and age:''' 
The Genesis System feeds disc solids using galactic chemical gradients and alpha-enhancement mixture coefficients.

'''13. Stellar remnants:''' 
The Genesis System generates white dwarf, neutron star, and black hole systems. It simulates planetary engulfment during giant phases, post-mass-loss destabilization, and the formation of second-generation pulsar planets.

'''14. Validation:''' 
Scores generated systems against SystemLab targets, confirming emergent properties like the giant-metallicity correlation and hot-Jupiter loneliness.

==Development==
During development of dev build 0.227.0.22, multiple engine crashes occurred during development due to flaws in the [[Galaxy Generation]] blueprint and overuse of GameState systems. It was eventually determined that the system had to be broken up and split into multiple files. This also meant breaking up and merging systems such as star and planet generation mechanics.

As of August 2026, it was announced that the massive visual and performance optimizations. The old "27 Sectors" approach to per-class stellar cells was replaced, which greatly increased the visibility of large/bright stars (O, B, Wolf-Rayet) while heavily reducing the generation and rendering cost of smaller, fainter stars (M, L, T, Y). The updates removed of per-ly CPU hitching and hampering, and added the ability to travel at speeds faster than 300ly/h. It also allowed stars to be seen from outside their 1ly cube, made multi-star system possible to generate and added star constellations visible from [[Earth]]. It also implemented features planned for version 0.225.1.0 such as atmospheric and ocean chemical modelling.

The update also implemented:
* Logarithmic arcs generated from accurate root locations to map the Milky Way's physical structure, utilizing a database of known HII star-forming regions.
* A new noise generator designed to mimic galactic cloud structures specifically inspired by James Webb Space Telescope infrared imagery.
* Accurate multi-star system lighting and the generation of planetary rings.
** Volumetric stars featuring true 3D depth, density, and parallax movement for seamless interior to exterior views.

==Links==

[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Comms Station

2026-10-05T14:54:42Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
The '''Comms Station''' (short for '''Communications Station''') is the secondary scientific station on a [[starship]]'s [[Bridge]]. Manned by a Comms Officer, it is used to perform communications duties between the ship and other communication sources, such as planets, space stations, spaceships and the operator's headquarters. It is the ship's primary communications conduit to the wider galaxy.

==Location and Layout==
The Comms Station is located on the port side of the Bridge alongside the [[Sensors Station]], opposite the defence and tactical stations, and behind the [[Helm]] station. It is among those furthest away from the [[Command Chairs]].

==Development==
Originally intended for implementation in patch cycle 0.230.0.0, development of the Comms Station began during Development Build 0.227.0.3. The station's current functionality includes receiving hails and missions from [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF Headquarters]], with the option to either accept or decline. The Comms Station is currently unavailable in [[Dev Build]]s. In future, it is planned to transfer communications to other stations and rooms.

[[Category:Bridge Stations]]
[[Category:Ship Systems]]

Comms Station

2026-10-04T10:43:46Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
The '''Comms Station''' (short for '''Communications Station''') is the secondary scientific station on a [[starship]]'s [[Bridge]]. Manned by a Comms Officer, it is used to perform communications duties between the ship and other communication sources, such as planets, space stations, spaceships and the operator's headquarters. It is the ship's primary communications conduit to the wider galaxy.

==Location and Layout==
The Comms Station is located on the port side of the Bridge alongside the [[Sensors Station]], opposite the defence and tactical stations, and behind the [[Helm]] station. It is among those furthest away from the [[Command Chairs]].

==Development==
Originally intended for implementation in patch cycle 0.230.0.0, development of the Comms Station began during Development Build 0.227.0.3. The station's current functionality includes receiving hails and missions from [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF Headquarters]], with the option to either accept or decline. In future, it is planned to transfer communications to other stations and rooms.

[[Category:Bridge Stations]]
[[Category:Ship Systems]]

Magellan Class

2026-09-29T17:27:01Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
[[File:UNSF Magellan Icon.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The UNSF Magellan, a Magellan-class starship (Conceptual)]]
The '''Magellan Class''' is a type of starship used by the [[United Nations Space Fleet]]. It is a retrofitted interplanetary spaceship developed as the first working prototype for a starship capable of faster than light travel for research and exploration. The first prototype vessel of this class serves as the main default playable vessel for players in [[Starship Simulator]], named by default as the [[UNSF Magellan]].

==Layout==
===Exterior===
The Magellan class features a primary oval hull shape, transitioning to a more rectangular form in its aft section where four large nacelles housing the main propulsion engines are located. Four [[RCS Thrusters|RCS thruster]] clusters are positioned around the outer edge of the main oval section for maneuvering. An external perpendicularly mounted [[Alcubierre Drive|Alcubierre Drive]] ring surrounds the vessel, connected to the main hull by structural supports. A large ventral keel fin extension spans an area connecting the main hull to the bottom of the drive ring, which houses additional engineering decks. Weapon turret hardpoints are situated on the dorsal hull, forward of the bridge.

===Interior===
Most decks within the Magellan class utilise a circular layout. Each deck contains a central room or space, including the [[Bridge]] on A Deck, the [[Data Centre]] spanning B and C Decks, and the [[Fusion Reactor|main reactor]] complex from Deck D down to G. Typically, a primary corridor ("Ring A") encircles most of the central areas on most decks, providing access to it and surrounding rooms. Decks dedicated to specific functions may feature modified layouts; [[C Deck|C deck]] and [[F Deck|F deck]] incorporate an additional ring corridor, while [[D Deck|D deck]] and [[E Deck|E deck]] have an additional outer ring ("C Ring") and supplementary corridors, partly to provide access to engineering facilities and the large [[Shuttle Bay]].

==Decks==
===[[A Deck]]===
The uppermost deck serves as the ship's command centre. It houses the [[Bridge]], the [[Captain's Office]], the [[XO's Office]], the [[Conference Room]], a restroom, and the upper level of the [[VIP Lounge]]. Access is primarily via the VIP Lounge staircase/lift from B Deck.

===[[B Deck]]===
The second deck functions as the administration and senior officers' accommodation level. It contains six staterooms, the main [[Data Centre]] upper level, a ring corridor, and the lower level of the VIP Lounge (featuring the [[VIP piano]]), along with its associated kitchen and pantry.

===[[C Deck]]===
Serving as the main science level, C deck houses various specialised [[C_Deck#Science_Labs|science labs]] (including Botany, Chemistry, Physics, etc.), the lower part of the [[Data Centre]], probe storage, four airlocks, and general storage facilities. It features two ring corridors.

===[[D Deck]]===
The fourth deck provides upper habitation facilities. It contains numerous crew cabins, the upper level of [[The Mall]], the main [[D Deck#Mess Hall|Mess Hall]], a bar, primary [[D Deck#Medical Facilities|Medical Facilities]], [[D Deck#Hydroponics|Hydroponics]] bays, the [[D Deck#Shuttle Control Room|Shuttle Control Room]], and the ship's [[D Deck#The Brig|Brig]].

===[[E Deck]]===
Housing lower habitation and the main [[Shuttle Bay]], the fifth deck features additional crew quarters and the lower level of [[The Mall]]. Its outer corridors also contain components for the [[RCS Thrusters|Reaction Control System]], primarily accessed from F Deck below.

===[[F Deck]]===
The sixth deck is the primary engineering level. It contains the main [[Fusion Reactor|Reactor Room]], extensive lower [[F Deck#Lower Maintenance Tunnels|maintenance tunnels]], [[Cryogenic Storage]] facilities, and [[F Deck#Battery Rooms|battery rooms]]. It features two ring corridors and provides maintenance access to systems on E Deck.

===[[G Deck]]===
The seventh deck is another key engineering level located below F Deck. It houses the main [[G Deck#Reactor Control Room|Reactor Control Room]], additional [[Cryogenic Storage]], and large [[G Deck#Start Capacitors|start capacitors]] used for reactor ignition.

==Crew Complement==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right"
|+ Shifts
! Shift No. !! Personnel No. !! Start Time !! End Time
|-
|Shift 1 || 68 || 08:00 || 16:00
|-
|Shift 2 || 64 || 16:00 || 00:00
|-
|Shift 3 || 64 || 00:00 || 08:00
|}
The Magellan Class is run by a standard personnel complement of 196, although numbers in excess of this can sometimes be found aboard. Many roles are staffed by [[crewmen]], a term given to personnel of a non-specific rank, unconfined to military or civilian usage. Each department is run by a Chief Officer (often ranking as a Lieutenant Commander), with at least two duty watch officers of Lieutenant and Ensign rank.

The Magellan works on a three shift rotation, with three crew members assigned to non-chief/command roles on each rotation. For example, the [[Sensors Specialist]] will have three crew members assigned to the role: one to run the first shift in daytime hours (8:00-16:00), a second to run it during evening hours (16:00-0:00), and a third to run it in nighttime hours (0:00-8:00). Whilst off duty the crew either rest in their quarters or use the ship's facilities to maintain their wellbeing, or engage in recreation.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Command]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Captain || 1 || Bridge || Captain || 1 || B Deck || 1
|-
| Executive Officer || 2 || Bridge || Commander || 1 || B Deck || 1
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Engineering]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Chief Engineer || 3 || Engineering Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || B Deck || 1
|-
| Second Engineer || 9 || Bridge || Lieutenant || 2 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Third Engineer || 10 || Bridge Rotation || Ensign || 3 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Engineer || 11-22 || Engineering || Crewman || 1 (11-14) 2 (15-18) 3 (19-22) || E Deck || 12
|-
| Engineer || 23-28 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (23-24) 2 (25-26) 3 (27-28) || E Deck || 6
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Science]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Chief Science Officer || 4 || Science Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || B Deck || 1
|-
| Sensors Specialist || 29-31 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (29) 2 (30) 3 (31) || D Deck || 3
|-
| Comms Officer || 32-34 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (32) 2 (33) 3 (34) || D Deck || 3
|-
| Biologist || 35-40 || Biology Lab || Crewman || 1 (35-36) 2 (37-38) 3 (39-40) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Botanist || 41-46 || Botany Lab || Crewman || 1 (41-42) 2 (43-44) 3 (45-46) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Oceanographer || 47-52 || Oceanography Lab || Crewman || 1 (47-48) 2 (49-50) 3 (51-52) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Geologist || 53-58 || Geology Lab || Crewman || 1 (53-54) 2 (55-56) 3 (57-58) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Material Scientist || 59-64 || Material Sciences Lab || Crewman || 1 (59-60) 2 (61-62) 3 (63-64) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Chemist || 65-70 || Chemistry Lab || Crewman || 1 (65-66) 2 (67-68) 3 (69-70) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Astronomer || 71-76 || Astrometry Lab || Crewman || 1 (71-72) 2 (73-74) 3 (75-76) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Astrophysicist || 77-82 || Astrophysics Lab || Crewman || 1 (77-78) 2 (79-80) 3 (81-82) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Quantum Physicist ||83-88 || Quantum Physics Lab || Crewman || 1 (83-84) 2 (85-86) 3 (87-88) || D Deck || 6
|-
| Linguist || 89-94 || Linguistic Lab || Crewman || 1 (89-90) 2 (91-92) 3 (93-94) || D Deck || 6
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Medical]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Chief Medical Officer || 5 || Sickbay Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Surgeon || 95-96 || Sickbay Office || Lieutenant (95) Ensign (96) || 2 (95) 3 (96) || E Deck || 2
|-
| Nurse || 97-105 || Sickbay || Crewman || 1 (97-99) 2 (100-102) 3 (103-105) || E Deck || 9
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Tactical]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Chief of Security || 6 || Security Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || B Deck || 1
|-
| Deputy Chief || 106 || Security Office || Lieutenant || 2 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Deputy || 107 || Security Office || Ensign || 3 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Weapons Officer || 108 110 112 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (108) 2 (110) 3 (112) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Shield Specialist || 109 111 113 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (109) 2 (111) 3 (113) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Security Officer || 114-116 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (114) 2 (115) 3 (116) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Security Officer || 117-119 || B Deck Security Desk || Crewman || 1 (117) 2 (118) 3 (119) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Security Officer || 120-122 || F Deck Security Desk || Crewman || 1 (120) 2 (121) 3 (122) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Security Officer || 123-131 || Shipwide Security || Crewman || 1 (123-125) 2 (126-128) 3 (129-131) || E Deck || 9
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Stewards]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Chief Steward || 7 || Stewards Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || D Deck || 1
|-
| Bar Staff || 132-134 || VIP Lounge || Crewman || 1 (132) 2 (133) 3 (134) || D Deck || 3
|-
| Bar Staff || 135-140 || Sports Bar || Crewman || 1 (135-136) 2 (137-138) 3 (139-140)|| D Deck || 6
|-
| Chef || 141-143 || VIP Lounge || Crewman || 1 (141) 2 (142) 3 (143) || D Deck || 3
|-
| Chef || 144-152 || Crew Mess || Crewman || 1 (144-146) 2 (147-149) 3 (150-152) || D Deck || 9
|-
| Waiting Staff || 153-155 || VIP Lounge || Crewman || 1 (153) 2 (154) 3 (155) || D Deck || 3
|-
| Waiting Staff || 156-161 || Sports Bar || Crewman || 1 (156-157) 2 (158-159) 3 (160-161) || D Deck (156-157) E Deck (158-161) || 6
|-
| Waiting Staff || 162-167 || Crew Mess || Crewman || 1 (162-163) 2 (164-165) 3 (166-167) || E Deck || 6
|-
| Maintenance Crew || 168-173 || Shipwide || Crewman || 1 (168-169) 2 (170-171) 3 (172-173) || E Deck || 6
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ [[Operations]]
! Position !! ID No. !! Post Location !! Rank !! Shift !! Quarters Location !! No. per Ship
|-
| Deck Chief || 8 || Deck Crew Office || Lieutenant Commander || 1 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Second Chief || 174 || Deck Crew Office || Lieutenant || 2 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Third Chief || 175 || Deck Crew Office || Ensign || 3 || E Deck || 1
|-
| Deck Crew || 176-181 || Probe Facility || Crewman || 1 (176-177) 2 (178-179) 3 (180-181) || E Deck || 6
|-
| Helm || 182-184 || Bridge || Crewman || 1 (182) 2 (183) 3 (184) || E Deck || 3
|-
| Pilot || 185-190 || Shuttle Bay || Crewman || 1 (185-186) 2 (187-188) 3 (189-190) || E Deck || 6
|-
|Deck Crew || 191-196 || Shuttle Bay || Crewman || 1 (191-192) 2 (193-194) 3 (195-196) || E Deck || 6
|}

==Development==
Early prototype designs for the Magellan Class featured a simpler circular shape with aft engines. Some have observed that it resembled the ''Miranda''-class vessels seen in the ''Star Trek'' franchise, although no such similarity was intended.

In the 0.225 patch cycle, the Magellan Class was redesigned towards a more oval shape. The distinctive external [[Alcubierre Drive|Alcubierre Drive ring]] and ventral fin were added during development of this cycle.

==See Also==
*[[The Mall]]
*[[VIP piano]]
*[[Cryogenic Storage]]
*[[Data Centre]]
*[[Fusion Reactor]]
*[[Shuttle Bay]]
*[[RCS Thrusters]]
*[[Alcubierre Drive]]

[[Category:Magellan class starships]]
[[Category:Starship classes]]

C Deck

2026-09-29T17:26:36Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Science Labs */

'''C Deck''' is the third deck from the top of the [[Magellan Class|Magellan class]] starship. It serves as the main science level for the vessel. The deck houses numerous science labs with associated storage, a probe storage bay, the lower section of the Data Centre, and four airlocks. C Deck can be accessed via the main stairwell and lift from [[B Deck]] above and [[D Deck]] below.

==Layout==
<imagemap>
File:Magellan_cdeck.png|800px|center|alt=C Deck|title=Magellan D Deck
circle 1125 870 142 [[Data Centre]]
poly 1319 819 1306 756 1323 726 1356 808 [[D Deck]]
poly 1356 808 1323 726 1360 736 1393 799 [[B Deck]]
poly 1153 1477 1429 1477 1534 1319 1408 1194 1291 1267 1153 1300 [[Botany Lab]]
poly 1128 1234 1269 1218 1368 1153 1243 1019 1128 1066 [[Linguistics Lab]]
poly 843 1114 968 989 944 944 931 865 931 800 945 795 968 754 843 630 781 729 757 815 753 870 757 930 780 1012 [[Astronomy Lab]]
poly 803 1154 678 1280 521 1175 521 899 698 899 731 1040 [[Chemistry Lab]]
poly 1122 676 1122 500 1000 520 883 589 1008 714 1068 686 [[Astrophysics Lab]]
poly 1128 676 1128 500 1248 520 1368 589 1243 713 1187 686 [[Quantum Physics Lab]]
poly 1153 444 1153 266 1428 266 1534 424 1408 549 1291 475 [[Material Science Lab]]
poly 1448 588 1573 464 1726 567 1730 843 1552 843 1520 705 [[Geology Lab]]
poly 1551 899 1729 899 1726 1175 1573 1279 1448 1154 1520 1037 [[Biology Lab]]
poly 2243 997 2095 997 2095 1062 1786 1149 1786 594 2095 680 2095 746 2243 746 [[Probe Storage]]

</imagemap>
<div style="text-align: center;">'''C Deck features two main ring corridors (unlike the single ring on A and B Decks) providing access to the various facilities housed on this level.'''</div>

===Data Centre (lower)===
Located centrally, this area is accessed through the only door found on the inside wall of the inner ring corridor of C Deck, (other than that of the lift access). Since data management is primarily a function of the ship's science operation the room allows science personnel to use the additional computer hardware and systems housed therein; however, this is a room having two storeys. Access to the upper level, which is coterminous with B Deck is achievable using a ramp at the centre of the room.

===[[Laboratory|Science Labs]]===

{{Science Labs}}

===[[Probe Storage]]===
This area is dedicated to storing, maintaining, and deploying various scientific probes used for exploration and data gathering.

===[[Airlock]]s===
Four airlocks are to be located on C Deck, presumably spaced around the outer hull. These will allow for extravehicular activity (EVA), deployment of equipment and emergency evacuation.

===General Storage===
In addition to the storage rooms attached to specific labs, C Deck contains general storage facilities for scientific equipment, consumables, and collected samples.

===Corridors===
Two ring corridors provide primary circulation around the deck. The inner ring surrounds the central Data Centre (lower), while the outer ring provides access to the labs and airlocks positioned towards the hull. Radial corridors connect the rings and access points (stairs/lift).

===Main Stairwell and Lift Access===
The central stairwell and lift shaft pass through C Deck, providing vertical access to other decks, primarily connecting to [[B Deck]] and [[D Deck]].

==Links==
{{Decks}}

[[Category:Magellan Decks]]

Stewards

2026-09-29T08:56:28Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
[[File:Stewards.jpg|thumb|Alignment|Size|<div style="text-align: center;">'''Stewards''']]
'''Stewards''' are the department responsible for managing the ship's living areas and ensuring the wellbeing of the crew. Their duties include ensuring the cleanliness of the ship, preparing and serving meals and drinks, and serving either ship personnel, organisation members or [[civilian]]s. Steward crewmembers will wear black clothing.

==Roles==
===Chief Steward===
As principal officer of the Stewards department, the chief steward will be in charge of directing and assigning tasks for other stewards. These could include clearing a mess or preparing a meal for ambassadors, among many others depending upon how gameplay for the role is developed. In the UNSF, the role will be assigned to a Lieutenant Commander.

===Bar Staff===
A crew member assigned to perform drink preparation duties, bar staff will be assigned to serve either for the main crew in the Sports Bar, or senior officers, passengers and visitors in the [[VIP Lounge]]. In the UNSF, the role is often assigned to [[crewmen]].

===Chef===
Crew members can be assigned to food preparation duties. Chefs will be tasked with preparing meals in kitchen areas either for the main crew in the mess hall, or senior officers, passengers and visitors in the VIP Lounge. In the UNSF, the role is usually assigned to crewmen.

===Waiting Staff===
Crew members assigned to food and drink serving duties as Waiting Staff will likely obtain food and drink orders from personnel, take them to the appropriate station, serve the completed order, and clear food serving areas. They are assigned to either the VIP Lounge, Crew Mess Hall and Sports Bar. In the UNSF, the role is assigned to crewmen.

===Maintenance Crew===
A crew member assigned to cleaning duties as Maintenance Crew will be tasked with clearing up or duties devoted to maintaining hygiene standards on the ship. In the UNSF, the role is often assigned to crewmen.

==Duties on Ship (Gameplay)==
* cook food for the crew (''Chef Role'')
* serve drinks to the crew (''Bartender Role'')
* keep the ship clean and tidy (''Janitor Role'')

==Development==
On the ''Starship Simulator'' website and Steam store page, the steward is referred to as the '''Morale Officer''', implying either a medical specialist intervention or something more like a counsellor. It is also mentioned that the member would look after the crew's mental health. It is currently unclear whether this role will be implemented into the department or if it is, what might be the extent of its activities.

Prior to 0.226 versions of the demo, Maintenance Crew were referred to as Janitors. The name was changed to reflect [[wikipedia:Royal Navy|Royal Navy]] terminology.

{{Departments}}

[[Category:Departments]]

Engineer

2026-09-27T12:48:54Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
An '''engineer''' is a shipwide role aboard a [[starship]]. The role places the officer in charge of maintaining the ship's technology and equipment, diagnose technical issues and performing necessary service to rectify these. Some roles will place them at [[bridge]] stations to monitor ship systems, such as the propulsion and [[Power Systems Console|power systems]] stations. In the [[UNSF]], engineers hold the rank of [[crewmen]] and are members of the [[engineering]] department.

==Responsibilities==
An engineer is placed with responsibility of looking after various pieces of technology around the ship. These include [[Ship Systems|ship systems]] such as the [[Alcubierre Drive]], [[Sublight Engines]], the [[Fusion Reactor]] and [[Cryotanks]]. If an technical problem is reported to the department, the Chief Engineer or one of their direct subordinates will assign an engineer to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Some will also be placed in charge of monitoring ship systems and reporting issues, either from the bridge or within the vicinity of the system. Engineers are also expected to work in teams to complete major tasks or repairs, for example bringing the Fusion Reactor safely online or offline, replacing a crucial component and refuelling fuel tanks.

==Primary Location and Access==
On a [[Magellan Class]] vessel, an engineer is expected to operate out of the main engineering decks on Decks [[F Deck|F]] and [[G Deck|G]]. They will be placed on task and will be expected to fulfil the requirements, where it be to repair a system or monitor and react to any changes. Engineers will primarily roam the engineering sections and rooms such as the [[Reactor Room]], [[Cryogenic Storage]] and [[Battery Rooms]], often to perform checks and operations on the systems located in these spaces. Engineers are also granted access to the [[Maintenance Tunnels]] that stretch throughout the underside of the starship, often to check distribution systems and perform actions on the underside of the ship.

If given tasks in upper decks, the engineer will be granted access to the location where the fault is located so that they can perform the necessary actions. Some are also expected to be assigned to the bridge for Propulsion and Power Systems reporting, thereby given them access to [[A Deck]] and the upper systems. They are also expected to have access to facilities on both Decks [[D Deck|D]] and [[E Deck|E]] and personal quarters on one of these.

==Key Interactions==
===Personnel===
The key interactions for engineers is currently unknown and not under development. However, as members of the [[engineering]] department, they will likely to report to the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer or Third Engineer depending on their shift assignment. Whilst on duty, an engineer is expected to be assigned a task by the chief or deputy of the department to dictate which tasks they wish to complete. Once they are completed, they are expected to report completion to the task to the Chief Engineer or one of their deputy officers.

If assigned to a bridge station, the engineer is expected to follow [[order]]s given to them by the [[Captain]] or officer of the watch. These include commands to change the stations' functions, such as opening the Cryotanks to begin a refuelling process or affecting the power distribution for their console. They are also expected to report changes in ship systems, such as low fuel or critical system faults.

===Stations and Devices===
The full station and device interaction systems for engineers are currently in development. However, they can currently interact with systems and stations that are related to the ship's [[Fusion Reactor]] and its connected utilities to bring online ship components and controls. These include the [[Start Capacitors]], the [[Fusion Reactor Controls]], power distribution panels and other utilities throughout the ship.

If assigned to a bridge station, the engineer will be expected to operate it

In future updates, engineers will be granted the ability to pick up tools and use them to repair components. They will also be expected to be able to install and replace components to maintain ship functions. Other ship systems will become interactable to engineers as they are added.

==Gameplay Focus==
Playing as an engineer is expected to focus on maintaining ship systems and repairing damage caused to the ship. This includes knowledge of ship systems, devices and toolkits, and specialist knowledge of technical faults and repair procedures. Key gameplay elements include:
*Managing power systems
*Monitoring ship systems
*Repair procedures
*Component installation and removal
*Responding to [[orders]] from senior officers such as the Chief Engineer and officer of the watch

==Development==
The engineer role has continued development since its implementation. Members of the department were the first NPCs added to the game in early builds, with their role mainly confined to F and G Decks.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddSeuULPrWo] In early builds, the NPC engineers would perform repairs on damaged components when they were damaged.

As of dev build 0.227.0.21, engineers currently perform RP actions in the lower decks of the player's vessel. However, some can be spawned in as operators of the Propulsion Systems and [[Power Systems Console]] on the [[Bridge]]. Only the Power Systems operator can be given orders, primarily to take part in refuelling operations.

==Also See==
*[[wikipedia:Engineer|Engineer]] on [[wikipedia:Main Page|Wikipedia]]

[[Category:UNSF Roles]]
[[Category:Engineering]]

Engineer

2026-09-27T12:48:30Z

Dark Knight 2013: Expanded to include more details.

{{WIP}}
An '''engineer''' is a shipwide role aboard a [[starship]]. The role places the officer in charge of maintaining the ship's technology and equipment, diagnose technical issues and performing necessary service to rectify these. Some roles will place them at [[bridge]] stations to monitor ship systems, such as the propulsion and [[Power Systems Station|power systems]] stations. In the [[UNSF]], engineers hold the rank of [[crewmen]] and are members of the [[engineering]] department.

==Responsibilities==
An engineer is placed with responsibility of looking after various pieces of technology around the ship. These include [[Ship Systems|ship systems]] such as the [[Alcubierre Drive]], [[Sublight Engines]], the [[Fusion Reactor]] and [[Cryotanks]]. If an technical problem is reported to the department, the Chief Engineer or one of their direct subordinates will assign an engineer to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Some will also be placed in charge of monitoring ship systems and reporting issues, either from the bridge or within the vicinity of the system. Engineers are also expected to work in teams to complete major tasks or repairs, for example bringing the Fusion Reactor safely online or offline, replacing a crucial component and refuelling fuel tanks.

==Primary Location and Access==
On a [[Magellan Class]] vessel, an engineer is expected to operate out of the main engineering decks on Decks [[F Deck|F]] and [[G Deck|G]]. They will be placed on task and will be expected to fulfil the requirements, where it be to repair a system or monitor and react to any changes. Engineers will primarily roam the engineering sections and rooms such as the [[Reactor Room]], [[Cryogenic Storage]] and [[Battery Rooms]], often to perform checks and operations on the systems located in these spaces. Engineers are also granted access to the [[Maintenance Tunnels]] that stretch throughout the underside of the starship, often to check distribution systems and perform actions on the underside of the ship.

If given tasks in upper decks, the engineer will be granted access to the location where the fault is located so that they can perform the necessary actions. Some are also expected to be assigned to the bridge for Propulsion and Power Systems reporting, thereby given them access to [[A Deck]] and the upper systems. They are also expected to have access to facilities on both Decks [[D Deck|D]] and [[E Deck|E]] and personal quarters on one of these.

==Key Interactions==
===Personnel===
The key interactions for engineers is currently unknown and not under development. However, as members of the [[engineering]] department, they will likely to report to the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer or Third Engineer depending on their shift assignment. Whilst on duty, an engineer is expected to be assigned a task by the chief or deputy of the department to dictate which tasks they wish to complete. Once they are completed, they are expected to report completion to the task to the Chief Engineer or one of their deputy officers.

If assigned to a bridge station, the engineer is expected to follow [[order]]s given to them by the [[Captain]] or officer of the watch. These include commands to change the stations' functions, such as opening the Cryotanks to begin a refuelling process or affecting the power distribution for their console. They are also expected to report changes in ship systems, such as low fuel or critical system faults.

===Stations and Devices===
The full station and device interaction systems for engineers are currently in development. However, they can currently interact with systems and stations that are related to the ship's [[Fusion Reactor]] and its connected utilities to bring online ship components and controls. These include the [[Start Capacitors]], the [[Fusion Reactor Controls]], power distribution panels and other utilities throughout the ship.

If assigned to a bridge station, the engineer will be expected to operate it

In future updates, engineers will be granted the ability to pick up tools and use them to repair components. They will also be expected to be able to install and replace components to maintain ship functions. Other ship systems will become interactable to engineers as they are added.

==Gameplay Focus==
Playing as an engineer is expected to focus on maintaining ship systems and repairing damage caused to the ship. This includes knowledge of ship systems, devices and toolkits, and specialist knowledge of technical faults and repair procedures. Key gameplay elements include:
*Managing power systems
*Monitoring ship systems
*Repair procedures
*Component installation and removal
*Responding to [[orders]] from senior officers such as the Chief Engineer and officer of the watch

==Development==
The engineer role has continued development since its implementation. Members of the department were the first NPCs added to the game in early builds, with their role mainly confined to F and G Decks.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddSeuULPrWo] In early builds, the NPC engineers would perform repairs on damaged components when they were damaged.

As of dev build 0.227.0.21, engineers currently perform RP actions in the lower decks of the player's vessel. However, some can be spawned in as operators of the Propulsion Systems and [[Power Systems Console]] on the [[Bridge]]. Only the Power Systems operator can be given orders, primarily to take part in refuelling operations.

==Also See==
*[[wikipedia:Engineer|Engineer]] on [[wikipedia:Main Page|Wikipedia]]

[[Category:UNSF Roles]]
[[Category:Engineering]]

Orders

2026-09-27T12:36:43Z

Dark Knight 2013: Redirected page to Order

#redirect [[Order]]

Engineering

2026-09-27T12:17:28Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Third Engineering */

{{WIP}}
[[File:Engineering.jpg|thumb|Alignment|Size|<div style="text-align: center;">'''Engineering''']]
The '''engineering''' department is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical and electrical systems, including propulsion, defensive systems, auxiliary systems, and support systems for crew and cargo. Engineering staff will wear orange clothing.

==Overview==
The engineering department are considered the technical experts for a starship's crew. They are responsible for maintaining the mechanical and engineering systems, most of which is housed in the lower decks of the starship. Engineers are primarily based out of [[F Deck|F]] and [[G Deck]]s, though will service areas of the ship if mechanical faults are reported. Additionally, the engineers will make use of a series of [[Maintenance Tunnels]] that are located around the ship to discreetly access vital systems such as the [[FTL Coil]].

Currently, the only engineering duties concern managing the starship's power systems. From a [[Cold & Dark Start]], engineers will be responsible for bringing the ship's [[Fusion Reactor]] online and supplying it with the necessary materials. Once this is completed, engineers must bring all power systems online and maintain the reactor to ensure it remains stable.

==Roles==
===Chief Engineer===
The Chief Engineer role is the highest ranking engineer placed in charge of the department. Based in the Engineering Office, the Chief Engineer will have to manage engineering tasks and repairs, assigning tasks to crew members to complete them. In the UNSF, the Chief Engineer role is often assigned to a Lieutenant Commander.

===Second Engineer===
The second highest ranking engineer in the department is the Second Engineer, who will be based on the [[Bridge]], most likely monitoring systems from the Engineering Alcove. In the UNSF, the role is assigned to a Lieutenant.

===Third Engineer===
The third highest ranking engineer in the department will also be based on the Bridge. In the UNSF, the role is assigned to the Ensign rank.

===Engineer===
An member of the engineering department. Engineers will be assigned tasks to complete, such as maintenance of Magellan systems or replacement of components. Some will be based on the Bridge to monitor ship. Tasks will be assigned to them by the Chief Engineer. In the UNSF, Engineers often hold the rank of [[crewman]].

==Duties on Ship (Gameplay)==
* Manage the Ship's Systems.
* Perform Routine Maintenance.
* Repair Damaged Hardware.

{{Departments}}

[[Category:Departments]]

Category:Starships

2026-09-27T11:51:43Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for starships in the game.''

[[Category:Vehicles]]
[[Category:Space Travel]]

Shuttle

2026-09-27T11:46:29Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''shuttle''' (short for '''shuttlecraft''') is a spacecraft designed for short-range transportation. They are often used to transport cargo and personnel between [[starship]]s and other locations, including space stations and [[planet]] surfaces. Shuttles are stored in [[Shuttle Bay]]s, which are often located in the aft regions of the ships.

==Development==
[[File:Shuttle 0.227.jpg|thumb|300px|A prototype for the shuttle in dev build 0.227.0.8]]
Testing for shuttles began during patch cycle 0.226, with initial versions seeing whether they could exist independent to a starship in the [[Milky Way]].[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjWdgfd_mjs] Development of a shuttle has been the current focus of dev streams from May 20, 2026, which primarily focuses on the modelling and function implementation of a personnel shuttle.[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWT7pQD7yFbnZYaQLSKn1JbzD8TY30p8E]

==Also See==
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWT7pQD7yFbnZYaQLSKn1JbzD8TY30p8E Creating A Shuttle] on [https://www.youtube.com/@StarshipSimulator/featured Starship Simulator YouTube Channel]

[[Category:Vehicles]]

Category:Magellan class starships

2026-09-27T11:44:42Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''The category is about Magellan class starships and their components.''

[[Category:Starship classes]]

Pilot

2026-09-19T10:54:18Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''pilot''' (sometimes also called the '''[[helm]]''') is a member of crew put in charge of flying [[starship]]s and [[shuttle]]s. The role places the officer at the [[helm]] or flight control station of the vehicle, using it to steer the direction of travel and control its speed. They are also placed in control of using FTL systems like the [[Alcubierre Drive]] to travel faster than the speed of light. In the [[United Nations Space Fleet]], pilots hold the rank of [[crewman]] and are members of the [[operations|operations/deck crew department]].

==Responsibilities==
A pilot is often placed at the flight control station of the vehicle, whether it be the [[helm]] station at the [[bridge]] or in a shuttle's cockpit. Through these stations, the pilot is placed in charge of controlling the travel speed and direction of the vehicle. Their station controls the engines of the vessel, whether it be [[RCS Thrusters]] used to control their direction or rear engines to propel the ship forward. If ships are FTL capable, the pilot is also expected to manage activation and usage of the FTL systems to travel from one star system to another. Pilots must be familiar with the starship's capability to exploit [[six degrees of freedom]] movement and all controls required to orient the ship in the correct direction.

Regardless of the vessel's size, the pilot is solely responsible for every action required in navigating the vehicle to the intended destination. They are also charged with evading obstacles and hazards enroute, sudden emergency action due to asteroid fields or attacks from hostile forces. The pilot must ensure the safety of the vessel. The pilot can activate the autopilot system to take over navigation when appropriate to do so.

===Starships===
[[File:Helm with Pilot.jpg|thumb|350px|A pilot at the helm of a [[Magellan Class]] starship]]
Whilst at the [[helm]] station of a starship, the officer is expected to work with the bridge crew, and respond to orders from either the [[captain]] or officer of the watch. They are also expected to work with different departments to meet certain objectives, such as getting in positions for tactical events, or getting close to resources for resupply. Similarly, when piloting shuttles, officers are expected to avoid spaceborne hazards and, if unavoidable, reduce damage caused by these threats.

The helm officer also uses the navigation panel to manage locations and targets; however, destinations will usually be relayed by other bridge stations, such as the Sensors station or even instructed verbally from the command station. The helm also has charge of controls for external systems, such as external lighting.

===Shuttles===
Whilst controlling shuttles, pilots link up with deck crew to fly shuttles between the ship and a chosen destination. This will include the transportation of personnel and cargo on the shuttle. They are also expected to safely take off and land vehicles in the [[Shuttle Bay]], and ensure the safety of personnel in the bay whilst doing so. Pilots are also expected to ensure the shuttle's condition, including avoiding local threats and preventing collisions.

==Primary Location and Access Level==
On a [[Magellan Class]] vessel, a pilot is expected to operate from the flight control station of the vehicle they are tasked with flying. If tasked at a starship's helm, they will have access to the [[Bridge]] and [[A Deck]]. If they are placed in charge of a shuttle, they are expected to have access to the [[Shuttle Bay]]. As a member of the operations department, they are also expected to report to the deck chief's office. They are also expected to have access to facilities on both [[D Deck|D]] and [[E Deck]] and personal quarters on one of these.

==Key Interactions==
===Personnel===
The key interactions for pilots is currently unknown. As members of the operations department, they are likely to report to the Deck Chief, Second Chief or Third Chief depending on their shift assignment.

If placed at the helm of a starship, they are expected to take orders from the captain or officer of the watch. These include taking location requests from them, such as travelling to stations selected from the [[Holo-Display]]. Their station is set to accept coordinates from other stations, such as the [[Sensors Station]]. It is likely they will travel close to celestial bodies selected by the station so the [[Sensors Specialist]] can perform a survey on them or within the vicinity of [[Gas Giant]]s to refuel. It's likely the pilot will receive further interaction from other stations, such as Tactical and [[Comms Station]]s.

===Stations and Devices===
When assigned to a vehicle, the pilot is expected to use the flight control station to manage its travel. At a starship, this is the [[Helm]] station. A pilot is expected to use these to control the ship's speed and direction of travel. They are also expected to use it to interact with ship systems such as the Alcubierre Drive and autopilot. The pilot is also expected to use navigation systems to assist them.

==Gameplay Focus==
Playing as a pilot is expected to focus more of ship safety and travel. This includes knowledge of flight control systems, understanding of space-based phenomena and concepts such as the six degrees of freedom. Key gameplay elements include:
*Flying the vehicle to requested destinations
*Controlling vehicle speed
*Awareness and avoidance of hazards and obstacles
*Being able to manoeuvre for special objectives, such as for scientific surveys or ship-to-ship combat
*Responding to orders from the [[Captain]] or officer of the watch

==Development==
The pilot's duties and gameplay have evolved as new vehicles are added and more functions created for the [[Helm]] station. The ability to spawn and issue orders to a pilot was added during dev build 0.225.0.109 along with other bridge NPCs.

In current crew rosters, pilots and helm personnel are considered different roles, with documents like the crew complement for the [[Magellan Class]] separating them.[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B1dHXuHzwup_xRHQTtx3oU9G_8zD-Y0BfnTH0t7x-_c/edit?gid=0#gid=0] However, plans are for the two roles to serve the same, with helm operators occasionally placed in charge of shuttles.

==Notes==
*In the real world, a pilot is a person placed in flight control of aircrafts such as airplanes and helicopters. However, the term is sometimes used to describe a person who drives a boat in congested and hazardous waters.
**In science fiction, the person placed in flight control of a larger ship is sometimes called a helmsman (or helm officer). This term originates from a member of crew placed in charge of the steering wheel on certain vessels, notably nautical vessels and airships.

==Links==
*[[wikipedia:Aircraft pilot|Aircraft pilot on Wikipedia]]
*[[wikipedia:Maritime pilot|Maritime pilot on Wikipedia]]
*[[wikipedia:Helmsman|Helmsman on Wikipedia]]

[[Category:UNSF Roles]]
[[Category:Space Travel]]

Executive Officer

2026-09-19T10:50:25Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}

The '''Executive Officer''' (also called the '''XO''' or '''First Officer''') is the term given to the second-in-command aboard a [[starship]]. This role is crucial for the day-to-day management of the ship and crew, acting as the direct subordinate to the [[Captain]]. In the [[UNSF]], the Executive Officer typically holds the [[UNSF Ranks|rank]] of Commander and is part of the [[Command (department)|command department]].

== Responsibilities ==
The XO's responsibilities often focus on operational efficiency and personnel management:
* implementing the Captain's orders and ensuring ship-wide coordination
* overseeing the daily routines, schedules, and duty rosters of the crew (subject to implementation)
* acting as a liaison between the Captain and the department heads
* managing personnel issues, discipline, and crew welfare (subject to implementation)
* taking command of the ship or [[Bridge]] operations in the Captain's absence or incapacitation
* supervising specific operational details as delegated by the Captain

== Primary Location ==
The Executive Officer typically operates from a dedicated station on the [[Bridge]], usually situated next to the [[Captain]]'s command chair, allowing for close communication and coordination.

== Key Interactions ==
The XO interacts extensively with:
* the [[Captain]], receiving orders, providing reports, and advising on operational matters
* all Department Heads ([[Helm]], [[Operations]], [[Tactical]], [[Engineering]], [[Science]], [[Medical]]), coordinating their activities and relaying information
* [[Ship Systems]] via bridge consoles, likely focussing on personnel status, ship readiness, damage control coordination, and operational logistics

== Access Level ==
As second-in-command, the Executive Officer likely has unrestricted access to nearly all areas of the starship, similar to the Captain.

== Gameplay Focus ==
Playing as the XO involves managing the flow of information, coordinating departments, and ensuring the Captain's commands are executed efficiently. Gameplay focusses on:
* monitoring ship operations and crew status
* relaying orders and information between the Captain and departments
* potentially managing duty rosters or responding to personnel-related events (depending on future features)
* taking tactical or operational command during specific situations or when delegated

== Development ==
In current builds, the Executive Officer is only a role accessible through character customisation. Many of the precise duties, available interfaces and crew management aspects of the Executive Officer role are part of the ongoing [[Starship Simulator Development|development]] process. Features related to detailed crew management, ship routines, and delegated command authority may be expanded upon according to the game's [[Roadmap]].

[[Category:UNSF Roles]]

Sol System

2026-09-19T10:40:06Z

Dark Knight 2013: Moved infobox around.

{{WIP}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 300px; font-size: 90%;"
|+ '''Sol System'''
! colspan="2" | [[Sol System|System Data (As of 2261 AD)]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[File:SolSystemPlaceholder.png|280px]]
|-
! scope="row" | Central Star
| [[Sol]]
|-
! scope="row" | Location (Galactic Coordinates)
| -26670, 0, 56 (Orion Arm, Local Bubble)
|-
! scope="row" | Star Class
| G2V
|-
! scope="row" | Age (Approx.)
| ~4.6 Billion Years
|-
! scope="row" | Known Planets
| 8 (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
|-
! scope="row" | Known Dwarf Planets (Scattered Disk)
| 5+ (including Ceres [Asteroid Belt], Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, Sedna)
|-
! scope="row" | Primary Inhabited World
| [[Earth]] (Humans)
|-
! scope="row" | Other Populated Bodies
| Luna (Earth's Moon), Mars (Limited Colonization/Outposts)
|-
! scope="row" | Governing Body (Local)
| [[United Nations]]
|-
! scope="row" | Primary Spacefaring Org.
| [[United Nations Space Fleet]] (UNSF)
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | '''Stellar Characteristics'''
|-
! scope="row" | [[Habitable Zone]] (Est.)
| ~0.63 AU – ~1.23 AU
|-
! scope="row" | Frost Line (~150K)
| ~2.89 AU
|-
! scope="row" | Lava Line (~1200K)
| ~0.049 AU (7.27 million km)
|-
! scope="row" | Dust Sublimation Line (~2000K)
| ~0.018 AU (2.73 million km)
|-
! scope="row" | Roche Limit
| ~1,077,467 km
|-
! scope="row" | Hill Radius (Sphere of Influence)
| ~3.62 LY
|-
! scope="row" | [[Wikipedia:Oort cloud|Oort cloud]] Outer Limit (Est.)
| ~1.81 LY
|}
The '''Sol System''' is the native star system of humanity and the location of their homeworld, [[Earth]]. Orbiting around the stable [[wikipedia:G-type main-sequence star|G2V class star]] known as '''[[Sol]]''', it serves as the administrative heart of the [[United Nations]] and the primary operational headquarters of the [[United Nations Space Fleet]] (UNSF) as of '''2261 AD'''. Located within the Orion Arm of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy at galactic coordinates (-26670, 0, 56), the Sol System represents not only the cradle of human civilization but also the natural jumping off point for humanity's recent expansion into the cosmos, enabled by the advent of practical [[Alcubierre Drive|faster-than-light (FTL)]] travel technology in the mid-23rd century.

== Structure ==
The Sol System exhibits a structure common to many stable G-class stellar systems, characterised by a distinct zonation based on temperature and gravitational influence. It comprises an inner region of rocky planets, separated from the outer region of gas and ice giants by a dense asteroid belt. Beyond the giant planets lies a vast trans-Neptunian region containing dwarf planets and numerous icy bodies, culminating in the vast Oort Cloud which defines the system's gravitational boundary.

* '''Inner Sol System:''' home to four terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars), characterised by solid surfaces and metallic cores. This region lies entirely within Sol's [[#Frost Line (~150K)|Frost Line]].
* '''Asteroid Belt:''' a circumstellar disc located roughly between Mars and Jupiter, populated by countless asteroids, minor planets, and the dwarf planet Ceres. It represents material from the protoplanetary disk that failed to coalesce into a full-sized planet due to Jupiter's gravitational influence.
* '''Outer Sol System:''' dominated by four giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), divided into two gas giants and two ice giants. These planets formed beyond the Frost Line, allowing them to accrete significant amounts of gas and volatile ices.
* '''[[wikipedia:Scattered_disc|Scattered Disk]] (Kuiper Belt Analogue):''' an expansive torus of icy bodies beginning near Neptune's orbit and extending outwards. It is considered the primary reservoir for short-period comets and houses several known dwarf planets.
* '''[[Wikipedia:Oort cloud|Oort cloud]]:''' an enormous, vast spherical cloud of icy planetesimals, confirmed through indirect observation and gravitational modelling, forming the outermost gravitational boundary of the system and extending perhaps as far as 1.8 light-years from Sol.

== Central Star: Sol ==
[[Sol]] is a mature G2V yellow dwarf star, approximately 4.6 billion years old, providing the energy that sustains the system. Its stability has been a key factor in the development of life on [[Earth]]. Astrophysical parameters determined by UNSF [[Sensors|sensor standards]] define key environmental boundaries: the [[Habitable Zone]] (~0.63-1.23 AU) denotes the region where surface liquid water is possible under suitable atmospheric conditions; the Frost Line (~2.89 AU) marks the distance beyond which water ice remains stable; the Lava Line (~0.049 AU) represents the distance within which silicate rock begins to melt; the Dust Sublimation Line (~0.018 AU) is the innermost region where even refractory dust grains vaporise. Sol exhibits typical stellar activity, including solar flares and stellar wind, which are constant operational considerations for interplanetary and interstellar travel originating from the system. Its overall gravitational sphere of influence (Hill Radius) extends roughly 3.62 light-years into interstellar space.

== Planetary System ==
The Sol System contains eight planets, numerous dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, all orbiting Sol.

=== Inner Planets ===

==== Mercury ====
The smallest planet and closest to Sol. A heavily cratered, rocky world with virtually no atmosphere, experiencing the most extreme temperature swings in the system. Its proximity to Sol makes operations challenging due to intense radiation and thermal stress.

==== Venus ====
Often called Earth's "sister planet" due to similar size and mass, but vastly different in environment, Venus possesses an extremely dense, toxic atmosphere dominated by carbon dioxide, resulting in a runaway greenhouse effect and crushing surface pressure. Extensive robotic exploration preceded the FTL era, confirming its inhospitable nature.

==== [[Earth]] ====
The third planet and jewel of the system, Earth is the homeworld of humanity. Characterised by vast oceans of liquid water, a protective magnetic field, a dynamic atmosphere rich in nitrogen and oxygen, and abundant biodiversity, it remains the most densely populated body in the system and serves as the political, cultural, and economic locus of human civilisation, hosting the headquarters of the [[United Nations]] and the [[United Nations Space Fleet]]. Its large natural satellite, '''Luna''' (the Moon), hosts significant scientific outposts and infrastructure supporting Earth orbital operations.

==== Mars ====
The fourth planet, known as the "Red Planet" due to iron oxide on its surface, Mars is a cold desert world with a thin atmosphere, polar ice caps, and evidence of past liquid water flows. It was the focus of extensive human exploration and rudimentary colonisation efforts in the centuries before FTL travel, with several pressurised habitats and research stations still maintained by the UNSF and civilian entities, primarily for scientific research and as a proving ground for off-world habitation technologies.

=== Asteroid Belt ===
Located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter (roughly 2.2 to 3.2 AU from Sol), this region is populated by millions of rocky bodies ranging in size from dust particles to the dwarf planet '''Ceres'''. While historically considered a navigational hazard, advancements in sensor technology and automated plotting allow safe transit. The belt holds significant potential for resource extraction (minerals, metals, water ice) which may become crucial as humanity's interstellar presence grows.

=== Outer Planets ===

==== Jupiter ====
The undisputed giant of the system, a massive gas giant primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Jupiter's immense gravity significantly influences the orbits of other bodies. It is known for its turbulent atmosphere featuring the Great Red Spot (a persistent anticyclonic storm centuries old) and a powerful magnetosphere. Jupiter possesses a large system of moons, including the four large Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), which have been targets of scientific interest for potential subsurface oceans (Europa, Ganymede) and unique geological activity (Io).

==== Saturn ====
The second largest planet, Saturn is another gas giant renowned for its spectacular and complex ring system composed mainly of ice particles. Like Jupiter, it has a large retinue of moons, including the sizable moon '''Titan''', which possesses a dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere and lakes of liquid methane/ethane, making it a unique environment within the system and a subject of ongoing scientific curiosity.

==== Uranus ====
An ice giant characterized by its featureless cyan appearance due to atmospheric methane absorbing red light, Uranus is unique for its extreme axial tilt (approximately 98 degrees), causing it to essentially orbit Sol on its side, leading to extreme seasonal variations during its long orbit. It possesses a faint ring system and numerous icy moons.

==== Neptune ====
The eighth and farthest known planet from Sol, Neptune is an ice giant similar in size and composition to Uranus but with a more vivid blue hue and visibly active weather patterns, including extremely high wind speeds. It also has a faint ring system and several moons, the largest being '''Triton''', notable for its retrograde orbit and suspected cryovolcanic activity.

== Trans-Neptunian Region ==

=== [[wikipedia:Scattered_disc|Scattered Disk]] (Kuiper Belt Analogue) ===
Extending beyond Neptune's orbit, this region is a vast reservoir of icy planetesimals, remnants from the Solar System's formation. It is significantly more populated than the Asteroid Belt, though its bodies are primarily composed of frozen volatiles like water, methane, and ammonia. The UNSF has catalogued numerous objects here, including established dwarf planets: '''Pluto''' (once considered the ninth planet), '''Eris''', '''Haumea''', '''Makemake''', and '''Sedna'''. UNSF [[Sensors]] typically categorise most objects found here simply as "Icy Bodies" during initial scans.

=== [[Wikipedia:Oort cloud|Oort cloud]] ===
The Oort Cloud represents the vast, gravitationally bound outermost region of the Sol System. Based on extensive astronomical studies and gravitational modelling over centuries, its structure is understood as an immense, nearly spherical shell surrounding the inner system at distances potentially reaching up to ~1.81 light-years (approximately half the Hill Radius). Though individual objects within the cloud remain sparsely distributed and challenging to observe directly even with 23rd-century technology, its existence and role as the primary reservoir for long-period comets entering the inner system are standardly accepted science. It defines the practical limit of Sol's gravitational dominance against the wider galactic environment.

== Exploration History ==

=== Pre-FTL ===
Prior to the development of the [[Alcubierre Drive]], humanity spent centuries exploring the Sol System. Initial efforts involved robotic probes mapping the planets and moons, followed by crewed missions to Luna and Mars. Limited colonisation and resource utilisation began on Mars, and extensive infrastructure was established in Earth orbit and on the Moon. This Increased over the centuries with technologies allowing space travel edging closer to the speed of light. This in turn paved the way for long term missions to nearby stars such as Alpha Centauri, featuring multi decadal one way missions. This era provided the fundamental knowledge of planetary science, spaceflight engineering, and longer duration habitation that proved essential for the subsequent leap to interstellar travel.

=== Early-FTL ===
Following testing of warp bubble creation, focus on FTL travel accelerated leading to early test ships breaking records and reaching Alpha Centauri within 2-month timescales. The designs were further refined until travel times were reduced to a matter of days and then hours. Once travel was considered fast, safe and efficient enough the [[United_Nations_Space_Fleet|UNSF]] commissioned plans for an initial long range spaceflight mission using a new star ship that could realistically explore the vast void between stars around the Milky Way Galaxy.

== Space Infrastructure (2261 AD) ==
As the hub of human activity, the Sol System possesses significant space infrastructure:
* '''Orbital Stations:''' numerous large space stations in orbit around Earth and Luna that serve various functions including scientific research, commercial activity, habitation, and UNSF fleet support. High orbit facilities often serve as construction and staging points for deep space vessels.
* '''Lunar Bases:''' permanent scientific and industrial facilities exist on Earth's Moon
* '''Martian Outposts:''' both established research bases and early colonial habitats exist on Mars
* '''UNSF Facilities:''' dedicated UNSF orbital docks, command centres (potentially including Fleet Headquarters on Earth or in orbit), and training facilities are concentrated within the system, particularly in Earth-Luna space.
* '''Navigational Network:''' a system of navigational beacons and communication relays throughout the inner system and extending to the outer planets to support interplanetary travel and communication
* '''Deep Space Sensors:''' arrays to monitor the system's periphery and provide early warnings or astronomical data

== Significance in the Interstellar Era ==
Despite the advent of FTL travel, the Sol System remains the political, economic, and military heart of human space. It is the most thoroughly surveyed and understood star system available to humanity, serving as a vital logistical hub, training ground, and command centre for the [[United Nations Space Fleet]]. Missions departing for interstellar space using the [[Alcubierre Drive]] typically originate from designated points within the Sol System, often in high Earth orbit or beyond the densest regions of interplanetary traffic. Its well known characteristics serve as a baseline against which all newly discovered systems are compared, highlighting the vast scale and myriad unknowns that await humanity in the galaxy beyond.

[[Category:Star Systems]]

Genesis System

2026-08-18T11:06:20Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Development */

{{WIP}}
The '''Genesis system''' is the game mechanic used to create and generate the game world in ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. It serves as both the galaxy and system generation mechanic, creating the layout of both the [[Milky Way]] galaxy and the various star systems that populate it.

==Overview==
The Genesis System utilises galaxy and star system generation using astrophysics papers and real-world astronomical data gathered from multiple sources. There are fourteen steps split between each phase. In Phase 1, it generates the galactic density and star generation around the Milky Way galaxy. In Phase 2, star-forming regions and HII-fit arms in the outer regions of the galaxy. In Phase 3, the star systems and their regions are developed, including planet locations and types, Kuiper belts, moons and stellar remnants. This allows galaxies to be seed-driven, enabling an infinite number of unique galaxies and paving the way for features like wormhole travel. Genesis features a celestial-sphere star renderer, utilizing a unit-direction by fixed-radius Niagara field with slot-stable incremental spawn and kill mechanics, which requires approximately 450 times less spawn work per light-year. The system also utilizes the Tanner-Helland fit algorithm for calculating blackbody color.

=== Real-World Data Integration ===
Genesis collates data from various real-world catalogues to generate a highly accurate universe. The foundation utilizes the AT-HYG v3.3 bright/named star base catalogue, supplemented by Gaia DR3 for faint-end M/K dwarfs and white-dwarfs up to 2,000 light-years from Earth. The Tokovinin 2018 Multiple Star Catalog is used to populate the per-star companions field. The system currently features over 21 million real-world stars, including:
* '''M Class:''' 12,567,403
* '''K Class:''' 4,058,175
* '''G Class:''' 1,598,614
* '''F Class:''' 951,215
* '''A Class:''' 324,345
* '''White Dwarfs:''' 197,692
* '''B Class:''' 58,093
* '''HII Regions:''' 8,399
* '''Exoplanets:''' 6,316

Additionally, the '''862 stars''' required to draw known Earth constellations are isolated in their own rendering cell to guarantee accurate night-sky visibility.

== The Generation Pipeline ==
The formation process is fully simulated from start to finish, dynamically calculating system architecture through a structured 14-step pipeline split across three phases:

===Phase 1: Galactic Density Model===
The Galactic Density Model phase is generated in four stages:

'''1. Three component galactic density model:''' 
The Genesis System calculates the size of the galaxy and the location of the disc characteristics. It uses Sloan Digital Sky Survey provide data for calculating the thick disc, thin disc, halo, Sérsic bulge and disc breaks in the galaxy. The system then uses spatanic structures to calculate mono-abundance structures around the galaxy.

'''2. Analytic log-periodic spiral arms, bar, warp and flare:''' 
Generates structural parameters using BeSSeL VLBI maser parallaxes, classical-Cepheid warp models (Chen et al. 2019), and galactic bar data.

'''3. Per class-distribution: arm contrast, vertical scale heights, younger-star cluster rational:''' 
Determines arm contrast and vertical scale heights, operating on the rationale that old stellar mass traces two arms while gas and young stars trace four.

'''4. Real-sky catalogue:''' 
Bakes the ~21 million real-world stars into the world.

===Phase 2: Star-forming regions and HII-fit arms===
The Star-forming regions and HII-fit arms phase is generated in a single step:

'''5. HII-fit spiral arms and the SFR layer:'''
Fits spiral arms to 1,058 regions from the WISE HII-region catalogue and applies initial mass functions to determine O and Wolf-Rayet Star Forming Region generation.

===Phase 3: Star system generation===
The Star system generation phase is generated in nine steps:

'''6. Proto-planetary disc modeling:'''
Calculates self-similar viscous disc profiles, temperature/snow lines, and disc mass/lifetime distributions, successfully fixing an issue where M dwarfs received giant planets by applying the M_disc ∝ M★^1.8 scaling.

'''7. Planet growth:'''
Simulates oligarchic seeding, pebble accretion, and the Kelvin-Helmholtz gas race. This results in an emergent 10 Earth-mass threshold required for runaway gas accretion.

'''8. System architecture:'''
Runs stability passes and calculates resonant capture, planetesimal-driven outward migration, and Kuiper belt structures. Kepler multi-planet systems are densely packed at 12–14 mutual Hill radii.

'''9. Planet properties:'''
Determines radius and composition using a mass-radius relation with less than 3% error from Ceres to Earth, and calculates habitable-zone flux polynomials.

'''10. Moons:'''
Simulates three formation channels (circumplanetary-disc, giant-impact, and orbital stability limits) while observing the "potato radius" for small bodies.

'''11. Stellar multiplicity and binary planet suppression:'''
Simulates companion truncation/drainage and circumbinary flips. The model emergently reproduces a ~39.3% close-binary hosting rate.

'''12. Per-position metallicity and age:'''
Feeds disc solids using galactic chemical gradients and alpha-enhancement mixture coefficients.

'''13. Stellar remnants:'''
Generates white dwarf, neutron star, and black hole systems. It simulates planetary engulfment during giant phases, post-mass-loss destabilization, and the formation of second-generation pulsar planets.

'''14. Validation:'''
Scores generated systems against SystemLab targets, confirming emergent properties like the giant-metallicity correlation and hot-Jupiter loneliness.

==Development==
During development of dev build 0.227.0.22, multiple engine crashes occurred during development due to flaws in the [[Galaxy Generation]] blueprint and overuse of GameState systems. It was eventually determined that the system had to be broken up and split into multiple files. This also meant breaking up and merging systems such as star and planet generation mechanics.

As of August 2026, it was announced that the massive visual and performance optimizations. The old "27 Sectors" approach to per-class stellar cells was replaced, which greatly increased the visibility of large/bright stars (O, B, Wolf-Rayet) while heavily reducing the generation and rendering cost of smaller, fainter stars (M, L, T, Y). The updates removed of per-ly CPU hitching and hampering, and added the ability to travel at speeds faster than 300ly/h. It also allowed stars to be seen from outside their 1ly cube, made multi-star system possible to generate and added star constellations visible from [[Earth]]. It also implemented features planned for version 0.225.1.0 such as atmospheric and ocean chemical modelling.

The update also implemented:
* Logarithmic arcs generated from accurate root locations to map the Milky Way's physical structure, utilizing a database of known HII star-forming regions.
* A new noise generator designed to mimic galactic cloud structures specifically inspired by James Webb Space Telescope infrared imagery.
* Accurate multi-star system lighting and the generation of planetary rings.
** Volumetric stars featuring true 3D depth, density, and parallax movement for seamless interior to exterior views.

==Links==

[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Genesis System

2026-08-16T14:38:02Z

Dark Knight 2013:

Galaxy Generation

2026-08-15T12:47:41Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}

The '''Galaxy Generation''' system was used to generate the [[Milky Way]] galaxy in ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. It used a combination of procedural generation techniques driven by astrophysical principles and integrated real-world astronomical data. During development for version 0.227.1.0, the Galaxy Generation system was redesigned and merged with the [[Genesis System]] due to frequent crashing during development.

== Core Principles & Scale Management ==
The system employs several key strategies to manage the immense scale of the galaxy and provide a seamless experience:

* '''Sector-Based Structure:''' the galaxy is divided into millions of cubic sectors, each 100 light-years on a side (100ly³).
* '''Sub-Sectors:''' each 100ly³ sector is further subdivided into 1 million cubic sub-sectors, each 1 light-year on a side (1ly³), which serve as locations for content like star systems. Star systems occupy a single sub-sector and cannot exceed 0.5ly in radius.
* '''Unique Seeds:''' each 100ly³ sector is generated using its own unique seed, allowing for isolated generation and preventing changes in one sector from affecting others. Different classes of sub-sectors also utilize distinct seed pools. An upgraded seed system providing 2256 unique seeds was implemented in [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.21]].
* '''Coordinate System:''' a 64-bit Cartesian coordinate system is used. The system was re-based during development to place the true galactic centre, [[Sagittarius A*]], at coordinates 0,0,0 ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.14]], 0.225.0.16). [[Sol]] is located at coordinates -26670, 0, 56.
* '''Origin Re-basing:''' in order to maintain precision, the player's local coordinate origin is continuously re-based relative to the sub-sector they are in, ensuring the player's ship effectively never travels more than 0.5 light-years from its current local origin point.
* '''Seamless Travel:''' this system enables travel across the galaxy, including [[Alcubierre Drive|warp drive]] jumps, without loading screens.

== Data Sources ==
The galaxy simulation incorporates various data sources:
* '''Procedural Generation:''' algorithms based on astrophysics generate the majority of stars, planets, and phenomena, filling gaps where real-world data is unavailable.
* '''Real Star Data:''' information from real-world astronomical surveys (like the [[wikipedia:Gaia catalogues|Gaia catalogue]] mentioned in development) is integrated, including millions of stars within a significant radius (e.g., 2000ly mentioned in [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.21]]) of [[Sol System|Sol]]. Specific nearby stars (like [[Sirius]], [[Alpha Centauri]], [[Barnards Star|Barnard's Star]], [[Wolf 359]]) and Sol system objects are included ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.16]], 0.225.0.67). Data is retrieved by means of SQL database integration during the generation process.
* '''Backer Contributions:''' systems and races designed by backers are integrated into the galaxy using database lookups ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.39]], 0.225.0.79).
* '''Modding Support:''' a local SQLite file (`stars_modded.db`) allows players to add custom star systems locally ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.79]]).
* '''Custom Content:''' the system allows for specific procedural sectors to be replaced with hand-crafted ones for bespoke content or missions.

== Galaxy Structure & Stellar Distribution ==
The simulation models the known large-scale structure of the [[Milky Way]] (see [[The Galaxy In Detail]]):
* '''Components:''' includes representations of the Galactic Core, Bulge, Disc, Stellar Halo, Globular Clusters, Open Clusters, and potentially stellar streams and emission nebulae.
* '''Density Map:''' a large format greyscale density map defines the overall shape and stellar density distribution, where each pixel represents a 100ly³ sector.
* '''Stellar Density:''' densities within sectors range from 0 up to 8,000 stars, based on the density map value.
* '''Vertical Distribution:''' the distribution of stars above and below the galactic plane within a sector is calculated mathematically.

== Generation Process ==
The galaxy and its systems are generated dynamically as the player explores:

* '''Galaxy Generation (Triggered by Movement):''' when the ship moves significantly (trigger points exist at 100ly and 1ly intervals), the system calculates data for a 3x3x3 grid of sectors around the player. For each sector, it reads the density map, assigns seeds, generates FTL civilizations, retrieves stellar data from databases, determines the sector's political state and galactic region type, generates sub-sector locations (prioritizing larger features first), and creates a textual description. Data from these sectors is combined, filtered by distance (within 50ly for performance - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.54]]), sorted by distance to the ship, and broadcast (typically several thousand locations) for use by systems like [[Sensors]]. Generation speed optimisations were a focus in development ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.16]], 0.225.0.21).
* '''Star System Generation (Triggered by Arrival/Scan):''' when a player enters a system or scans it deeply, the detailed system generation process begins. This involves:
** computing stellar data ([[Star types|sub-class]], mass fractions, escape velocity, [[wikipedia:Roche_limit|Roche Limit]], [[Habitable Zone]], etc. - refined in builds like 0.225.0.30, 0.225.0.67)
** creating a proto-planetary disk (considering H/He/Metals, lifespan, Hill radius - implemented [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.32]])
** calculating stellar temperature regions (determining Habitable Zone, Frost Line (~150K), Dust Sublimation Line (~2000K) - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.66]], Lava Line (~1200K))
** iteratively determining planet orbits (using a formulation related to the Titius-Bode Law)
** for each potential planet: core mass accretion -> determining Rocky vs. Gas Giant (based on escape velocity vs. H2 thermal velocity - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.32]]) -> calculating physical characteristics -> determining atmospheric composition -> assigning final planet type -> generating life flag -> deducing mass from the proto-disk
** generating a Kuiper Belt equivalent once the main disk mass is depleted ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.67]])

== Planet Characteristics ==
Generated planets have detailed, calculated properties including:
* Orbital Mechanics: orbital distance, period, velocity ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.69]])
* Physical Properties: mass, radius, volume, gravity, core/mantle/crust densities, Roche Limit, Hill Radius ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.30]], 0.225.0.69)
* Atmosphere: presence/absence determined by factors like gravity and temperature; composition calculated (e.g., chemicals for gas giants, "tenuous exospheres" for airless bodies - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.31]], 0.225.0.70)
* Temperature: equilibrium and surface temperatures calculated based on stellar output, Bond Albedo, greenhouse effects, etc. ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.69]])
* Surface Features: basic surface maps generated for [[Sensors]]/[[Holoprojector]] ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.48]], 0.225.0.70), incorporating [[wikipedia:Nanite (Unreal Engine)|Nanite]] tessellation for visual detail ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.70]], 0.225.0.72)

== Life and Civilization ==
The system generates alien life and civilizations:
* '''Life Generation:''' a "Has Life?" flag is determined during planet generation ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.30]]), influenced by factors such as the [[Habitable Zone]]. Confirmation requires detailed Short Range scans ([[Life and Tech Signatures]], [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.69]]).
* '''Civilizations:''' alien civilizations are generated throughout the galaxy
** Their chance of appearing is tied to the sector type
** Their technology level (ranging 0-100) is determined by the age of their star system ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.63]])
** FTL-capable civilizations are generated "in isolation". Non-FTL civilizations occur naturally based on planetary conditions during system generation
** Random alien race names are generated (with blacklist filter - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.69]])
** Detection relies on [[Life and Tech Signatures|Tech Signatures]] (Level 1 Knowledge / Long Range Scan - [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.63]]) and [[Life and Tech Signatures|Life Signatures]] (Level 3 Knowledge / Short Range Scan)

== Implementation & Consistency ==
* '''Isolated Generation:''' generating sectors independently prevents cascading changes if generation logic is updated
* '''Hand-Crafted Content:''' the system allows developers to replace any procedurally generated sector with bespoke, hand-crafted content
* '''Code Stability:''' the developers aim to lock down the core galaxy-generation code as much as possible once finalized to ensure consistency
* '''Multiplayer Handling:''' galaxy generation runs locally on client machines for improved performance in multiplayer ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.60]])
* '''In-Game Hardware Representation:''' a physical box representing the Galaxy Generation computer exists in the [[Data Centre]] on [[C Deck]] ([[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.60]])

== Interaction ==
Players primarily interact with the generated galaxy via the [[Sensors]] suite, which reveals progressively more detail about systems and celestial bodies based on scan type, proximity to a target and achieved knowledge levels. The [[Holoprojector]] provides visual representations on orrery models. Navigation data is used by the [[Helm]].

On the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n3DCsmZ99U dev stream '''Starship Simulator - Random F̶r̶i̶d̶a̶y̶ Saturday! (Planetary Landings)'''] on 2025-12-06 Dan started the background work for [[Planetary Landings]] with a planned feature in which players gain the ablility to take a shuttle from the ship and take it to a planet's surface to explore. A basic proof of concept feature was created and released on [[Dev_Build#Development_Build_HistoryV0.226_—_VR | Development Build 0.226.0.16]] where players can use a hidden teleport in a bridge-adjacent room to access the planet. This will not be available for the public patch until it is implemented fully and falls within the patch cycle of the [[Roadmap]]. Further development was made on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lMms_DZv2g 2025-12-12] where an improved planet genaration surface map code was created within the engine to give better surface reproduction.

== Future Expansion ==
Planned additions and refinements to the galaxy simulation include:
* wormholes
* rogue Planets (added for Demo 4 update)
* moons and multi-star systems
* visible Proto-planetary disks
* volumetric Planetary Rings
* volumetric Gas Giants
* planetary Nebulae (added for Demo 4 update)
* real World Nebulae & Sci-fi Nebulae
* comets
* Oort Clouds
* more Stellar Classes

== Sources ==
* Fleetyard Studios Pitcon Presentation #2 (April 2025) - slides available [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16hy0FAoNFTbwVr1x0sHxHSVxLT8KET_Dp8sOq7CvOBE/edit#slide=id.g34fb5b24b7f_0_163 Here]. - Fleetyard Studios Pitcon Presentation #2 Video Recording (Segment: 2:46:30 - 3:24:00) - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XEw_qSheag&t=9990s Link]
* [[Dev Builds|Development Build Update History]] (Various entries referenced above)
* [[Dev Stream History|Dev Streams]]

[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]

Genesis System

2026-08-15T12:35:21Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Development */

The '''Genesis system''' is the game mechanic used to create and generate the game world in ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. It serves as both the galaxy and system generation mechanic, creating the layout of both the [[Milky Way]] galaxy and the various star systems that populate it.

==Development==
During development of dev build 0.227.0.22, multiple engine crashes occurred during development due to flaws in the [[Galaxy Generation]] blueprint and overuse of GameState systems. It was eventually determined that the system had to be broken up and split into multiple files. This also meant breaking up and merging systems such as star and planet generation mechanics.

As of August 2026, it was announced that the Galaxy Generation and Star System Generation had both been combined into the Genesis System. The new systems allowed more features comparted to the previous galaxy generation systems, such as the ability to view stars from 2,000 lightyears away, the removal of per-ly CPU hitching and hampering, and the ability to travel at speeds faster than 300ly/h. It also allowed stars to be seen from outside their 1ly cube, made multi-star system possible to generate and added star constellations visible from [[Earth]]. It also implemented features planned for version 0.225.1.0 such as atmospheric and ocean chemical modelling.

[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Genesis System

2026-08-15T12:27:23Z

Dark Knight 2013: Created page with " The '''Genesis system''' is the game mechanic used to create and generate the game world in ''Starship Simulator''. It serves as both the galaxy and system generation mechanic, creating the layout of both the Milky Way galaxy and the various star systems that populate it. ==Development== During development of dev build 0.227.0.22, multiple engine crashes occurred during development due to flaws in the Galaxy Generation blueprint and overuse of GameState sys..."

The '''Genesis system''' is the game mechanic used to create and generate the game world in ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. It serves as both the galaxy and system generation mechanic, creating the layout of both the [[Milky Way]] galaxy and the various star systems that populate it.

==Development==
During development of dev build 0.227.0.22, multiple engine crashes occurred during development due to flaws in the [[Galaxy Generation]] blueprint and overuse of GameState systems. It was eventually determined that the system had to be broken up and split into multiple files. This also included combining the

As of August 2026, it was announced that the Galaxy Generation and Star System Generation had both been combined into the Genesis System. The new systems allowed more features comparted to the previous galaxy generation systems, such as the ability to view stars from 2,000 lightyears away, the removal of per-ly CPU hitching and hampering, and the ability to travel at speeds faster than 300ly/h. It also allowed stars to be seen from outside their 1ly cube, made multi-star system possible to generate and added star constellations visible from [[Earth]]. It also implemented features planned for version 0.225.1.0 such as atmospheric and ocean chemical modelling.

[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Training Modules

2026-08-04T12:39:37Z

Dark Knight 2013:

[[File:Training Modules.jpg|400px|thumb|Training Modules in [[Tech Demo 3]]]]
'''Training Modules''' are in-game tutorials for ''[[Starship Simulator]]''. They provide demonstrations for gameplay mechanics and department roles, such as using [[Sensors]] to navigate the [[Milky Way]] and bringing the ship's [[Fusion Reactor]] online to power the ship. The tutorials can be accessed through the main menu and take place in environments isolated from gameplay, so that existing game saves remain unaffected. Training Modules were added in [[Tech Demo 2]], with new modules and updates added when new gameplay mechanics are added in development.

==List==
These are training modules currently available in [[Tech Demo 3]]
*[[Bridge - Scanning & Navigation]]
*[[Engineering - Cold-Start Sequence]]

==Abandoned Modules==
These are training modules which featured in earlier versions of the game.

[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
[[Category:Training Modules| ]]

Spectral Class

2026-07-19T15:29:23Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}

This page details the '''Stellar Classification''' system used in [[Starship Simulator]] to categorize stars based on their spectral characteristics, temperature, and luminosity. The game utilizes the real-world '''Morgan-Keenan (MK) System'''.

== Overview ==
Stars are classified by a string of characters (e.g., '''G2V'''). This code provides a snapshot of the star's surface temperature, its position within a temperature bracket, and its size/brightness (luminosity).

* '''Letter (O-Y):''' the Spectral Class (Temperature).
* '''Number (0-9):''' the Numerical Sub-class (Temperature precision).
* '''Roman Numeral (I-VII):''' the Luminosity Class (Size/Life stage).

== Spectral Classes (OBAFGKMLTY) ==
The primary sequence runs from the hottest (O) to the coldest (Y). A common mnemonic to remember the main sequence is: ''"'''O'''h, '''B'''e '''A''' '''F'''ine '''G'''irl/'''G'''uy, '''K'''iss '''M'''e, '''L'''ovenly '''T'''oday, '''Y'''ay."''

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
! Class !! Color !! Temperature (Kelvin) !! Characteristics
|-
| style="background:#9bb2ff;" | '''O''' || Deep Blue || > 30,000 K || Extremely hot and massive; very rare and short-lived.
|-
| style="background:#bbccff;" | '''B''' || Blue-White || 10,000 – 30,000 K || Highly luminous; often found in young stellar clusters.
|-
| style="background:#f8f7ff;" | '''A''' || White || 7,500 – 10,000 K || Common naked-eye stars with strong hydrogen lines (e.g., Sirius).
|-
| style="background:#fff4ea;" | '''F''' || Yellow-White || 6,000 – 7,500 K || Slightly hotter and larger than the Sun.
|-
| style="background:#fff200;" | '''G''' || Yellow || 5,200 – 6,000 K || "Yellow Dwarfs" like our Sun (Sol is a G2V).
|-
| style="background:#ffad5b;" | '''K''' || Orange || 3,700 – 5,200 K || "Orange Dwarfs"; Slightly cooler and smaller than the Sun.
|-
| style="background:#ff6060;" | '''M''' || Red || 2,400 – 3,700 K || "Red Dwarfs"; the most common type of star in the galaxy.
|-
! colspan="4" | Extended Classes (Brown Dwarfs)
|-
| style="background:#b03060;" | '''L''' || Deep Red || 1,300 – 2,400 K || Very cool objects; transition between stars and brown dwarfs.
|-
| style="background:#800080; color:white;" | '''T''' || Magenta/Methane || 700 – 1,300 K || Methane-rich brown dwarfs; emit mostly infrared light.
|-
| style="background:#4b0082; color:white;" | '''Y''' || Ultra-Cool || < 700 K || Theoretical "Cold" brown dwarfs; surface temps can be room temperature.
|}

== Numerical Sub-classes (0–9) ==
Each letter class is divided into ten sub-divisions to provide more detail on temperature.
* '''0''' is the '''hottest''' end of a class.
* '''9''' is the '''coolest''' end of a class.

''Example: An '''A0''' star is significantly hotter than an '''A9''' star. Following the sequence, an '''A9''' is only slightly hotter than an '''F0'''.''

== Luminosity Classes (Roman Numerals) ==
The Roman numeral at the end of the spectral type describes the star's size and "Luminosity." This tells you if the star is a tiny dwarf or a massive supergiant.

* '''0 / Ia-0:''' Hypergiants (Extremely rare and massive)
* '''I:''' Supergiants (Ia: Luminous, Ib: Less Luminous)
* '''II:''' Bright Giants
* '''III:''' Giants
* '''IV:''' Subgiants
* '''V:''' Main Sequence (Dwarfs) — ''This is where the Sun and most stable stars live.''
* '''VI:''' Sub-dwarfs
* '''D / VII:''' White Dwarfs (Remnants of dead stars)

== Example Breakdown: '''Sol''' (''Our Sun'') G2V ==
* '''G:''' Spectral Class (Yellow, ~5,800 K).
* '''2:''' Sub-class (Hotter end of the G-scale).
* '''V:''' Luminosity Class (Main Sequence Dwarf).

[[Category:Stars]]

Sirius

2026-07-11T13:10:42Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
{{Star_Data
| title = Sirius
| Common Name = Sirius (Dog Star)
| System = Sirius System (Alpha Canis Majoris)
| Location = -26676,-5,69
| Planets = 14
| Spectral Class = A1V (Sirius A) / DA2 (Sirius B)
| Temperature = ~9,940 K (Sirius A) / ~25,200 K (Sirius B)
| Mass = ~2.06 M☉ (Sirius A) / ~1.02 M☉ (Sirius B)
| Radius = ~1.71 R☉ (Sirius A) / ~0.0084 R☉ (Sirius B)
| Luminosity = ~25.4 L☉ (Sirius A) / ~0.026 L☉ (Sirius B)
| Habitable Zone = ~4.8 AU – ~6.9 AU (Sirius A)
| caption_suffix = (Approx. / Reference - Sirius A)
}}
'''Sirius''' (also known as '''Alpha Canis Majoris''' or the '''Dog Star''') is the brightest star visible in [[Earth]]'s night sky and one of the closest star systems to [[Sol System|Sol]]. Located approximately 8.6 light-years away in the constellation Canis Major, Sirius is actually a binary star system consisting of a bright primary star (Sirius A) and a faint white dwarf companion (Sirius B).

== Characteristics ==
The Sirius system comprises two distinct stars:

*'''Sirius A:''' the primary star, classified as '''[[Star types#A-Type|A1V]]'''
**'''A:''' indicates it is a hot, blue-white main-sequence star (surface temperature ~9,940 K)
**'''1:''' a sub-division indicating it's near the hotter end of the A-class spectrum
**'''V:''' the luminosity class signifies it is on the Main Sequence, fusing hydrogen into helium
Sirius A is roughly twice as massive and 1.7 times the diameter of [[Sol]], but about 25 times more luminous. Its brilliance in Earth's sky is due to both its intrinsic luminosity and its relative proximity.

*'''Sirius B:''' the companion star, classified as '''[[Star types#D-Type (White Dwarf)|DA2]]'''
**'''D:''' indicates it is a degenerate star, specifically a white dwarf where 'A' signifies a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, and '2' relates to its temperature (~25,200 K)
**Sirius B is the remnant core of a once much larger star (estimated ~5 M☉) that evolved off the main sequence. Despite having a mass comparable to [[Sol]] (~1.02 M☉), it has collapsed to a size similar to [[Earth]] (~0.0084 R☉), making it incredibly dense. It is one of the most massive white dwarfs known and the closest one to Earth.

The two stars orbit their common centre of mass with a period of approximately 50 years, their separation varying between about 8 and 31 AU.

== Role in Sirius System ==
Sirius A is the dominant gravitational anchor and energy source for the Sirius system. Its high luminosity creates a [[Habitable Zone]] much further out (~4.8 - 6.9 AU) and wider than Sol's. No planets have been confirmed orbiting either star in real-world observations. The evolution of Sirius B into a red giant and then a white dwarf would likely have significantly impacted any inner planets that might have formed earlier.

== In-Game Representation ==
Sirius is included in [[Starship Simulator]] as part of the real-world star data integrated into the [[Galaxy Generation]] system (mentioned in [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.21 & 0.225.0.24]]), making it one of the "famous galactic neighbours" accessible to players.
* it can be targeted and scanned using the ship's [[Sensors]]
* its high luminosity may affect visual rendering and potentially sensor readings when nearby
* early development logs noted it might appear under the name "Dog Star" in some data lists
* the presence and characteristics of any procedurally generated planets within the Sirius system in-game may differ from real-world data (or lack thereof)
* both Sirius A and Sirius B are rendered as distinct stellar objects

[[Category:Stars]]

Template:Star Data

2026-07-11T13:08:55Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Usage */

{| class="wikitable {{{collapsed|}}}" style="float:{{{float|right}}}; margin-left:1em; width:{{{width|300px}}}; font-size:{{{font_size|90%}}};"
! colspan="2" | '''{{{title|}}}'''
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:{{{Image|Galaxy Gen.jpg}}}|300px]]
|-
! colspan = 2 | Stellar Data
|-
! scope="row" | Common Name
| {{{Common Name|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | System
| {{{System|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Location (Galactic Coordinates)
| {{{Location|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Object Class
| {{{Object Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Spectral Class]]
| {{{Spectral Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Temperature (Surface)
| {{{Temperature|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Mass
| {{{Mass|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Radius
| {{{Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Luminosity
| {{{Luminosity|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Habitable Zone]]
| {{{Habitable Zone|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Planets
| {{{Planets|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Roche Limit
| {{{Roche Limit|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Hill Radius
| {{{Hill Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2000K Dust Sublimation
| {{{Dust Sublimation|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1200K Lava Line
| {{{Lava Line|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 320K Habitable Zone Start
| {{{Habitable Zone Start|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 230K Habitable Zone End
| {{{Habitable Zone End|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 150K Frost Line
| {{{Frost Line|Unknown}}}
|}

<noinclude>
This template is used to display standardized data tables for individual stars.
For other celestial objects (planets, comets, etc.), separate templates may be used.

=== Usage ===
* '''For floating infoboxes (like on individual star pages):'''
<nowiki>{{Star_Data</nowiki>
<nowiki>| title = [[Star Name]]</nowiki> (Required: The name of the object, often linked to its page)
<nowiki>| Image = [ImageName].[filetype]</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Common Name = Common Name (e.g., The Sun)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| System = [[System Name]]</nowiki> (Optional: The system it belongs to)
<nowiki>| Location = X, Y, Z</nowiki> (Optional: Galactic Coordinates)
<nowiki>| Object Class = Object type for non-stars (e.g., Supermassive Black Hole)</nowiki> (Optional: Use for objects like Sgr A* instead of Spectral Class)
<nowiki>| Spectral Class = [[Star types|Spectral Class]]</nowiki> (Optional: For stars)
<nowiki>| Temperature = Temperature (e.g., ~5,778 K)</nowiki> (Optional: Surface Temperature)
<nowiki>| Mass = Mass (e.g., 1 M☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Radius = Radius (e.g., 1 R☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Luminosity = Luminosity (e.g., 1 L☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone = Habitable Zone range (e.g., ~0.63 AU – ~1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Planets = Number or description of planets (e.g., 8 (plus Dwarf Planets))</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Roche Limit = Roche Limit (e.g., 1,077,467 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Hill Radius = Hill Radius (e.g., 3.62 LY)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Dust Sublimation = 2000K Dust Sublimation (e.g., 2,726,012 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Lava Line = 1200K Lava Line (e.g., 7,272,256 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone Start = 320K Habitable Zone Start (e.g., 0.63 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone End = 230K Habitable Zone End (e.g., 1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Frost Line = 150K Frost Line (e.g., 2.89 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| caption_suffix = (Any additional text for 'Stellar Data' caption, e.g., Approx. / Reference - Sirius A)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>}}</nowiki>

* '''For full-width, collapsible tables (like on the Locations page):'''
Add the following parameters to the above:
<nowiki>| collapsed = mw-collapsible mw-collapsed</nowiki>
<nowiki>| float = none</nowiki>
<nowiki>| width = 100%</nowiki>
<nowiki>| font_size = 100%</nowiki> (or adjust as needed)

All parameters are optional. If a parameter is not provided, its row will not appear in the table.

[[Category:Formatting templates]]
</noinclude>

Sol

2026-07-11T13:07:45Z

Dark Knight 2013: Updated Star Data and added a field for images.

{{WIP}}
{{Star_Data
| title = [[Sol]]
| Image=Sol.jpg
| Common Name = the Sun
| System = Sol System
| Location = -26670,0,56
| Planets = 8 + Dwarf Planets
| Object Class = Main Sequence Star
| Spectral Class = G2V
| Roche Limit = 1,077,467 KM
| Hill Radius = 3.62 LY
| Dust Sublimation = 2,726,012 KM
| Lava Line = 7,272,256 KM
| Habitable Zone Start = 0.63 AU
| Habitable Zone End = 1.23 AU
| Frost Line = 2.89 AU
}}
'''Sol''' is the proper designation for the home star of humanity, located at the centre of the [[Sol System]]. Known colloquially as "the Sun", it is a stable main-sequence star vital for the existence of life on [[Earth]].

== Characteristics ==
Sol is classified as a '''[[Star types#G-Type|G2V]]''' star:
*'''G:''' indicates it is a yellow main-sequence star, falling within the temperature range of approximately 5,200 K to 6,000 K (surface temperature ~5,778 K)
*'''2:''' the sub-division indicates it is relatively hot within the G-class spectrum (hotter than G3...G9)
*'''V:''' the luminosity class signifies it is currently on the Main Sequence (a "dwarf" star), actively fusing hydrogen into helium in its core

As a typical G-type star, Sol is relatively common in the [[Milky Way]] galaxy. It possesses characteristics considered highly favourable for the development of life on orbiting planets:
*'''Stability:''' provides a consistent energy output over long timescales
*'''Lifespan:''' has a total main-sequence lifespan estimated around 10 billion years (currently about 4.6 billion years old in 2261 AD), offering ample time for planetary evolution
*'''Habitable Zone:''' possesses a well-defined [[Habitable Zone]] where [[Earth]] resides, allowing for the presence of surface liquid water

== Role in Sol System ==
Sol is the gravitational anchor of the [[Sol System]], holding [[Earth]] and all other planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets in orbit around it. Its energy output dictates the temperature zones within the system, including the boundaries of the [[Habitable Zone]], the [[Sol System#Frost Line (~150K)|Frost Line]], and the inner [[Sol System#Lava Line (~1200K)|Lava Line]] / [[Sol System#Dust Sublimation Line (~2000K)|Dust Sublimation Line]]. It is the primary source of light and heat for all bodies within the system.

== In-Game Representation ==
In [[Starship Simulator]], Sol is the central star that players start near when beginning their journey from the [[Sol System]]:
* it can be targeted and scanned using the ship's [[Sensors]], providing specific data (a descriptive text for Sol was added in [[Dev Builds|Build 0.225.0.69]]).
* its position defines the centre of the Sol System simulation space
* it provides the primary illumination for planets and objects within the system

[[Category:Stars]]

Template:Star Data

2026-07-11T13:07:09Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{| class="wikitable {{{collapsed|}}}" style="float:{{{float|right}}}; margin-left:1em; width:{{{width|300px}}}; font-size:{{{font_size|90%}}};"
! colspan="2" | '''{{{title|}}}'''
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:{{{Image|Galaxy Gen.jpg}}}|300px]]
|-
! colspan = 2 | Stellar Data
|-
! scope="row" | Common Name
| {{{Common Name|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | System
| {{{System|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Location (Galactic Coordinates)
| {{{Location|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Object Class
| {{{Object Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Spectral Class]]
| {{{Spectral Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Temperature (Surface)
| {{{Temperature|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Mass
| {{{Mass|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Radius
| {{{Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Luminosity
| {{{Luminosity|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Habitable Zone]]
| {{{Habitable Zone|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Planets
| {{{Planets|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Roche Limit
| {{{Roche Limit|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Hill Radius
| {{{Hill Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2000K Dust Sublimation
| {{{Dust Sublimation|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1200K Lava Line
| {{{Lava Line|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 320K Habitable Zone Start
| {{{Habitable Zone Start|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 230K Habitable Zone End
| {{{Habitable Zone End|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 150K Frost Line
| {{{Frost Line|Unknown}}}
|}

<noinclude>
This template is used to display standardized data tables for individual stars.
For other celestial objects (planets, comets, etc.), separate templates may be used.

=== Usage ===
* '''For floating infoboxes (like on individual star pages):'''
<nowiki>{{Star_Data</nowiki>
<nowiki>| title = [[Star Name]]</nowiki> (Required: The name of the object, often linked to its page)
<nowiki>| Image = [[File:Image.[filetype]|300px]]</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Common Name = Common Name (e.g., The Sun)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| System = [[System Name]]</nowiki> (Optional: The system it belongs to)
<nowiki>| Location = X, Y, Z</nowiki> (Optional: Galactic Coordinates)
<nowiki>| Object Class = Object type for non-stars (e.g., Supermassive Black Hole)</nowiki> (Optional: Use for objects like Sgr A* instead of Spectral Class)
<nowiki>| Spectral Class = [[Star types|Spectral Class]]</nowiki> (Optional: For stars)
<nowiki>| Temperature = Temperature (e.g., ~5,778 K)</nowiki> (Optional: Surface Temperature)
<nowiki>| Mass = Mass (e.g., 1 M☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Radius = Radius (e.g., 1 R☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Luminosity = Luminosity (e.g., 1 L☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone = Habitable Zone range (e.g., ~0.63 AU – ~1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Planets = Number or description of planets (e.g., 8 (plus Dwarf Planets))</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Roche Limit = Roche Limit (e.g., 1,077,467 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Hill Radius = Hill Radius (e.g., 3.62 LY)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Dust Sublimation = 2000K Dust Sublimation (e.g., 2,726,012 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Lava Line = 1200K Lava Line (e.g., 7,272,256 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone Start = 320K Habitable Zone Start (e.g., 0.63 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone End = 230K Habitable Zone End (e.g., 1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Frost Line = 150K Frost Line (e.g., 2.89 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| caption_suffix = (Any additional text for 'Stellar Data' caption, e.g., Approx. / Reference - Sirius A)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>}}</nowiki>

* '''For full-width, collapsible tables (like on the Locations page):'''
Add the following parameters to the above:
<nowiki>| collapsed = mw-collapsible mw-collapsed</nowiki>
<nowiki>| float = none</nowiki>
<nowiki>| width = 100%</nowiki>
<nowiki>| font_size = 100%</nowiki> (or adjust as needed)

All parameters are optional. If a parameter is not provided, its row will not appear in the table.

[[Category:Formatting templates]]
</noinclude>

Template:Star Data

2026-07-11T13:06:01Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{| class="wikitable {{{collapsed|}}}" style="float:{{{float|right}}}; margin-left:1em; width:{{{width|300px}}}; font-size:{{{font_size|90%}}};"
! colspan="2" | '''{{{title|}}}'''
|-
| colspan="2" |{{{Image|[[File:Galaxy Gen.jpg|300px]]}}}
|-
! colspan = 2 | Stellar Data
|-
! scope="row" | Common Name
| {{{Common Name|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | System
| {{{System|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Location (Galactic Coordinates)
| {{{Location|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Object Class
| {{{Object Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Spectral Class]]
| {{{Spectral Class|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Temperature (Surface)
| {{{Temperature|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Mass
| {{{Mass|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Radius
| {{{Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Luminosity
| {{{Luminosity|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Habitable Zone]]
| {{{Habitable Zone|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Planets
| {{{Planets|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Roche Limit
| {{{Roche Limit|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | Hill Radius
| {{{Hill Radius|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2000K Dust Sublimation
| {{{Dust Sublimation|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1200K Lava Line
| {{{Lava Line|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 320K Habitable Zone Start
| {{{Habitable Zone Start|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 230K Habitable Zone End
| {{{Habitable Zone End|Unknown}}}
|-
! scope="row" | 150K Frost Line
| {{{Frost Line|Unknown}}}
|}

<noinclude>
This template is used to display standardized data tables for individual stars.
For other celestial objects (planets, comets, etc.), separate templates may be used.

=== Usage ===
* '''For floating infoboxes (like on individual star pages):'''
<nowiki>{{Star_Data</nowiki>
<nowiki>| title = [[Star Name]]</nowiki> (Required: The name of the object, often linked to its page)
<nowiki>| Image = [[File:Image.[filetype]|300px]]</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Common Name = Common Name (e.g., The Sun)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| System = [[System Name]]</nowiki> (Optional: The system it belongs to)
<nowiki>| Location = X, Y, Z</nowiki> (Optional: Galactic Coordinates)
<nowiki>| Object Class = Object type for non-stars (e.g., Supermassive Black Hole)</nowiki> (Optional: Use for objects like Sgr A* instead of Spectral Class)
<nowiki>| Spectral Class = [[Star types|Spectral Class]]</nowiki> (Optional: For stars)
<nowiki>| Temperature = Temperature (e.g., ~5,778 K)</nowiki> (Optional: Surface Temperature)
<nowiki>| Mass = Mass (e.g., 1 M☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Radius = Radius (e.g., 1 R☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Luminosity = Luminosity (e.g., 1 L☉)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone = Habitable Zone range (e.g., ~0.63 AU – ~1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Planets = Number or description of planets (e.g., 8 (plus Dwarf Planets))</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Roche Limit = Roche Limit (e.g., 1,077,467 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Hill Radius = Hill Radius (e.g., 3.62 LY)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Dust Sublimation = 2000K Dust Sublimation (e.g., 2,726,012 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Lava Line = 1200K Lava Line (e.g., 7,272,256 KM)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone Start = 320K Habitable Zone Start (e.g., 0.63 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Habitable Zone End = 230K Habitable Zone End (e.g., 1.23 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| Frost Line = 150K Frost Line (e.g., 2.89 AU)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>| caption_suffix = (Any additional text for 'Stellar Data' caption, e.g., Approx. / Reference - Sirius A)</nowiki> (Optional)
<nowiki>}}</nowiki>

* '''For full-width, collapsible tables (like on the Locations page):'''
Add the following parameters to the above:
<nowiki>| collapsed = mw-collapsible mw-collapsed</nowiki>
<nowiki>| float = none</nowiki>
<nowiki>| width = 100%</nowiki>
<nowiki>| font_size = 100%</nowiki> (or adjust as needed)

All parameters are optional. If a parameter is not provided, its row will not appear in the table.

[[Category:Formatting templates]]
</noinclude>

Helm

2026-07-11T13:04:49Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
[[File:Helm Unoccupied.jpg|thumb|400px|The '''Helm''' station aboard a [[Magellan Class|Magellan-class vessel]]]]
The '''Helm''' (also referred to as '''Helm Station''' or '''Conn''') is the primary flight control station aboard a [[starship]]. Manned by a [[pilot|pilot/helm officer]], the station is responsible for controlling the ship's movement, navigation, and orientation in space. The helm is usually located on the ship's [[bridge]], often as the forward-most console in the room.

== Location and Layout ==
On a [[Magellan Class]] vessel, the Helm station is the only station located at the forward end of the bridge. It faces the bridge-front window, albeit the station's chair can swivel through 360°.

The console interface consists of multiple interactive panels displaying critical flight data and provides controls for various ship functions. Key panels include:
* '''[[Tutorial:Helm#Navigation Panel|Navigation Panel]]:''' displays current ship and target coordinates featuring a keypad for manual data entry, and buttons for setting/accepting navigation targets
* '''[[Tutorial:Helm#FTL System Panel|FTL System Panel]]:''' manages the [[Alcubierre Drive]], displaying the requested power percentage (Helm throttle), FTL velocity, and a control to engage/disengage the drive
* '''[[Tutorial:Helm#Manual Flight Controls (Sublight & RCS)|Helm Controls Panel]]:''' provides interface elements related to manual control via [[RCS Thrusters]] (Pitch, Yaw, Roll, Translation) and Sublight Engine throttle
* '''[[Tutorial:Helm#Autopilot Panel|Autopilot Panel]]:''' allows engagement and monitoring of the ship's automated navigation system, showing target information and ETA
* '''Targeting Panel:''' displays information about the current navigation target and allows toggling of HUD target indicators
* '''Lighting Panel:''' includes controls for the ship's external lighting systems (status currently TBD)

== Core Functions ==
Operations performed at the Helm station include:

* '''Manual Flight:''' direct control over the ship's manoeuvrability using:
** [[RCS Thrusters]] for [[Six degrees of freedom#Pitch (Rotation)|rotational maneuvers]] (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) and [[Six degrees of freedom#Yaw (Rotation)|translational maneuvers]] (Heave, Sway)
** Main Sublight Engines for [[Six degrees of freedom#Surge (Translation)|forward and reverse thrust]] (Surge) via throttle controls
* '''Navigation:'''
** setting destinations by manually inputting galactic coordinates
** accepting target coordinates sent from the [[Sensors]] station (using the 'Use Sensor Target' function)
** targeting specific known locations such as [[Earth]].
* '''[[Alcubierre Drive|FTL Operation]]:'''
** setting the desired FTL power level (Helm throttle).
** engaging and disengaging the Alcubierre Drive for interstellar travel
* '''Autopilot Management:'''
** engaging the autopilot system to automatically navigate the ship to the selected target
** monitoring autopilot status and disengaging when necessary

== Interaction ==
To operate the Helm, a player typically approaches the console and presses the interact key (default '''F''') to sit down, or simply clicks on the station's chair using the Left Mouse Button (LMB). Interaction with the on-screen panels is usually done by holding the 'Use Mouse' key (default '''E''') and clicking elements with the '''LMB. Many functions also have dedicated keyboard shortcuts.

* ''For a detailed list of key bindings, see the [[Controls#Helm Controls (When Seated at Helm)|Helm Controls]] section on the Controls page.''
* ''For step-by-step procedures, see the [[Tutorial:Helm|Helm Controls Tutorial]].''

[[Category:Bridge Stations]]
[[Category:Ship Systems]]
[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
[[Category:Controls]]

Black Hole

2026-07-11T12:48:57Z

Dark Knight 2013:

[[File:Blackhole gif.gif|thumb|350px|A black hole]]
A '''black hole''' is a compact celestial body with a gravitational pull strong enough to prevent anything from escaping, including light. They are typically formed when supermassive [[star]]s reach the final stages of existence and collapse upon themselves. Black holes can be found around the [[Milky Way]], with the supermassive [[Sagittarius A*]] serving as the very centre of the galaxy.

==Development==
Black Holes were added during development in 2022, though lacked a lot of data and appeared as large black spheres. The code was updated by October 2023, where volumetric black holes were added to generate a greater variety of and more realistic appearances. During dev build 0.225.0.32, black holes were given proper stellar mass and the galaxy generation update allowed planets to generate in their system. In dev build 0.225.0.102, a bug was fixed which presented black holes as a planet on the [[Holo-Display]].

==Also See==
*[[wikipedia:Black hole|Black Holes on Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Stellar Remnants]]
[[Category:Black Holes| ]]

Star

2026-07-11T12:47:08Z

Dark Knight 2013: Added images and reorganised a section.

{{WIP}}
[[File:Sol.jpg|thumb|350px|The star [[Sol]], the central point in the [[Sol System]]]]
A '''star''' is any massive gravitational self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Stars are predominantly the principal object found at the centre of [[Star System]]s, where other astronomical bodies orbit them.

==Gameplay==
Stars are usually located at the centre of star systems as the main gravitational body, around which other astronomical bodies will orbit them. Stars keep theses systems together through gravity and other astrophysical concepts like the [[Roche Limit]]. Stars will have three zones within their area: the [[Lava Zone]], the [[Habitable Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]. These dictate generation of [[planets]] and other astronomical bodies within their system, specifically what types of these appear within certain distances.

Many stars will generate lightyears away from each other but can be observed from other systems. Without the usage of faster-than-light systems such as the [[Alcubierre Drive]], travel between them would usually take many years ranging from several to entire centuries.

===Generation===
[[File:Stars.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A number of stars observed from another [[star system]]]]
:''Main page: [[Galaxy Generation]]''
Stars populate the [[Milky Way]] and outer space in-game within a cubic area of 1 lightyear. Stars within 2000 ly of the [[Sol System]] are generated using the Real Stars DB, a SQL database created from the [[wikipedia:European Space Agency|European Space Agency]]'s [[wikipedia:Gaia Catalogue|Gaia Catalogue]]. Outside this area, stars generate on a seed system with varying characteristics and locations from a randomly generated seed. Some new star systems may generate within the area of the Real Stars database.

In future versions a [[star system designer tool]] is planned allowing game backers to create their own star systems, which will persist permanently in the in-game galaxy. Plans also feature set systems created by backers of Captain Tier or above that will feature in the game world.

===Star Types===
:''Main page: [[Star types]]''
An array of star types can be found in the galaxy. They are categorised by their class, size and how hot they are within their temperature range. A large amount of information can be viewed and sorted on the [[Sensors Station]]. Stars are sorted using real-world stellar Classification.

Stars in their main life cycle are sorted from hottest to coldest. The sequence is O-Type, B-Type, A-Type, F-Type, G-Type, K-Type and M-Type. Some stars will generate as [[Brown Dwarf]]s, which are yet to ignite. Their sequence is L-Type, T-Type and Y-Type. In future, player vessels will be able to discover stellar remnants in the galaxy in place of star systems, including [[White Dwarf]]s, [[Neutron Star]]s, and [[Black Hole]]s. They will also be able to find T-Tauri stars (those in their early stages of formation) and Wolf-Rayet stars (those which are towards the end of their life cycles).

===Sensors Data===
Stars can currently undergo multiple [[sensor]] surveys within their vicinity. The XNAV Array will passively gather data on the star, including its star type, orbital characteristics, stellar temperature regions and physical characteristics. From long range surveys, the sensors will gather more information such as Spectral Analysis and Photosphere data. Whilst medium and short range surveys can be performed on stars, neither will yield any data on it. However, scanning a star in both is required to attain 100% survey data on its star system.

The following table presents the sensor data for stars and the sensors level/array used to gather it from them:

{| class="wikitable"
!Survey Level!!Range!!Array!!Data Gathered
|-
|0||Default Overview||[[SCMI Array]]||style="width:300px;|
'''Overview'''
:A brief description of the star. These will be updated as higher level surveys are performed on it.
'''Orbital Characteristics'''
*Roche Limit
*Scattered Disk Start
*Scattered Disk End
*Tibal Truncation Limit
*Hill Radius
'''Stellar Temperature Regions'''
*Dust Sublimination
*Lava Line
*Habitable Zone Start
*Habitable Zone End
*Frost Line
'''Physical Characteristics'''
*Age
*Mass
*Density
*Radius
*Volume
*Gravity
*Escape Velocity
|-
|1||Long Range||[[SCMI Array]]||
'''Spectral Analysis'''
*Wavelength (nm)
'''Photosphere'''
*Temperature
*Hydrogen
*Helium
*Metals
*Metallicty
|-
|2||Medium Range||[[MBIS Array]]||
''No Data''
|-
|3||Short Range||[[SATIR Array]]||
''No Data''
|}

==Development==
''To be added''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Stars| ]]

File:Stars.jpg

2026-07-11T12:35:01Z

Dark Knight 2013: A collection of stars

== Summary ==
A collection of [[star]]s

File:Sol.jpg

2026-07-11T12:32:29Z

Dark Knight 2013: The star Sol from the view of a Flying Camera

== Summary ==
The star [[Sol]] from the view of a [[Flying Camera]]

Planet

2026-07-11T11:00:35Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Sensor Data */

{{WIP}}
A '''planet''' is a spherical body found in space. They are characterised by being in orbit around a parent star and meet a certain size. Additionally possessing gravity, they are modelled spherically and constructed of various materials including gases, solid rock, ice or combinations of these. Planet types and their specific characteristics often depend on where they were spawned. Factors such as whether or not they are found within a system's [[Habitable Zone]], or in its hotter or colder reaches can greatly determine their individual characteristics. Although their makeup varies, planets are generated at sizes and volumes consistent with the star types of the systems in which they are found.

==Generation==
Planets are generated using the [[Galaxy Generation]] mechanic. They can be revealed initially using a Long Range Survey on a system. For procedurally generated systems, those planets found in the [[Habitable Zone]] have a further chance of supporting life and broadcasting tech signatures.

===Generation Process===
Planets appearing in a star system are created in-game using real-world data, such as the [[wikipedia:Roche limit|Roche limit]] and [[wikipedia:Titius-Bode law|Titius-Bode Law]]. When star systems are generated, the Galaxy Generation system calculates proto-planetary disks as a first step in lieu of creating the final planets, which determines the star's material composite ([[wikipedia:Hydrogen|H]]/[[wikipedia:Helium|He]]/Metals), lifespan and hill sphere. Using the Titius-Bode law, the planets' orbital path around the star will be determined. Planets will generally spawn between the star and the [[Kuiper Belt]] equivalent for the system.

After each potential planet is determined, planets are generated on core mass accretion, which establishes each planet type based on potential escape velocity against H2 thermal velocity. Physical characteristics are then generated, including atmospheric composition and the final Planet Type classification. If the planet orbits a star in its [[Habitable Zone]] and if characteristics are possible to sustain life on its surface, [[Life and Tech Signatures]] may be revealed on a planet once the ship comes within the necessary sensor range required for detection. After spawning, a planet's mass is deducted from the proto-disk to ensure that available materials are reduced in order to prevent copies coming into existence.

===Sensor Data===
Using the [[Sensors Station]], starships can gather information on a planet's characteristics. These are generated/gathered by performing surveys on the planet surfaces. By default, the planet appears on the survey as an unknown celestial body with only its orbital data gathered. Characteristics and descriptions are updated as various surveys are performed.

By default, the sensors will gather information about the planet's orbital track around its parent [[star]]; however, performing a "Knowledge Level 1" survey on the planet will also gather information about its Physical Characteristics and an estimation of the planet type (Terrestrial, [Gas] Giant, Dwarf, Icy Body). As more surveys are performed (Knowledge Levels 2 & 3), more data is gathered, including on any civilisations that habit the planet.

The following table presents the sensor data for planets and the sensors level/array used to gather it from them:

{| class="wikitable"
!Survey Level!!Range!!Array!!Data Gathered
|-
|0||Default Overview||[[SCMI Array]]||style="width:300px;|
'''Overview'''
:A brief description of the planet. These will be updated as higher level surveys are performed on it.
'''Orbital Characteristics'''
*Roche Limit
*Hill Radius
*Semi-Major Axis
*Semi-Minor Axis
*Apoapsis
*Periapsis
*Average Distance
*Eccentricity
*Inclination
*Orbital Period
*Orbital Velocity
|-
|1||Long Range||[[SCMI Array]]||
'''Physical Characteristics'''
*Age
*Mass
*Density
*Radius
*Volume
*Gravity
*Escape Velocity
*Equilibrium temperature
|-
|2||Medium Range||[[MBIS Array]]||
'''Atmosphere Data'''
*Atmosphere
*Average Temperature
*Hydrogen
*Helium
*Methane
|-
|3||Short Range||[[SATIR Array]]||
'''Surface Data'''
:''Coming Soon''
'''Civilisation Data'''
*Civilisation Name
*Physiology
*Government
*Religion
*Tech Level
*Aggression
*Xenophobia
|}

==Planet Types==
===Terrestrial Planets===
Terrestrial planets are composed primarily of rocks and solid materials such as metals. They often consist of a core and multiple material layers. Some terrestrial planets spawn with liquid environments including water or with very hot molten substances on their surfaces, emerging sometimes as Earth-like Analogues having atmosphere or conversely as Lava Planets. Some also spawn with gases like ozone in their atmosphere, becoming Earth-like analogues capable of supporting life itself.

====Atmospheric Terrestrials====
*'''Characteristics:''' rocky surfaces and atmospheres, though often lacking in liquid surfaces like water or lava
*'''Examples:''' [[Mercury]], [[Venus]], [[Mars]]
*'''Notes:''' will often spawn in or outside the [[Habitable Zone]], invariably between the [[Lava Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]

====Lava Planets====
*'''Characteristics:''' rocky surfaces and atmospheres with molten materials on their surfaces
*'''Examples:'''
*'''Notes:''' will often spawn in the Lava Zone in a star system's orbit

====Earth-like Analogues====
*'''Characteristics:''' rocky surfaces and possessing atmosphere, with the surface being able to support life and generate water at the surface
*'''Examples:''' [[Earth]]
*'''Notes:''' will often spawn within the habitable zone of certain stars, such as [[Star types#G-Type|G]] and [[Star types#K-Type|K class stars]]

===Giant Planets===
Giant Planet is a term describing planets that substantially exceed Earth's size. Gas Giants are often composed of light materials and gases, often [[Hydrogen]] or [[Helium]]. There are five classifications depending on their atmospheric properties; however, Ice Giants consist of frozen materials on their surface. By default, [[SCMI Array|long range]] [[sensors]] will recognise any giant planet as a gas giant until a [[MBIS Array|medium range]] survey is performed. Examples of giant planets include [[Jupiter]], [[Saturn]], [[Neptune]] and [[Uranus]].

====Class I Gas Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet's temperature does not exceed 150 K and atmosphere primarily consists of the chemical ammonia clouds
*'''Examples:''' [[Jupiter]], [[Saturn]]
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn outside a star's frost line, due to the volatile nature of the planet's content

====Class II Gas Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet's temperature does not exceed 250 K and atmosphere primarily consists of water ice clouds
*'''Examples:''' Epsilon Eridani b, Upsilon Andromedae d (both speculated)
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn outside a star's frost line, due to the volatile nature of the planet's content

====Class III Gas Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet's temperature is between 350 to 800 K and its atmosphere is unable to form clouds due to the lack of chemicals in the atmosphere capable of forming them
*'''Examples:''' Upsilon Andromedae c, Gliese 876 b (both speculated)
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn between the lava zone and frost line

====Class IV Gas Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet's temperature exceeds 900 K and alkali metals can be found in abundance in the planet
*'''Examples:''' 55 Cancri Ab, HD 209458 b (both speculated)
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn within a star's lava zone

====Class V Gas Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet's temperature exceeds 1400 K. This classification is also given to cooler gas giants with temperatures lower than Jupiter's.
*'''Examples:''' 51 Pegasi b, Upsilon Andromedae b (both speculated)
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn within a star's lava zone

====Ice Giants====
*'''Characteristics:''' surfaces are often composed of frozen materials heavier than gases, such as carbon or water
*'''Examples:''' [[Uranus]], [[Neptune]]
*'''Notes:''' can currently spawn outside a star's frost line

===Dwarf Planets===
====Ice Dwarfs====
*'''Characteristics:''' surfaces often similar to Ice Giants, containing frozen materials
*'''Examples:''' [[Pluto]], [[Sedna]]
*'''Notes:''' will spawn outside a star's frost line

====Rocky Dwarfs====
*'''Characteristics:''' surfaces are similar to Terrestrial Planets
*'''Examples:''' [[Ceres]]
*'''Notes:''' can spawn both inside and outside the habitable zone

===Rogue Planets===
*'''Characteristics:''' the planet is found independent of any star system
*'''Examples:''' S Ori 70, Cha 110913−773444 (both speculated)

==Development==
Refinement of planetary spawning began during the 0.225 dev builds alongside [[Galaxy Generation]] process. These included implementation of calculations for the Roche limit, Hill Spheres, Orbital Periods and Velocity in a star system. Additional features were planned, including atmospheric pressure and chemicals, ocean chemicals and greenhouse effect calculations. Although some were partially implemented, development of these was paused until future versions.

Planetary Nebulae and Rogue Planets are intended to be implemented in Tech Demo 4. The former was implemented in dev build 0.226.0.4 whilst the latter was added during 0.226.0.19. During dev build 0.226.0.16, groundwork on explorable [[planetary surface]]s was commenced in the game for future planetary landing mechanics. During patch cycle 0.227.0.12, [[moon]] generation was added to planets using their hill sphere and roche limit systems.

Future dev builds are intended to feature further characteristics and astronomical objects being generated within a planet's orbit such as planetary rings, using the hill sphere implemented in 0.225's development cycle.

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Planets| ]]

Star

2026-07-11T11:00:20Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''star''' is any massive gravitational self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Stars are predominantly the principal object found at the centre of [[Star System]]s, where other astronomical bodies orbit them.

==Gameplay==
Stars are usually located at the centre of star systems as the main gravitational body, around which other astronomical bodies will orbit them. Stars keep theses systems together through gravity and other astrophysical concepts like the [[Roche Limit]]. Stars will have three zones within their area: the [[Lava Zone]], the [[Habitable Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]. These dictate generation of [[planets]] and other astronomical bodies within their system, specifically what types of these appear within certain distances.

===Sensors Data===
Stars can currently undergo multiple [[sensor]] surveys within their vicinity. The XNAV Array will passively gather data on the star, including its star type, orbital characteristics, stellar temperature regions and physical characteristics. From long range surveys, the sensors will gather more information such as Spectral Analysis and Photosphere data. Whilst medium and short range surveys can be performed on stars, neither will yield any data on it. However, scanning a star in both is required to attain 100% survey data on its star system.

The following table presents the sensor data for stars and the sensors level/array used to gather it from them:

{| class="wikitable"
!Survey Level!!Range!!Array!!Data Gathered
|-
|0||Default Overview||[[SCMI Array]]||style="width:300px;|
'''Overview'''
:A brief description of the star. These will be updated as higher level surveys are performed on it.
'''Orbital Characteristics'''
*Roche Limit
*Scattered Disk Start
*Scattered Disk End
*Tibal Truncation Limit
*Hill Radius
'''Stellar Temperature Regions'''
*Dust Sublimination
*Lava Line
*Habitable Zone Start
*Habitable Zone End
*Frost Line
'''Physical Characteristics'''
*Age
*Mass
*Density
*Radius
*Volume
*Gravity
*Escape Velocity
|-
|1||Long Range||[[SCMI Array]]||
'''Spectral Analysis'''
*Wavelength (nm)
'''Photosphere'''
*Temperature
*Hydrogen
*Helium
*Metals
*Metallicty
|-
|2||Medium Range||[[MBIS Array]]||
''No Data''
|-
|3||Short Range||[[SATIR Array]]||
''No Data''
|}

===Generation===
:''Main page: [[Galaxy Generation]]''
Stars populate the [[Milky Way]] and outer space in-game within a cubic area of 1 lightyear. Stars within 2000 ly of the [[Sol System]] are generated using the Real Stars DB, a SQL database created from the [[wikipedia:European Space Agency|European Space Agency]]'s [[wikipedia:Gaia Catalogue|Gaia Catalogue]]. Outside this area, stars generate on a seed system with varying characteristics and locations from a randomly generated seed. Some new star systems may generate within the area of the Real Stars database.

In future versions a [[star system designer tool]] is planned allowing game backers to create their own star systems, which will persist permanently in the in-game galaxy. Plans also feature set systems created by backers of Captain Tier or above that will feature in the game world.

===Star Types===
:''Main page: [[Star types]]''
An array of star types can be found in the galaxy. They are categorised by their class, size and how hot they are within their temperature range. A large amount of information can be viewed and sorted on the [[Sensors Station]]. Stars are sorted using real-world stellar Classification.

Stars in their main life cycle are sorted from hottest to coldest. The sequence is O-Type, B-Type, A-Type, F-Type, G-Type, K-Type and M-Type. Some stars will generate as [[Brown Dwarf]]s, which are yet to ignite. Their sequence is L-Type, T-Type and Y-Type. In future, player vessels will be able to discover stellar remnants in the galaxy in place of star systems, including [[White Dwarf]]s, [[Neutron Star]]s, and [[Black Hole]]s. They will also be able to find T-Tauri stars (those in their early stages of formation) and Wolf-Rayet stars (those which are towards the end of their life cycles).

==Development==
''To be added''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Stars| ]]

Star

2026-07-10T11:51:54Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Sensors Data */

{{WIP}}
A '''star''' is any massive gravitational self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Stars are predominantly the principal object found at the centre of [[Star System]]s, where other astronomical bodies orbit them.

==Gameplay==
Stars are usually located at the centre of star systems as the main gravitational body, around which other astronomical bodies will orbit them. Stars keep theses systems together through gravity and other astrophysical concepts like the [[Roche Limit]]. Stars will have three zones within their area: the [[Lava Zone]], the [[Habitable Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]. These dictate generation of [[planets]] and other astronomical bodies within their system, specifically what types of these appear within certain distances.

===Sensors Data===
Stars can currently undergo multiple [[sensor]] surveys within their vicinity. The XNAV Array will passively gather data on the star, including its star type, orbital characteristics, stellar temperature regions and physical characteristics. From long range surveys, the sensors will gather more information such as Spectral Analysis and Photosphere data. Whilst medium and short range surveys can be performed on stars, neither will yield any data on it. However, scanning a star in both is required to attain 100% survey data on its star system.

===Generation===
:''Main page: [[Galaxy Generation]]''
Stars populate the [[Milky Way]] and outer space in-game within a cubic area of 1 lightyear. Stars within 2000 ly of the [[Sol System]] are generated using the Real Stars DB, a SQL database created from the [[wikipedia:European Space Agency|European Space Agency]]'s [[wikipedia:Gaia Catalogue|Gaia Catalogue]]. Outside this area, stars generate on a seed system with varying characteristics and locations from a randomly generated seed. Some new star systems may generate within the area of the Real Stars database.

In future versions a [[star system designer tool]] is planned allowing game backers to create their own star systems, which will persist permanently in the in-game galaxy. Plans also feature set systems created by backers of Captain Tier or above that will feature in the game world.

===Star Types===
:''Main page: [[Star types]]''
An array of star types can be found in the galaxy. They are categorised by their class, size and how hot they are within their temperature range. A large amount of information can be viewed and sorted on the [[Sensors Station]]. Stars are sorted using real-world stellar Classification.

Stars in their main life cycle are sorted from hottest to coldest. The sequence is O-Type, B-Type, A-Type, F-Type, G-Type, K-Type and M-Type. Some stars will generate as [[Brown Dwarf]]s, which are yet to ignite. Their sequence is L-Type, T-Type and Y-Type. In future, player vessels will be able to discover stellar remnants in the galaxy in place of star systems, including [[White Dwarf]]s, [[Neutron Star]]s, and [[Black Hole]]s. They will also be able to find T-Tauri stars (those in their early stages of formation) and Wolf-Rayet stars (those which are towards the end of their life cycles).

==Development==
''To be added''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Stars| ]]

Star

2026-07-10T11:47:23Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''star''' is any massive gravitational self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Stars are predominantly the principal object found at the centre of [[Star System]]s, where other astronomical bodies orbit them.

==Gameplay==
Stars are usually located at the centre of star systems as the main gravitational body, around which other astronomical bodies will orbit them. Stars keep theses systems together through gravity and other astrophysical concepts like the [[Roche Limit]]. Stars will have three zones within their area: the [[Lava Zone]], the [[Habitable Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]. These dictate generation of [[planets]] and other astronomical bodies within their system, specifically what types of these appear within certain distances.

===Sensors Data===
Stars can currently undergo multiple [[sensor]] surveys within their vicinity. The XNAV Array will passively gather data on the star, including its star type, orbital characteristics, stellar temperature regions and physical characteristics. From long range surveys, the sensors will gather more information such as Spectral Analysis and Photosphere data. Whilst medium and short range surveys can be performed on stars, neither will yield any data on it. However, scanning it in both is required to attain 100% survey data on the star system.

===Generation===
:''Main page: [[Galaxy Generation]]''
Stars populate the [[Milky Way]] and outer space in-game within a cubic area of 1 lightyear. Stars within 2000 ly of the [[Sol System]] are generated using the Real Stars DB, a SQL database created from the [[wikipedia:European Space Agency|European Space Agency]]'s [[wikipedia:Gaia Catalogue|Gaia Catalogue]]. Outside this area, stars generate on a seed system with varying characteristics and locations from a randomly generated seed. Some new star systems may generate within the area of the Real Stars database.

In future versions a [[star system designer tool]] is planned allowing game backers to create their own star systems, which will persist permanently in the in-game galaxy. Plans also feature set systems created by backers of Captain Tier or above that will feature in the game world.

===Star Types===
:''Main page: [[Star types]]''
An array of star types can be found in the galaxy. They are categorised by their class, size and how hot they are within their temperature range. A large amount of information can be viewed and sorted on the [[Sensors Station]]. Stars are sorted using real-world stellar Classification.

Stars in their main life cycle are sorted from hottest to coldest. The sequence is O-Type, B-Type, A-Type, F-Type, G-Type, K-Type and M-Type. Some stars will generate as [[Brown Dwarf]]s, which are yet to ignite. Their sequence is L-Type, T-Type and Y-Type. In future, player vessels will be able to discover stellar remnants in the galaxy in place of star systems, including [[White Dwarf]]s, [[Neutron Star]]s, and [[Black Hole]]s. They will also be able to find T-Tauri stars (those in their early stages of formation) and Wolf-Rayet stars (those which are towards the end of their life cycles).

==Development==
''To be added''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Stars| ]]

Star

2026-07-10T11:47:11Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''star''' is any massive gravitational self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources. Stars are predominantly the principal object found at the centre of [[Star System]]s, where other astronomical bodies orbit them.

==Gameplay==
Stars are usually located at the centre of star systems as the main gravitational body, around which other astronomical bodies will orbit them. Stars keep theses systems together through gravity and other astrophysical concepts like the [[Roche Limit]]. Stars will have three zones within their area: the [[Lava Zone]], the [[Habitable Zone]] and the [[Frost Line]]. These dictate generation of [[planets]] and other astronomical bodies within their system, specifically what types of these appear within certain distances.

===Sensors Data==
Stars can currently undergo multiple [[sensor]] surveys within their vicinity. The XNAV Array will passively gather data on the star, including its star type, orbital characteristics, stellar temperature regions and physical characteristics. From long range surveys, the sensors will gather more information such as Spectral Analysis and Photosphere data. Whilst medium and short range surveys can be performed on stars, neither will yield any data on it. However, scanning it in both is required to attain 100% survey data on the star system.

===Generation===
:''Main page: [[Galaxy Generation]]''
Stars populate the [[Milky Way]] and outer space in-game within a cubic area of 1 lightyear. Stars within 2000 ly of the [[Sol System]] are generated using the Real Stars DB, a SQL database created from the [[wikipedia:European Space Agency|European Space Agency]]'s [[wikipedia:Gaia Catalogue|Gaia Catalogue]]. Outside this area, stars generate on a seed system with varying characteristics and locations from a randomly generated seed. Some new star systems may generate within the area of the Real Stars database.

In future versions a [[star system designer tool]] is planned allowing game backers to create their own star systems, which will persist permanently in the in-game galaxy. Plans also feature set systems created by backers of Captain Tier or above that will feature in the game world.

===Star Types===
:''Main page: [[Star types]]''
An array of star types can be found in the galaxy. They are categorised by their class, size and how hot they are within their temperature range. A large amount of information can be viewed and sorted on the [[Sensors Station]]. Stars are sorted using real-world stellar Classification.

Stars in their main life cycle are sorted from hottest to coldest. The sequence is O-Type, B-Type, A-Type, F-Type, G-Type, K-Type and M-Type. Some stars will generate as [[Brown Dwarf]]s, which are yet to ignite. Their sequence is L-Type, T-Type and Y-Type. In future, player vessels will be able to discover stellar remnants in the galaxy in place of star systems, including [[White Dwarf]]s, [[Neutron Star]]s, and [[Black Hole]]s. They will also be able to find T-Tauri stars (those in their early stages of formation) and Wolf-Rayet stars (those which are towards the end of their life cycles).

==Development==
''To be added''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]
[[Category:Stars| ]]

Black Hole

2026-07-06T10:40:51Z

Dark Knight 2013:

A '''black hole''' is a compact celestial body with a gravitational pull strong enough to prevent anything from escaping, including light. They are typically formed when supermassive [[star]]s reach the final stages of existence and collapse upon themselves. Black holes can be found around the [[Milky Way]], with the supermassive [[Sagittarius A*]] serving as the very centre of the galaxy.

==Development==
Black Holes were added during development in 2022, though lacked a lot of data and appeared as large black spheres. The code was updated by October 2023, where volumetric black holes were added to generate a greater variety of and more realistic appearances. During dev build 0.225.0.32, black holes were given proper stellar mass and the galaxy generation update allowed planets to generate in their system. In dev build 0.225.0.102, a bug was fixed which presented black holes as a planet on the [[Holo-Display]].

==Also See==
*[[wikipedia:Black hole|Black Holes on Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Stellar Remnants]]
[[Category:Black Holes| ]]

Category:Stellar Remnants

2026-07-05T16:07:10Z

Dark Knight 2013: Created page with ":''This category is for stellar remnants found in the galaxy.'' Category:Stars"

:''This category is for [[wikipedia:Stellar remnant|stellar remnants]] found in the galaxy.''

[[Category:Stars]]

Category:Black Holes

2026-07-05T16:05:44Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for black holes found in Starship Simulator.''

[[Category:Stellar Remnants]]

Planets

2026-07-01T09:07:19Z

Dark Knight 2013: Redirected page to Planet

#redirect [[Planet]]

Black Hole

2026-06-23T11:56:27Z

Dark Knight 2013: Created page with "A '''black hole''' is a compact celestial body with a gravitational pull strong enough to prevent anything from escaping, including light. They are typically formed when supermassive stars reach the final stages of existence and collapse upon themselves. Black holes can be found around the Milky Way, with the supermassive Sagittarius A* serving as the very centre of the galaxy. ==Development== Black Holes were added during development in 2022, though lacked..."

Star System

2026-06-23T11:26:49Z

Dark Knight 2013:

{{WIP}}
A '''star system''' is the term given to the area containing and surrounding a [[star]]. This space is represented within a notional in-game cubic light year of the [[Milky Way]] and includes celestial bodies that orbit it, such as [[planet]]s, comets, asteroids, [[moon]]s and planetary nebulae. Star systems can consist of more than one star, e.g. binary stars like [[Sirius]].

==Notes==
*In real life astronomy, [[wikipedia:Star system|star systems]] are clusters of multiple stars that orbit each other. The in-game star systems are mapped using sources including those of NASA where celestial bodies are depicted orbiting a central point, as '''planetary systems'''.

==Links==
*[[wikipedia:Planetary system|Wikipedia Page]]

[[Category:Astronomical Objects]]
[[Category:Star Systems| ]]

Category:Black Holes

2026-06-23T11:21:41Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for black holes found in Starship Simulator.''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]

Category:Star Systems

2026-06-23T11:21:20Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for star systems discovered in Starship Simulator.''

[[Category:Astronomical Objects]]

Category:Celestial Bodies

2026-06-23T11:20:55Z

Dark Knight 2013: Created page with ":''This category is for celestial bodies in Starship Simulator.'' Category:Locations Category:Galaxy Generation"

:''This category is for celestial bodies in Starship Simulator.''

[[Category:Locations]]
[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Help:Glossary

2026-06-23T11:17:04Z

Dark Knight 2013: /* Astrophysics and Planetary */

{{WIP}}
This page serves as a '''glossary''' for terms, phrases, and acronyms used within [[Starship Simulator]] and this wiki.

== Acronyms and Abbreviations ==
;'''[[wikipedia:Astronomical_unit|Astronomical Unit (AU)]]''' : A unit of distance roughly equal to the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
;'''[[AVA|Advanced Voice Assistant (AVA)]]''' : UNSF's official ship vocal Artificial Intelligence Assistant.
;'''[[wikipedia:British_Summer_Time|British Summer Time (BST)]]''' : (UTC+1). The time zone observed in the UK during summer months, principally relevant for [[Dev Stream]] schedules.
;'''[[wikipedia:Computer-aided_design|Computer-Aided Design (CAD)]]''' : Software used for creating 2-D and 3-D models.
;'''[[wikipedia:Extravehicular_activity|Extravehicular Activity (EVA)]]''' : Actions performed by a crew member outside the protective environment of the starship, typically requiring a space suit.
;'''[[wikipedia:Faster-than-light|Faster-Than-Light (FTL)]]''' : Travel or the effects of travelling when exceeding the speed of light in a vacuum (constant: ''c''). See [[Alcubierre Drive]].
;'''[[wikipedia:Greenwich_Mean_Time|Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)]]''' : (UTC+0). The standard time zone observed in the UK during winter months, relevant for [[Dev Stream]] schedules.
;'''[[Tutorial:Sensors#Galactic Positioning System (GPS)|GPS]]''' : [[Tutorial:Sensors#Galactic Positioning System (GPS)|Galactic Positioning System]]. One of the main [[Sensors]] modes, used for large-scale galactic navigation and coordinate viewing. (Note: Game usage differs from real-world [[wikipedia:Global_Positioning_System|GPS]])
;'''[[wikipedia:Head-up_display|Head-Up Display (HUD)]]''' : Information overlaid onto the player's first-person view.
;'''[[wikipedia:Light-year|Light Year (LY)]]''' : The distance light travels in a vacuum in one Julian year.
;'''[[wikipedia:Non-player_character|Non-Player Character (NPC)]]''' : Characters within the game controlled by the computer/AI rather than a human player.
;'''[[wikipedia:Reaction_control_system|Reaction Control System (RCS)]]''' : Thrusters used for fine attitude control and manoeuvring of the starship.
;'''[[wikipedia:SQL|SQL]]''' : Structured Query Language. A database language mentioned in relation to game data processing (e.g., Backer Stars, Credits).
;'''[[wikipedia:Unreal_Engine#Unreal_Engine_5|UE5]]''' : Unreal Engine 5. The game engine used to develop Starship Simulator.
;'''[[UNOS]]''' : United Nations Operating System. The proprietary computer Operating System used in-game.
;'''[[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]]''' : United Nations Space Fleet.The human organisation operating the player's starship.
;'''[[wikipedia:Coordinated_Universal_Time|Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)]]''' : The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time.
;'''[[wikipedia:Work_in_progress|Work In Progress (WIP)]]''' : Indicates a feature or area that is not yet complete.
;'''[[Sensors|LGAS Array]]''' : Low Gain Astrometry Survey
;'''[[Sensors|HGAS Array]]''' : High Gain Astrometry Survey
;'''[[Sensors|HIDS Array]]''' : (''Description needed'')
;'''[[Sensors|XNAV Dish]]''' : X-ray Navigation

== Astrophysics and Planetary ==
;'''Astronomical/Celestial Body''' : A physical object that exists in the universe, for example a [[star]], [[planet]] or [[moon]] (term used interchangeably, but former considered more scientific).
;'''Astronomical/Celestial Object''' : A collection of astronomical/celestial bodies, such as a [[galaxy]], star system or nebulae (term used interchangeably, but former considered more scientific).
;'''Black Hole''' : A former star of extremely intense gravity where constituent matter has fallen in from all sides so that it has become compressed to a point of zero volume and infinite density known as a singularity.
;'''Frost Line''' : In astrophysics, the radial distance from a central protostar within a protoplanetary disk at which the temperature drops below the condensation point of water ice, typically in the range of 150–170 K. Based upon the real-world evolution of stars in the galaxy, in Starship Simulator the term denotes the line at which regions where solid matter is dominated by rocks are divided from those where ice becomes abundant, giving an indication as to what has influenced the size and composition of the planets in any given system.
;'''Habitable Zone''' : The region in a star's orbit where water can form on planetary surfaces within parameters that could possibly support life.
;'''Lava Zone''' : The area within a star's orbit where lava planets could form.
;'''Planet''' : Any relatively large natural body that revolves in an orbit around a star, which does not radiate energy from internal nuclear fusion reactions. Stricter constraints over what consists of a planet other than this broad definition have been expressed in an effort to classify astronomical objects. These include among many questions: is there a minimum size for a planet such that it ought to be termed an asteroid if smaller; is the body dense enough to count as a planet; is the shape of the planet consistent with it having been formed by the pressure of its own gravity into a sphere; does it have mass sufficient for its core to have experienced even temporary nuclear fusion.
;'''Star''' : Any massive self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources.
;'''System''' : A collection of objects bound in a gravitational orbit, usually around a star.

== Construction ==
;'''[[wikipedia:Bow_(ship)|Bow]]''' : front section of the starship. See also Forward.
;'''[[wikipedia:Bulkhead_(partition)|Bulkhead]]''' : Generally refers to the internal walls and doors structuring the interior of the starship. Can sometimes imply reinforced structures.
;'''[[Wikipedia:Compartment (ship)|Compartment]]''' : The space between a bulkhead and decks, comparable to rooms in a building.
;'''[[wikipedia:Corridor|Corridor]]''' : An internal passageway connecting different rooms or sections of a deck, or connecting different rings.
;'''[[wikipedia:Deck_(ship)|Deck]]''' : A primary level or floor within the starship (e.g., [[A Deck]], [[B Deck]]). The term can also refer to the floor surface itself (the ceiling being the overhead).
;'''[[Framework]]''' : The underlying structural skeleton of the starship, often visible during construction phases or behind panels.
;'''[[wikipedia:Hull_(watercraft)|Hull]]''' : The outermost layer or shell of the starship, providing protection from the space environment.
;'''[[wikipedia:Keel|Keel]]''' : The lowermost structural element along the centerline of the ship's hull, often extending ventrally.
;'''[[wikipedia:Nacelle|Nacelle]]''' : External pods, typically housing main propulsion elements like engines or components of the [[Alcubierre Drive]].
;'''[[Ring]]''' : Circular corridors found on many decks, often encircling central rooms or core structures (e.g., Ring A, C Ring).
;'''[[wikipedia:Stern|Stern]]:''' : The rear section of the starship. See also Aft.
;'''[[Labels]]''' : Small labels or markings on wall panels, potentially used for identifying maintenance access points or system locations.

== Development ==
;'''[[wikipedia:Blueprint_(Unreal_Engine)|Blueprint]]''' : The Blueprint Visual Scripting system in Unreal Engine is a complete gameplay scripting system based on the concept of using a node-based interface to create gameplay elements from within Unreal Editor.
;'''[[wikipedia:Computer-aided_design|CAD]]''' : Computer-Aided Design software, is a tool used to create and modify 2-D and 3-D digital models for engineering projects, such as starship design.
;'''[[wikipedia:SketchUp|Sketchup]]''' : A specific CAD software mentioned as being used to create starship models for Starship Simulator.
;'''[[wikipedia:Unreal_Engine#Unreal_Engine_5|Unreal Engine 5]]''' : The specific version of the Unreal Engine game engine used to build Starship Simulator.

== Engineering ==
;'''[[wikipedia:battery|Battery]]''' : A device designed to store and distribute electricity.
;'''[[wikipedia:Open-circuit_voltage|Break]]''' : Open an electrical circuit to stop current flow.
;'''[[wikipedia:Circuit_breaker|Breaker]]''' : An electrical switch designed to protect circuits from damage caused by excess current.
;'''[[wikipedia:Busbar|Bus]]''' : A component, often a busbar, used to isolate and channel electrical currents between different circuits.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electrical_cable|Cable]]''' : A series of wires used in transporting high levels of electricity.
;'''[[wikipedia:Capacitor|Capacitor]]''' : A circuit component that accumulates and stores electrical energy.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electronic_circuit|Circuit]]''' : A series of interconnected electronic components forming a path for electrical current.
;'''[[wikipedia:Computer_terminal#System_console|Console]]''' : A device (panel, screen, interface) used to display information and allow control of a ship system.
;'''[[wikipedia:Coolant|Coolant]]''' : Material fluid used to absorb and transfer heat, reducing a device or system's temperature.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electric_current|Current]]''' : The flow of electricity in a circuit.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electricity|Electrical]]''' : Relating to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electronic_component|Electronic]]''' : Relating to devices or systems operating via the flow of electrons, typically involving components like transistors or integrated circuits.
;'''[[wikipedia:Error|Fault]]''' : A problem, defect, or malfunction within a component or system, often requiring maintenance or repair.
;'''[[wikipedia:Fluid|Fluid]]''' : A substance (liquid or gas) that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure.
;'''[[wikipedia:Discharge_(hydrology)#Inflow|Inflow]]''' : Fluid entering a system or component.
;'''[[Wiktionary:initiate|Initiate]]''' : To start or activate a system process (e.g., reactor startup).
;'''[[wikipedia:Input/output|Input]]''' : The electrical power or signal entering a system or component.
;'''[[wikipedia:No_load_power|No Load]]''' : A condition where an electrical circuit or power source is active but has no significant load connected, meaning no power is being drawn.
;'''[[wikipedia:outflowDischarge_(hydrology)|Outflow]]''' : Fluid leaving a system or component.
;'''[[wikipedia:Input/output|Output]]''' : The power or signal leaving a system or component.
;'''[[wikipedia:Pipe_(fluid_conveyance)|Pipe]]''' : A hollow tube used to transfer liquids and gases.
;'''[[wikipedia:Power_(physics)|Power]]''' : The rate at which [energy is transferred or converted per unit time, often measured in Watts.
;'''[[wikipedia:Pump|Pump]]''' : A device used to move fluids (liquids or gases) by mechanical action.
;'''[[Startup]]''' : The initial process of activating and bringing electrical or mechanical systems online.
;'''[[wikipedia:Switch|Switch]]''' : A component used to complete close or interrupt (break) an electrical circuit.
;'''[[wikipedia:Storage_tank|Tank]]''' : A container used to store fluids.
;'''[[Wiktionary:terminate|Terminate]]''' : To bring a process or sequence to an end.
;'''[[Wiktionary:test|Test]]''' : To run a diagnostic check on a component or system to determine its operational status or identify faults.
;'''[[wikipedia:Vacuum|Vacuum]]''' : A space entirely devoid of matter, or a space where the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
;'''[[wikipedia:Valve|Valve]]''' : A control device used to regulate, direct, or control the flow of fluids.
;'''[[wikipedia:Wire|Wire]]''' : A metal filament or strand used to conduct electricity.

== Gameplay Terms ==
;'''[[Cold & Dark Start]]''' : The detailed procedure for starting the ship's [[Fusion Reactor]] and bringing all systems online from a powered-down state. A key tutorial exists for the procedure in the game.
;'''[[Dev Build]]''' : Development Build. A version of the game released periodically to testers/backers, containing the latest features and changes. See [[Dev Builds|Dev Build Update History]].
;'''[[First Contact]]''' : The initial encounter and interaction with a previously unknown alien civilisation. Often involves diplomacy via dialogue choices.
;'''[[Tutorial:Sensors|Knowledge Level]]''' : A system indicating the amount of information gathered about a celestial object or system, typically progressing from Level 1 (Long Range) to Level 2 (Medium Range) to Level 3 (Short Range).
;'''[[Life and Tech Signatures#Life Signatures|Life Signature]]''' : Indication of biological life detected on a celestial body, typically requiring a Level 3 Short Range Scan to confirm. Visible on the Sensors UI.
;'''[[Tutorial:Sensors#Long Range Sensors|Long Range Survey]]''' : An initial scan performed by Long Range Sensors on a distant star system to gain Level 1 knowledge.
;'''[[Tutorial:Sensors#Medium Range Sensors|Medium Range Scan]]''' : A scan performed by Medium Range Sensors within the current star system to gain Level 2 knowledge. Sometimes referred to as the "Honk".
;'''[[wikipedia:Non-player_character|(NPC)]]''' : See Acronyms and Abbreviations.
;'''[[Tutorial:Sensors#Short Range Sensors|Short Range Scan]]''' : A detailed scan performed by Short Range Sensors on a nearby object to gain Level 3 knowledge.
;'''[[Life and Tech Signatures#Tech Signatures|Tech Signature]]''' : Indication of artificial technology detected on a celestial body or in space, typically requiring a Level 1 Long Range Survey to initially identify. Visible on the Sensors UI.
;'''[[Tech Demo]]''' : A public demonstration version of the game released during development. See [[Tech Demo|Tech Demo 1]], [[Tech Demo 2]].
;'''[[WIP]]''' : See Acronyms and Abbreviations.

== Lore / Organizations ==
;'''[[Fleetyard Studios]]''' : The independent developer of Starship Simulator.
;'''[[Magellan Class]]''' : The class of the first [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]] deep space exploration vessel featured in the game. See [[Magellan Class]].
;'''[[Sol System]]''' : The home [[wikipedia:Solar_System|star system]] of humanity, containing [[Earth]].
;'''[[United Nations Space Fleet|United Nations Space Fleet (UNSF)]]''' : The human organisation, likely descended from the modern UN, responsible for operating the [[Magellan Class]] starship and conducting deep space exploration.
;'''[[UNSF Magellan]]''' : The default name of the primary player operated [[Magellan Class]] starship.

== Personnel ==
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Admiral]]''' : A high ranking Admiral in the [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]], the rank immediately above a Captain.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Ambassador]]''' : An official Ambassador, potentially representing Earth, the UN, or humanity in diplomatic situations (First Contact).
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Cadet]]''' : A Cadet in the process of becoming a commissioned officer.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Captain]]''' : The commanding officer responsible for the conduct and good governance of a starship. The ship's company of crew and officers are commanded by the Captain, who reports to the Admiralty.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Civilian]]''' : Personnel aboard the ship who are not enlisted members of the [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]], such as passengers or potentially some specialised researchers.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Commander]]''' : A senior commissioned rank, often held by the Executive Officer or an officer in charge of a specific group or task. On a starship, they report directly to the Captain.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Commissioned Officer]]''' : Personnel holding rank and authority granted by the [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]], typically having undergone specific training (e.g., officers serving on the [[Bridge]] or as department heads).
;'''[[Commodore]]''' : A naval rank usually placed between the Captains and Admirals in terms of seniority in many navies. In Starship Simulator not a UNSF rank, but is mentioned as a game Backer tier in the community.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Doctor]]''' : The primary medical officer physician responsible for the physical health of the crew.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Engineer]]''' : Crew member responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the ship's technical systems, including the reactor and FTL drive. Based in [[Engineering]].
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Enlisted]]''' : Any member of the [[United Nations Space Fleet|UNSF]] with a rank below that of an officer. They perform many essential duties under the supervision of officers.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Ensign]]''' : The most junior rank of commissioned officer. Most cadets are granted the rank of ensign upon completion of officer training programs.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Executive Officer (XO)]]''' : Second-in-command of the starship, typically holding the rank of Commander. Reports directly to the Captain.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Lieutenant]]''' : A junior, outranking Ensigns but below Lieutenant Commander. Often granted to officers whose duties include the oversight of other crew members, such as departmental supervision.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Lieutenant Commander]]''' : A mid-level, senior to Lieutenant. Often serve as department heads and report directly to the Executive Officer.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Morale Officer]]''' : Crew member responsible for the crew's mental well-being, potentially serving as chef and/or bartender, listening to concerns.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Pilot]]''' : Crew member operating the Helm station on the [[Bridge]], responsible for manoeuvring the ship, piloting shuttles, and executing FTL jumps.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Science Officer]]''' : Crew member operating the Sensors station on the [[Bridge]] and working in [[Science|Science Labs]], responsible for scanning, data analysis, and research.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Security Officer]]''' : Crew member responsible for internal ship security, operating the [[Brig]], and potentially offering security to teams working away from the ship. Uses Internal Security Systems.
;'''[[UNSF Ranks|Tactical Officer]]''' : Crew member operating the Tactical station on the [[Bridge]], responsible for ship's defences (shields) and weaponry during combat situations.

== Physics Concepts ==
;'''[[Alcubierre Drive]]''' : A theoretical concept for achieving effective FTL travel by manipulating spacetime (contracting space ahead, expanding space behind) to create a 'warp bubble'. The likely inspiration for the game's FTL system. See [[Alcubierre Drive]] page or [[wikipedia:Alcubierre_drive|Alcubierre Drive (Wikipedia)]].
;'''[[wikipedia:Planetary_equilibrium_temperature|Equilibrium Temperature]]''' : The theoretical temperature a planet would have were it based purely on absorbing and emitting energy from its star, without accounting for atmospheric effects like the greenhouse effect.
;'''[[wikipedia:Exotic_matter|Exotic Matter]]''' : Hypothetical matter with unusual properties not found in normal matter, such as negative mass or negative energy density, theoretically required for concepts like the Alcubierre Drive or stable wormholes.
;'''[[wikipedia:Circumstellar_habitable_zone|Habitable Zone]]''' : The region around a star where conditions might be suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface, a key factor in searching for Earth-like worlds.
;'''[[wikipedia:Hill_sphere|Hill sphere]]''' : The region around a celestial body where its own gravity is dominant in attracting satellites, influencing the outer limits of planetary or moon systems.
;'''[[wikipedia:Negative_mass#Negative_energy|Negative Energy / Negative Mass]]''' : Hypothetical forms of energy/mass required by some theoretical physics concepts like the Alcubierre Drive. Violates known energy conditions and has not been observed.
;'''[[wikipedia:Roche_limit|Roche limit]]''' : The minimum distance at which a celestial body held together only by its own gravity will disintegrate due to a second celestial body's tidal forces exceeding the first body's gravitational self attraction. Relevant for ring formation and close orbits.

== Piloting ==
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Heave]]''' : The linear vertical (up or down) movement of the starship along its vertical axis. Often controlled by vertical RCS Thrusters. Sometimes called vertical translation.
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Pitch]]''' : The angular (rotational) up-or-down movement of the starship's bow relative to its lateral (side-to-side) axis. See [[wikipedia:Pitch_(aviation)|Pitch (aviation)]].
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Roll]]''' : The angular (rotational) movement of the starship around its longitudinal axis (running from bow to stern), causing a wing to dip. See [[wikipedia:Roll_(aviation)|Roll (aviation)]].
;'''[[Wikipedia:Six degrees of freedom|Six Degrees of Freedom]]''' : Six degrees of freedom (6DOF) refers to the six mechanical degrees of freedom of movement of a rigid body in three-dimensional space.
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Surge]]''' : The linear forward or backward movement of the starship along its longitudinal axis. Forward surge is typically achieved via main engines, while backward surge might use manoeuvering thrusters. Sometimes referred to as forward/backward thrust or acceleration/deceleration.
;'''Sublight''' : Speed of travel slower than the speed of light.
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Sway]]''' : The linear sideways (left-or-right) movement of the starship along its lateral axis. Often controlled by lateral RCS Thrusters. Commonly referred to as strafing or lateral translation.
;'''Target''' : Point of interest or object, sometimes a literal entity to be shot at.
;'''Throttle''' : The speed of travel of the RTS engines.
;'''[[Six degrees of freedom|Yaw]]''' : The angular (rotational) left or right movement of the starship's bow relative to its vertical axis. See [[wikipedia:Yaw_(rotation)|Yaw (rotation)]].

== Ship Navigation ==
;'''[[Ship Directions|Aft]]''' : Toward the rear end (stern) of the starship.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Dorsal]]''' : Toward the top or "back" of the starship (relative to its usual orientation).
;'''[[Ship Directions|Forward]]''' : Toward the front end (bow) of the starship.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Inboard]]''' : Toward the Centreline or centre of the starship deck/room.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Outboard]]''' : Toward the outer edge or hull of the starship deck/room.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Port]]''' : The left side of the starship when facing Forward.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Starboard]]''' : The right side of the starship when facing Forward.
;'''[[Ship Directions|Ventral]]''' : Toward the bottom or "belly" (keel) of the starship.

== Technology / Ship Systems ==
;'''[[Alcubierre Drive]]''' : The FTL propulsion system used by the [[Magellan Class]]. See [[Alcubierre Drive]]. Also see [[wikipedia:Alcubierre_drive|Wikipedia: Alcubierre drive]].
;'''[[Cryogenic Storage]]''' : Facilities for storing substances (like Helium, Deuterium, Helium-3) at extremely low temperatures ([[wikipedia:Cryogenics|cryogenics]]), located in [[Engineering]]. See [[Cryogenic Storage]].
;'''[[Fusion Reactor]]''' : The primary power source for the [[Magellan Class]] starship, based on [[wikipedia:Fusion_power|nuclear fusion]], located on [[F Deck]]. See [[Fusion Reactor]].
;'''[[Helm]]''' : The [[Bridge]] console and associated systems responsible for controlling the ship's movement, course plotting, and FTL engagement.
;'''[[Holoprojector]]''' : The large holographic display unit located in the centre of the [[Bridge]], used to visualise sensor data, maps, and potentially tactical information.
;'''[[Internal Security Systems]]''' : Systems related to controlling access ([[Doors|doors]], [[Main Crew Lift|lifts]]), monitoring locations, and securing the ship ([[Brig]]).
;'''[[Main Crew Lift]]''' : The primary elevator connecting decks B through F.
;'''[[wikipedia:MIDI|MIDI Interface]]''' : Used in-game to allow players to play the [[VIP piano]] using a real world MIDI keyboard connected to their computer.
;'''[[wikipedia:Electric_power_distribution|Power Distribution]]''' : The network of conduits, batteries, and control systems distributing energy from the reactor to all other systems. Includes panels like the one near the [[Bridge]] entrance.
;'''[[wikipedia:Reaction_control_system|RCS Thrusters]]''' : Small thrusters located around the hull used for precise attitude adjustments (pitch, roll, yaw) and translational manoeuvering.
;'''[[Sensors]]''' : The suite of instruments used for detecting and analysing objects across various ranges and providing detailed information. See [[Sensors]].
::*'''[[Sensors|LGAS Array]]:''' Low Gain Astrometry Survey
::*'''[[Sensors|HGAS Array]]:''' High Gain Astrometry Survey
::*'''[[Sensors|HIDS Array]]:''' (''Description needed'')
::*'''[[Sensors|XNAV Dish]]:''' Xray Navigation
;'''[[Ship Lighting]]''' : The system controlling internal and external illumination, including different modes like standard, emergency, and alert levels.
;'''[[Tactical Systems]]''' : Systems related to combat, including shields and weapons (largely planned features).

[[Category:Help pages]]
[[Category:Lists]]

Category:Stars

2026-06-23T11:13:09Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for stars in Starship Simulator.''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]

Category:Planets

2026-06-23T11:12:51Z

Dark Knight 2013:

:''This category is for planets that can be found and visited in the galaxy.''

[[Category:Celestial Bodies]]