Tutorial:Sensor Data Explained

NOTICE: This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page explains the various data fields displayed for star systems and celestial bodies within Starship Simulator, typically viewed via the Sensors console. This data is generated by the Galaxy Generation system based on procedural algorithms and real-world astronomical principles.

Star System Data Fields

The following fields provide information about a star system as a whole or its primary star:

Name

• Description: The common designation for the star or star system. This can be a standard astronomical catalogue name (e.g., Wolf 359), a traditional name (e.g., Sirius), or a procedurally generated name.
• Examples: Sol, Alpha Centauri, Dan's Test Star.

Location

• Description: The system's position within the simulated Milky Way galaxy, expressed using a 3D Cartesian coordinate system. The origin (0,0,0) is located at the galactic center, Sagittarius A*. Coordinates are given in light-years along the X, Y, and Z axes. See The Galaxy In Detail for more on the coordinate system.
• Example: Sol is at -26670, 0, 56.

Number of planets

• Description: The total count of planetary bodies orbiting the primary star(s) in the system. This typically includes major planets and may also count recognized Dwarf Planets.

Star Class

• Description: The spectral classification of the star(s) in the system, based on temperature, luminosity, and spectral characteristics. For single stars, it's a single classification (e.g., G2V). For binary or multi-star systems, it may list the classes of the components (e.g., G / K for Alpha Centauri A/B). This designation provides insight into the star's size, age, color, and potential for supporting life.
• See Also: Star types for detailed explanations of different classes.

Roche Limit

• Description: An astronomical term defining the minimum distance at which a smaller celestial body held together only by its own gravity can orbit a larger primary body without being torn apart by the primary's tidal forces. Inside the Roche Limit, orbiting material tends to form rings rather than coalesce into a moon. The value shown is typically for the primary star. Calculation implemented in Galaxy Generation.
• See Also: Roche Limit (Wikipedia)

Hill Radius

• Description: An astronomical term defining the radius of the gravitational sphere of influence around a celestial body (like a star), within which it can capture and hold satellites (like planets or moons) despite the gravitational pull of a more distant, larger body (like the galactic core). Objects outside the Hill Radius are not gravitationally bound to the star system long-term. Calculation implemented in Galaxy Generation. Related to Tidal Truncation Radius, which is influenced by galactic region (Build 0.225.0.67).
• See Also: Hill Sphere (Wikipedia)

2000K Dust Sublimation

• Description: The calculated distance from the star where the equilibrium temperature reaches approximately 2000 Kelvin. Inside this radius, common silicate dust grains vaporize (sublimate), preventing the formation of rocky bodies. It represents a theoretical inner boundary for planet formation in the proto-planetary disk. Implemented in Galaxy Generation (Build 0.225.0.66).

1200K Lava Line

• Description: The calculated distance from the star where the equilibrium temperature reaches approximately 1200 Kelvin. Planets orbiting primarily within this line are highly likely to be Lava Worlds due to the intense stellar radiation. Implemented in Galaxy Generation (Build 0.225.0.66).

320K Habitable Zone Start

• Description: The calculated inner boundary distance from the star where surface temperatures on a suitable planet could potentially allow for liquid water, assuming sufficient atmospheric pressure. This represents the "hot" edge of the system's Habitable Zone. Temperature reference used in Galaxy Generation.

230K Habitable Zone End

• Description: The calculated outer boundary distance from the star where surface temperatures on a suitable planet could potentially allow for liquid water. Beyond this distance, water primarily exists as ice. This represents the "cold" edge of the system's Habitable Zone. Temperature reference used in Galaxy Generation.

150K Frost Line

• Description: (Also known as the Snow Line). The calculated distance from the star beyond which volatile compounds like water, ammonia, and methane can condense into solid ice grains. This line typically separates the formation region of inner, rocky planets from outer gas and ice giants in a proto-planetary disk. Temperature reference used in Galaxy Generation. (Note: A distinct Carbon Monoxide snow line at ~30K was also implemented - Build 0.225.0.32).

Planetary Body Data Fields

(To be added)

Sources

• Fleetyard Studios Pitcon Presentation #2 (April 2025) - Slides available Here.
• Fleetyard Studios Pitcon Presentation #2 Video Recording (Segment: 2:46:30 - 3:24:00) - Link
• Development Build Update History (Various entries referenced above)
• General Astronomical Definitions