Known Space
Surveyed space extends out from Earth in all directions forming a bubble of interstellar space approximately 40 parsecs (130.4 light years) in diameter. Beyond this limit are the billions of stars and planets that exist within the rest of the Milky Way Galaxy - untapped and undiscovered resources for the many generations to come. This 40 parsec sphere of human activity has not been uniformly settled.
The very first worlds to be discovered and explored are close to Earth, they surround the Earth in a Core area that extends 4 parsecs out from Earth.
Beyond the populated colony worlds of the Core is a much broader disc of lesser-travelled and more sparsely populated star systems. This is the Outer Rim, and it extends out from the Core for another 6 parsecs.
Beyond the Outer Rim is the rarely travelled, sparsely settled Frontier.
Core – An 8 parsec diameter disc of colonized worlds around Earth.
Frontier – Beyond the Outer Rim, a region of isolated outposts and science stations.
Light Year – Standard unit of distance, equal to 9.461 trillion kilometres
Outer Rim – A 20 parsec diameter disc of sparsely populated worlds around Earth.
Parsec – A distance equal to 3.26 light years.
Space exploration is difficult, hard and dangerous. Space is the preserve of the Federation and Earth Based Mega Corporations which focus on the acquisition of resources and control. Space is not a place for tourists or fortune-hunters; it is a hostile and brutal frontier, where men and women work hard, rely on nobody but themselves, risk death every day and face the Unknown.
None of the habitable worlds are a paradise and most aren’t remotely Earth-like; there is always a kink that makes life tough, whether it’s the biosphere, the seasons, the radiation, the atmosphere or one of a score of other deadly effects.
In this setting, the Core, Outer Rim, and Frontier define distinct zones of human expansion
Core (0-4 Parsecs from Earth)
Moderately Populated : The Core worlds are the most populated and well-established. These worlds were the first to be colonized, and they benefit from advanced infrastructure, and are highly controlled by the Federation.
Travel : Interplanetary travel in the Core is frequent, with well-established Jump-2 routes and advanced gravitic spaceports.
Outer Rim (4-10 Parsecs from Earth)
Sparsely Populated : The Outer Rim is far less settled, with only a few scattered colony worlds. Many planets here are in the early stages of development, relying heavily on Core support.
Frontier Worlds : These systems are rugged, with populations focused on resource extraction and frontier survival. Life is harder here, and technological levels may vary between settlements.
Trade and Exploration : Travel here is less frequent than in the Core, and routes are often used by traders, miners, and corporations seeking to exploit resources.
Frontier (10-20 Parsecs from Earth)
Unexplored and Dangerous: The Frontier is largely uncharted, with rarely traveled star systems and untapped resources. Settlements here are remote outposts or independent colonies with minimal support from the Federation.
Risky Ventures: Expeditions into the Frontier are dangerous, with unknown environmental hazards, potential alien life, and pirate activity being constant threats.
Potential for Expansion: Despite the dangers, the Frontier holds the promise of discovery, making it a prime target for corporate and scientific exploration.
