Research is a new feature added in Alpha 4.0, and requires Researchers working in the Research Lab Zone. Many research topics require Research Datacubes before the relevant technology can be researched. These can be found on derelicts and boarding ships.
Current research projects are:
| Name | Cost | Effect | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Armor | 1000 | Equips all Security with Body Armor, increasing their resistance to damage | None |
| Gamma Class Matter Refinery | 1200 | Unlocks an upgraded Refinery, which is more efficient | None |
| Green Digi-Thumb | 1000 | Better efficiency for Botanists | None |
| Sonic Boltdriver | 1000 | Faster construction speed for Builders | None |
| Modified Oxygen Recycler | 1000 | Unlocks an upgraded Oxygen Recycler, which has twice the output | None |
| Heavy Door | 1000 | Unlocks an upgraded Door, which is more resilient to phazer blasts | None |
| Phazer Rifle | 1200 | Equips all Security with Phazer Rifles, increasing their damage | None |
| Marauder Armor | 3000 | Equips all Security with Marauder Armor, Greatly increasing their resistance to damage | Marauder Armor Datacube, Body Armor Research |
| Antiviral Air scrubber | 750 | Reduces likelihood of disease transmission over an area | None |
| Widebeam Vaporization Ray | 1200 | Equips all builders with a much more powerful vaporization tool | None |
Developer post demonstrating the visual effect of armor and weapon upgrades