With cutting-edge modular compatibility, the Caspian Explorer is an attractive choice for pilots with dreams of exploring the galaxy in style. It offers full integration with several Mk II modules to provide an expansive hyperjump range, optimised orbital glides, expert thruster control and a remarkable FSD supercharge capacity. Zorgon Peterson have also packed the Caspian Explorer with plenty of internal module slots to accommodate one’s personal loadout needs.
— In-Game Description
The Caspian Explorer is a large exploration ship produced by Zorgon Peterson. The ship was announced on 4 November 2025 and early access for ARX began on 2 December 2025.[1][2]
Overview[]
The Caspian Explorer's hull design is saucer-shaped, low profile with 6 main engine exhausts, 4 of which are on 2 movable nacelles on either side of the ship that retract and extend laterally.[1] The ship's cockpit canopy sits flush against the hull, giving all crew members a panoramic vertical view at the expense of considerable external side views.
The Caspian Explorer can be outfitted with the following Mk II modules:
- Supercharged Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO), which increases the multiplier effect of Fuel Scooping from the jet cones of white dwarfs and neutron stars to 200% and 500%, respectively.[3]
- Ablative Armour, which supports gravity drops of up to 75 degrees and features glide speeds of up to 3500 m/s.
- Gravity Optimised Thrusters, which are tuned for flight within gravity wells and provide a more powerful thrust when the equipped ship is near a planetary surface.[2]
Outfitting[]
- Main article: Outfitting
All ships are highly customizable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Caspian Explorer.
| Category | Default System | Default Rating | Default Class | Max Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Hardpoint | Pulse Laser | F | 1 | 2 |
| Pulse Laser | F | 1 | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Large Hardpoint | Empty | -- | -- | 3 |
| Utility Mount | Empty | -- | -- | -- |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Bulkheads | Lightweight Alloys | I | C | 1 |
| Reactor Bay | Power Plant | E | 8 | 8 |
| Thrusters Mounting | Thrusters | E | 7 | 7 |
| Frame Shift Drive Housing | Frame Shift Drive (SCO) | E | 8 | 8 |
| Environment Control | Life Support | E | 5 | 5 |
| Power Coupling | Power Distributor | E | 7 | 7 |
| Sensor Suite | Sensors | E | 8 | 8 |
| Fuel Store | Fuel Tank [x128] | C | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Rack [x64] | E | 6 | 7 | |
| Shield Generator | E | 6 | 6 | |
| Cargo Rack [x32] | E | 5 | 6 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 4 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 4 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 3 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 1 | |
| Supercruise Assist | E | 1 | 1 | |
| Advanced Docking Computer | E | 1 | 1 | |
| (PAS) | I | 1 | 1 |
- (L) = Loaned Module
- [x#] = Capacity
- (PAS) = Reserved solely for the Planetary Approach Suite or Advanced Planetary Approach Suite
Development[]
The Caspian Explorer was revealed in a Developer Log Video on YouTube on 4 November 2025, and released via early access for ARX on 2 December 2025.[1][2]
Notes[]
- The ship design has numerous similarities with many starships of the science fiction franchise Star Trek, (1965–present), including the Enterprise (NX-01) and its sister ships of the NX-Class, the USS Voyager (NCC-74656, Intrepid-Class), the USS Defiant (NX-74205, Defiant-Class), the Centaur-Class frigates, and the Akira-Class heavy cruisers.
Videos[]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 4 November 2025 - YouTube
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 November Dev Blog - 25 Nov 2025 - Elite Dangerous website
- ↑ Zorgon Peterson Unveils Caspian Explorer Vessel - 02 Dec 2025 - Elite Dangerous website