[DSSA] The Aphelion Expedition

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Logo by Qohen Leth


LAUNCHING JUNE 9TH & 10th 3306


Video by Eagle131
Post 1: Intro & Expedition Background
  • Introduction
  • What is the DSSA?
  • The First Flotilla
  • How can you help?
  • Mapping the Transgalactic Tritium Highway
  • Which DSSA Carriers are taking part in the Aphelion Expedition?
  • Where are we going?
  • Expedition Pacing
  • Large Scale Tritium Prospecting & Mining in the Galactic Core
  • Why just a 3-week window to conclude this expedition?
  • Expedition Overview Map

Post 2 : Fleet Schedule, Waypoints, and Route Maps
  • Fleet Schedule
  • Waypoints
  • Route Maps

Post 3: Sign-Up Link, Fleet Roles, Maintaining the Array
  • Sign Up
  • Fleet Roster
  • Recommended Ships & Equipment to store aboard DSSA Carriers
  • How can I keep in touch with what’s going on?
  • Mode of Play
  • Links to associated DSSA expeditionary events
  • Future content & keeping the Array functional

Introduction

Commanders,

June 9th 3306 will see a new era of deep space exploration and human expansion begin. The introduction of commercially available capital class starships will push the borders to far off frontiers. Technological advances in frame shift drives and the deployment of deep space outposts like the Explorers Anchorage, as well as innovative new fuel sources, have given us the freedom to leave behind the dependence on old regimes and have provided us with the means to seek out distant shores, untapped resources, and the allure of a fresh start.

And now, with capital class starships, we finally have the necessary hardware and the means to set up permanent outposts on a colonial scale.

Just like our ancient forebears, when they left the old world for the new one back in the 17th and 18th centuries on old Earth — and later the waves of generation ships that took pioneers to the stars — this next wave of expansion lies in your hands. A new beginning awaits all those willing to seize the opportunity and play a part in writing the next chapter of humanity's journey.

With over one hundred Drake-Class carriers poised to begin their expeditions to those distant shores, the DSSA Initiative is laying the earliest foundations for this endeavour.

The journeys these behemoths undertake will not be easy, despite all the advancements in technology. It will take monumental efforts to seed each galactic region with the infrastructure required to lay foundations for the first early outposts that could be destined to follow. Future events like Distant Worlds 3 will be utilised to help with some of those tasks that lay ahead, but the first stage begins now, with the launching of the first DSSA Carriers - these “Beacons in the profound night” - as the DSSA founder, Qohen Leth, aptly stated.


What is the DSSA?

The Deep Space Support Array is an initiative that was conceived by Qohen Leth and proposed to the FleetComm and Distant Worlds team in September 3305. Aimed at offering explorers and expeditionary events the use of their facilities while out in the depths, the initiative has captured the imagination of many commanders and is evolving into a long-term project, designed to utilize Carrier-class starships in an innovative way that may lead to the eventual establishment of permanent industry and tourism-based ‘microbubbles’.

The long-term ambition and scope lays way beyond these initial first steps, and if proved feasible, it will lay foundations for many more emergent gameplay opportunities to come.

For more in depth information about the DSSA, please visit Qohen’s post here: Link


The First Flotilla

This will be the first ever multi-carrier-based expedition to leave the bubble and it offers a golden opportunity for commanders across the old worlds to come along on this grand adventure and be a part of history in the making.
  • The DSSA is calling upon fuel haulers, prospectors, and miners to join the expedition and help lay a path to the most distant regions.
The Aphelion Expedition is just one DSSA flotilla out of several that will be setting out over the coming months. This will be an event unlike any other that has preceded it due to the fact that it will be the first time multiple Carriers will be used in a long distance expedition. We will also be using this opportunity to learn about journey pacing, logistics, and coordination for future large scale Carrier operations, like those that will be used on Distant Worlds 3.

The main emphasis for this expedition is logistics, with the primary goal being fuel mining operations upon reaching the galactic core, and the secondary goal being to prospect for Tritium-rich star systems close to the designated waypoint stopover locations.

Additionally, this will be a space-based expedition with no official planet-side basecamps. Carriers themselves will be the basecamps to use, however players are welcome to organise their own surface meetups during the trip, if time permits.


How can you help?
  • If you can spare a T-9 or large hauler laden with Tritium fuel, or have mining vessels at hand, and would like to take part, please be at BD-22 3573 on the day the content is released (June 9th), and dock aboard one of the DSSA Carriers stationed there.
  • You can also help by buying Tritium from bubble-based refineries and selling it to one of those DSSA Carriers in that system.
  • Remember to check the name of the carrier owner before docking and selling your fuel to them - to avoid selling to non-DSSA Carriers in the system. DSSA Carrier owners taking part in this expedition are listed below.
  • You can also join the expedition as a miner, and dock your mining ships aboard any of the carriers before departure, and help mine for fuel during the journey itself.
The Launch Event;
  • The Flotilla is scheduled to launch once the fuelling operation is complete. This will be a casual launch event with no specific time of day set, this is due to the nature of fuelling ops - which are dependent on the number of people taking part and also on the time zones participating commanders are in. Each individual Carrier will launch when its ready, so please be at BD-22 3573 on content release day, and be aboard a Carrier in good time if you're intending to come along.

Mapping the Transgalactic Tritium Highway

Back in 3302 the first Distant Worlds fleet scouted out the Jumponium highway across the galaxy for the GMP. And likewise, one of the peripheral goals for the Aphelion Expedition will be to scout for Tritium-rich systems along the route - marking out the first Transgalactic Tritium Highway as we go.

There will be numerous waypoints visited during this journey, and it is at these locations where commanders will be able to spend some time looking for Tritium Highway POIs. Stopovers at waypoints will last between 1 and 2 hours – enough time to search the surrounding area for candidate systems.

Tri2 and Tri3 Scouting;

Of particular interest will be ring systems containing double or triple overlapping Tritium hotspots (akin to the LTD hotspot in Borann). If you find any such locations during this journey, please be sure to post them to the Galactic Mapping Project: Here.


Which DSSA Carriers are taking part in the Aphelion Expedition?

Carrier Insignia
Name
Commander
Assigned Region
(& GMP Designation)
Travel Distance
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DSSA Sleeper Service
The DSSA flagship and the projects administrative hub,
assigned to the Galactic Centre.

Qohen Leth​

The Galactic Centre
(Northeastern Galactic Bar)​
30,000 LYs​
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DSSA Distant Worlds 'Endeavour’
The Distant Worlds flagship will be assigned to Beagle Point
as a permanent monument dedicated to all commanders
who take part in expeditionary events to the far galactic rim,
past, present and future.
Kamzel​
The Abyss
(The Solitude Void)​
65,000 LYs​
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DSSA Stellar Oasis
A light in the darkness, the DSSA Stellar Oasis is assigned to assist
explorers willing to adventure to the far reaches of the Mare Somnia sector.


alerok_147​

Mare Somnia
(Viatori Patuit)​
51,000 LYs​
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DSSA Callisto
Deploying to the northern half of Arcadian Stream with a secondary
mission to investigate reports of an unusually high number of
water worlds and earth-like worlds in the local area.
Gnauty​

Arcadian Stream
(Eurus)​
40,000 LYs​
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DSSA Tartarus
Assigned to orbit a black hole - a rarity in the Abyss.
Orbiting at only 2.5 Ls from its star is a Class V Gas Giant
named Kronos - named after the Titan that is imprisoned in Tartarus.
nouspiro​

The Abyss
(The Abyss)​
46,000 LYs​
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DSSA King's Pass
DSSA King's Pass is assigned to orbit the 5th planet in the system,
a 1.00G landable body perfect for expeditionary meet-ups and
quick rest stops alike. The system is also home to triplet Earthlikes:
Amorigon, New Aramith, and Shinzo, respectively from the star.
King_INF3RN0​
The Norma Expanse
(Cirinus Transit)​
17,000 LYs​
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DSSA Sésame
Assigned to the Kingfisher Nebula - a strikingly bright blue planetary
nebulae illuminated by a billion stars within the Sidereal Wall.
All needed materials for FSD injection can be collected in this
'Jumponium-Green' system.​
Guesswhat92​
The Norma Expanse
(The Sidereal Wall)​
14,500 LYs​
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DSSA Aristarchos
This Carrier will launch together with the Flotilla, but will
depart the fleet at Antares, and head 'southeast' to the far
reaches of the Outer Arm.
Holint​

Xibalba
(The Perseus Fade)​

25,500 LYs​
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Colonia Carrier ‘Challenger’
Support vessel.
This Carrier will launch from Colonia and will rendezvous
with the flotilla at the Explorer’s Anchorage to help with
refuelling operations.
Jon Burnage​
The Galactic Centre
(Central Galactic Bar)​
11,000 LYs​
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Mercy of Angel
Support vessel.
This Carrier will operate as a transport vessel - bringing
commanders home from the Aphelion regions to the Bubble
once the expedition concludes.

Camel Number 1​
The Abyss
(Galactic Aphelion)​
65,000 LYs​
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Zero Dawn
Support vessel.
This Carrier will operate as a transport vessel - bringing
commanders home from the Aphelion regions to Colonia
once the expedition concludes.​
GranolaGuy​
The Abyss
(Galactic Aphelion)​
65,000 LYs​


Where are we going?

The flotilla will be heading to the Explorer’s Anchorage near Sgr A* in the galactic core.

Once there, mining teams from the Colonia carrier ‘Challenger’, commanded by Jon Burnage, will be on hand to help refuel the DSSA Carriers in readiness for their journeys to the regions beyond the core. After the refueling operation, the flotilla will begin a 5,000 LY climb up to the Sleepers Solace waypoint (the final destination of the DSSA flagship - Sleeper Service).

The Aphelion Expedition (as registered on EDSM) will officially end at Sleepers Solace as the remaining fleet will split into two, and effectively two separate journeys will begin thereafter; one group will head to the Abyss (DSSA Distant Worlds ‘Endeavour’ & DSSA Tartarus), and the other group will head into the eastern 4th Quadrant (DSSA Callisto & DSSA Stellar Oasis).

Commanders accompanying the journey to this point will need to decide which carrier group they wish to support on their way to their destinations. Commanders are of course free to split their time between carrier journeys if they wish to, and if it's logistically viable for them to. Once Carriers reach their final designated systems, prospectors and miners are invited to help refuel them once more, as one of the DSSA goals is to set up deep space Tritium fuel depots, and in lieu of surface structures, these Carriers will act as Tritium storage outposts in the interim.


Large Scale Tritium Prospecting & Mining in the Galactic Core

Upon arriving at the Explorer's Anchorage, at least six DSSA Carriers will require refuelling. To help with this, the Colonia Carrier Challenger will be on hand to help coordinate the fuel extraction and transfer process. A dedicated #dssa-logistics channel will be available on FleetComm discord for everyone who wants to help out, and this will be overseen by CMDR Jon Burnage.


Expedition Pacing
  • It is estimated to take no more than three or four days to reach the Explorer’s Anchorage - whereupon the second refueling phase will begin.
  • The second phase of the journey should take no more than a further 10 days to complete.
Each Carrier in the Flotilla will be commanded by players from different time zones, so it's impractical for them all to stick to exactly the same schedule during the journey. Additionally a Carrier-based expedition is unlike the traditional kind of journey we’ve all been used to in the past. Carrier commanders have to set each jump - one at a time - and can only do so every 20 minutes. As such its impossible to have a set-in-stone schedule to stick to for all sorts of reasons that may cause a Carrier Commander to delay a jump (like RL).

On this expedition we will use a google-sheet that everyone has access to, and that will give you a rough timetable of jump schedules, Carrier status, jump delays, WP departure times, and the exact location of each Carrier in the fleet.

The pacing for Carriers will be set at around 5,000 to 8,000 LYs per day - depending on each individual Carrier Commanders available time commitment. As such participants with limited gametime are highly encouraged to dock aboard one of the Carriers before launch and stay aboard until we reach the major designated waypoints.

Waypoint stopovers will last around 1 to 2 hours and will give players a chance to undock and conduct some localised exploration and Tritium prospecting during fuel transfer operations and Carrier Commander rest-breaks. Time spent at intermediate jump locations between designated waypoints will last approx. 20 minutes (the time it takes a Carrier to prep for its next jump).

Commanders with more gametime to commit are of course free to travel the route at their own pace in their own ships if they prefer.


Why such a short time period to complete this expedition?

The Aphelion expedition is just one of many different DSSA expeditions setting out this summer. Its important that other events are supported too, and we encourage those taking part in the Aphelion event to also help out with other DSSA launch events that are planned for the coming weeks. This is why we expect to conclude this particular journey and deployment within two or three weeks of departure, so players have time to hook up with other Carrier-based events on the horizon. See the links at the end of post #3 for details on upcoming DSSA events.

To help transport Aphelion participants back in time to join up with those subsequent DSSA expeditions, the Carrier ‘Mercy of Angel’ commanded by Camel Number 1, has volunteered to be on hand to ferry players home from the far reaches once the last Aphelion Carrier has been deployed.


Expedition Overview

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Fleet Schedule

Click the image below to bring up the full waypoint itinerary and fleet progress status sheet...



Waypoints

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Waypoint 2 - Antares
DSSA Aristarchos begins journey to Xibalba
Waypoint 3 - Cycladia
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Waypoint 4 - Cat’s Paw Nebula
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Waypoint 6 - Rekohu Project
DSSA King's Pass begins journey to Norma Expanse
Waypoint 7 - Geminus Nebula
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Waypoint 8 - Kingfisher Nebula
DSSA Sésame remains at this location
Waypoint 9 - Guardian's Hope
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Waypoint 10 - Red Cloud Nebula
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Waypoint 12 - Ostrum
Waypoint 13 - Explorer's Anchorage
Large scale mining and refuelling operations begin,
assisted by the Colonia Carrier 'Challenger'​
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Waypoint 14 - Sleepers Solace
The Expedition as registered on EDSM ends here.
DSSA Sleeper Service remains at this location.
DSSA Distant Worlds & DSSA Tartarus begin their journeys to the Abyss
following the waypoints as continued below.
DSSA Stellar Oasis & DSSA Callisto begin their journeys to the 4th Quadrant
using their own designated routes.
Waypoint 15 - Breakthrough Echoes
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Waypoint 16 - Goliath’s Rest
Waypoint 17 - The Zinnia Haze
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Waypoint 18 - Aristo
Waypoint 19 - Genus Divorsus
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Waypoint 20 - Fractures of Fachiae
Waypoint 21 - Kríkos
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Waypoint 22 - Knife’s Edge
Waypoint 23 - Luna's Shadow
DSSA Tartarus will begin its journey to the eastern Abyss.
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Waypoint 24 - Distant View in Blue
Waypoint 25 - Beagle Point
DSSA Distant Worlds ‘Endeavour’ will conduct a 1 week survey
of the galactic rim before beginning its DSSA service at Beagle Point.
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Route Maps

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Sign up to the Aphelion Expedition here...

The main emphasis for this expedition is logistics, with the primary goal being fuel mining operations upon reaching the galactic core.

By signing up to this expedition you accept that there will be very limited ‘exploration time’ during the journey itself, as that is secondary to this particular DSSA mission goal.

The pacing will be set at around 6,000 to 8,000 LYs per day. Participants with limited gametime are highly encouraged to dock aboard one of the Carriers before launch and stay aboard until we reach the major designated waypoints.
  • Expedition Sign-Up : Link
  • EDSM Registration : Link
(Note: As far as EDSM goes, the Aphelion Expedition officially ends at the waypoint; Sleepers Solace).

Fleet Roster



Recommended Ships & Equipment to store aboard DSSA Carriers

Primary Role
Recommended Ship
Essential Modules
Tasks
Tritium Prospector​
Diamondback Explorer
Asp Explorer​

Detailed Surface Scanner
Long Range FSD
Fuel Scoop​
To search for Tritium-rich ring systems..​
Fuel Hauler​
T-7
T-9
Cutter​

Large Cargo Racks
Long Range FSD
Fuel Scoop​
Deliver fuel to DSSA Carriers, either at launch,
or as part of mining ops at the galactic core.​
Miner​
T-9
Python
Cutter​

Mining Lasers
Prospector Limpet Controller
Collector Limpet Controller x 2
Large Cargo Racks
Refinery
Detailed Surface Scanner​
To mine Tritium fuel at the galactic core as part
of the secondary fueling operation.​
Passenger (just along for the ride)​
Any​

Long Range FSD
Fuel Scoop​
Enjoy the ride!​


How can I keep in touch with what’s going on?

The Aphelion Expedition will have its own text chat channel on the FleetComm Discord; #aphelion-expedition. All expedition info, fleet status updates, and mining op details will be posted in that channel and copy/pasted to this thread too.

To join FleetComm Discord: Click Here


Mode of Play
  • All DSSA/FleetComm events take place in the FleetComm PG.
  • If you’re not already a member, read this thread and follow the application links: Joining FleetComm PG
  • Those who opt to take part in open play do so at their own discretion.

Future content & keeping the Array functional

The DSSA is the first step in providing opportunities geared toward encouraging player-created content and emergent gameplay far from the traditional locations like the Bubble and Colonia. Carriers are providing us with the means to do this, and each launch event will be a chance for players to get involved in helping write this opening chapter of ‘new era’ gameplay.

The logistics involved in getting these capital ships out to where they need to be will be one of the prime focuses early on, but once the Array is in place, these Carriers will effectively become deep space outposts in their own right - offering services to travelers first and foremost, but also creating opportunities for expeditions to utilize them as focal points for specific mission goals - like mining events to help maintain deep space Tritium depots for other Carriers traversing the depths.

To do this, emergent gameplay, like the creation of logistical support wings will be promoted and incorporated into major expeditionary events, like DW3, such as;
  • Heavy Industry DSSA Fuel Hauler Teams (eg. utilizing high capacity T-9s, Panthers, and Cutters).
  • Tritium Prospectors and Mappers (in association with the GMP)
  • The creation of DSSA Mining Divisions
  • Freelance and FleetComm-affiliated Roving Carrier Transports (utilized to take mining teams and tourists to and from DSSA outposts)
As Distant Worlds 2 highlighted, logistical and industry-based gameplay proved extremely popular during the building of the Explorer's Anchorage. The DSSA hopes to continue with that kind of vision and bring opportunities for many different roles, events, and projects to come, as this will in turn help support the Array with upkeep costs by bringing traffic and player activity out to these remote regions.

For the first time since DW2 there will be tangible reasons for deep space haulers, miners, and prospectors to ply their trade far from the old worlds, out in some of the most interesting locations so far discovered.


Links to associated DSSA expeditionary events
 
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Psyched for this :love:
Can players store modules on other people's carriers? I'd like to do the prospecting for fuel but want to mine in the big event at the end too. So do I have to bring 2 different ships or can I outfit on a carrier and try different jobs??
Also what's the best all rounder ship for this kind of mission?
 
DSSA Stellar Oasis & DSSA Callisto begin their journeys to the 4th Quadrant
using their own designated routes.

Is there information on what part of these regions the carriers will go to? like sector names? I plan on exploring the SagCarina arm and move downwards back to the bubble as part of my plan. Would I be able to hitch a ride on one of these carriers as they're going near there? I'll provide some tritium fuels for passage of course.
 
Psyched for this :love:
Can players store modules on other people's carriers? I'd like to do the prospecting for fuel but want to mine in the big event at the end too. So do I have to bring 2 different ships or can I outfit on a carrier and try different jobs??
Also what's the best all rounder ship for this kind of mission?

The answer depends on how each CMDR fits their carrier. Shipyard, outfitting and armoury are separate services. Here is a link to the DSSA tracker, which includes a carrier-by-carrier self-reported list of services: https://bit.ly/dssanetwork

I'll have all three on the DSSA Callisto and I expect most other DSSA FCs will, too. Which is to say, that if you transfer modules to your FC while in the Bubble, you can swap out depending on what you'd like to do at any given time. I'm also planning to bring a half-dozen or so different ship types for various roles and just for the pleasure of having variety. Really looking forward to small-hull exploration based out of a carrier!

I'm not sure there's a poor ship type to bring. Erimus did a great job making suggestions above but it will really come down to your own play style and the roles you'll be taking on.

If there's fine print to be read, I'd make sure you understand the services offered by the FC you join and remember that anything you bring aboard will be VERY expensive to transfer back to the Bubble or Colonia.
 
Is there information on what part of these regions the carriers will go to? like sector names? I plan on exploring the SagCarina arm and move downwards back to the bubble as part of my plan. Would I be able to hitch a ride on one of these carriers as they're going near there? I'll provide some tritium fuels for passage of course.

My FC, the DSSA Callisto, is going to the Arcadian Stream and DSSA Stellar Oasis is continuing on to Mare Somnia. If you're interested in the Sagittarius-Carina Arm, then DSSA Stellar Oasis is just about the ideal choice. I don't believe they have posted expedition details yet, though.
 
I'm planning on taking my carrier out to Beagle Point after launch, since I'm heading that way I'm more than happy to donate my carrier as a support vessel during the journey.
 
My FC, the DSSA Callisto, is going to the Arcadian Stream and DSSA Stellar Oasis is continuing on to Mare Somnia. If you're interested in the Sagittarius-Carina Arm, then DSSA Stellar Oasis is just about the ideal choice. I don't believe they have posted expedition details yet, though.

Stellars Oasis it is then. thanks.
 
Interesting...
If there's a carrier coming back then you could park your ship on there, suicidewinder back home and then transfer your ship off once the carrier gets to the bubble.
Really excited for this one. I think it'll be a lot of fun.
 
The Aphelion Expedition (as registered on EDSM)
I can't seem to find said expedition listed. Am I missing something?

Also, and this may be a bit daft, but...do FC's hold an indefinite amount of ships? I was under the impression that they only held 16. How's that work?

DSSA is getting me back into the game. Been out awhile. Fired up for this!
 
Top of this thread has the OP. Don’t think you need to go to EDSM.

The individual FCs are generally running their own expeditions and have their own sign-ups...

Links to associated DSSA expeditionary events

The landing pads on FCs work like station pads. Infinite pilots and ships can dock, so 16 is not a limit.

Regards,
Gnauty
 
Hmm. Making this fleetcom PG only is an exclusion for me :cautious:
Not sure I'm even accepted into fleetcom as a PvPer any more.

Is there any DSSA carrier going from colonia in open? (And I know I can still dock in open, but that's pretty boring if everyone else is in PG)
 
Hmm. Making this fleetcom PG only is an exclusion for me :cautious:
Not sure I'm even accepted into fleetcom as a PvPer any more.

Is there any DSSA carrier going from colonia in open? (And I know I can still dock in open, but that's pretty boring if everyone else is in PG)


There are players from the PvP community in fleetcomm afaik, so there are no restrictions for applying for membership unless you've been previously banned for some reason. Its just that unsanctioned PvP there is an insta-ban, and Fleetcomm is purely exploration-focused so will always be the PvE PG for these kinds of events. I don't personally own or run the PG so you'd need to apply via the link posted on post #3 and the admin/owner will either accept or reject.

I'm not sure of anyone doing this in open to be honest. If it gets a 100+ sign ups, statistically I'm sure some will be going in open though.
 
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Hmm. Making this fleetcom PG only is an exclusion for me :cautious:
Not sure I'm even accepted into fleetcom as a PvPer any more.

Is there any DSSA carrier going from colonia in open? (And I know I can still dock in open, but that's pretty boring if everyone else is in PG)
If you go, let me know. I'll pop into open.

I'll be your wingman anytime.
 
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