update · February 22, 2024
Space Station Designer Update 0.5.20 Playtest Notes
Space Station Designer update 0.5.20 overhauls early campaign objectives, restricts research tech purchases to research points, and implements station module proximity rules.
Polar Motion has launched update 0.5.20 for Space Station Designer, bringing new playtest features centered on research progression, station maintenance, and user interface improvements.
Research and Campaign Overhauls
Research technologies now require research points exclusively, updating the tech tree accordingly. A new EVA Experiments Research Facility module is now available from the campaign start under Base Space Station Technology and in Free Builder mode. Early campaign objectives have been entirely reworked with more granular steps leading to the Expansion in LEO research technology.
Maintenance and Proximity Mechanics
Airlocks define a maintenance area of influence allowing astronauts to repair failed modules. Modules outside this range cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Maintenance Workshop modules increase successful repair chances within an airlock's range. Electricity and cooling proximity rules now apply globally: isolated modules experience higher failure rates, production halts for manufacturing, research, and industrial R&D facilities, and space tourism or commercial leasing engagements become unavailable.
Quality of Life Features
A new floating panel previews station stat changes when placing new modules, displaying deficit warnings or recovery status before docking. An unread campaign objectives counter has also been added alongside automated string validation tools in the codebase.
Why this patch matters
Update 0.5.20 deepens station management by enforcing strict proximity rules for utilities and maintenance while streamlining early game goals.