Solar Expanse - Space Exploration Manager

Early access since Apr 2026

Explore the Solar System. Mine and drop asteroids. Colonize and terraform. Lead the space race and compete with other corporations on your way to profit. Watch the expansion of human race over the centuries.

87% positive · 1,395 reviews

Not yet

In early access, still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Not yet

In early access, still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $17.99

Can't confirm — worth a look

We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.

Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search

Prices in USD, as listed by each store.

Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

Solar Expanse entered Steam Early Access on April 9, 2026, following an alpha period during which major systems like terraformation and the Interstellar Ship were added. Since launch, SpaceOps has maintained an active development pace, shipping feature patches on April 30, May 15, June 8, and July 17, 2026, each introducing gameplay additions such as communication satellites, an agriculture complex, passive colonist income, and research reworks. The previous evaluation flagged Major Update #2 as announced and imminent. That update shipped on September 10, 2026, delivering modular space stations, instant drag-and-drop orbital transfers, mission presets, and a wide range of fixes and balance changes. This fulfills the previously announced content commitment. As of September 10, 2026 — the most recent developer communication — no specific next update has been named. However, the game remains in Early Access, and SpaceOps has demonstrated a sustained pattern of substantial content updates throughout its Early Access period (two named major updates and multiple feature patches since April 2026). The developer's launch post explicitly described a commitment to "continuous support" and developing the game with community feedback, and the update history confirms they have followed through on that. No statement has been made indicating development is winding down or approaching a 1.0 release.

Evidence

Major Update #2 shipped, introducing modular space stations, drag-and-drop orbital transfers, mission presets, cyclical mission improvements, and extensive bug fixes.

news post · Sep 10, 2026 source content shipped

high

Developer confirms Early Access launch with a commitment to continuous support and community-driven development, including hotfixes followed by new content and features.

news post · Apr 9, 2026 source development ongoing

high

Media

Details

Developer

SpaceOps

Publisher

Games Operators

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Space Simulation Sandbox Science Physics 3D Realistic Indie Sci-fi Space Sim Management Strategy Resource Management Futuristic Education

About this game

In Solar Expanse, you take the lead of one of the early XXI century space exploration companies. Your goal will be to reach the planets, moons and asteroids of the system in order to mine and colonize them.

Optimize the costs and schedule of the flights. Mind that each object is in constant motion, so exact planning is crucial. Utilize the gravity effects and slingshot your rockets further beyond.

There is a multitude of objects in the asteroid belt alone. Some are made of water, others might contain precious metals. Deploy various telescopes, arrays and probes to know the system better and plan your next flights. Scan for the most profitable and useful materials. Research new technologies

Send your rockets and deliver the asteroids to Earth or colonies. Gain the profits to expand your corporation and start the projects on much larger scale.

In time, you will get contracts to establish permanent bases on various objects. Build fuel stations, launch sites, space catapults, elevators and entire colonies!

Your ultimate goal will be to make the moons and planets of different systems habitable. This task will take centuries, enormous resources, technologies and thousands of rocket flights. Drop the water asteroids from the asteroid belt on Mars. Mine Io and Titan for necessary resources.

Once you are done with the Solar System, build an interstellar ship. Once the game is fully released, you'll be able to venture into real and generated systems, such as Alpha & Proxima, Centauri, Trappist, Gliese & Kepler… you name them!