IAE 2955: Your Complete Guide to This Year’s Biggest Star Citizen Expo
From November 20 through December 3, the galaxy will be turning its eyes toward Orison as the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo returns for its 2955 showcase. And at The Impound, we’re celebrating right alongside the show. Every single day of IAE, we’ll be running special promotions matching the featured manufacturer line-up — bigger savings, faster delivery, and the safest way to expand your fleet during the most exciting period of the year.
With the gates about to open, here’s your comprehensive guide to IAE 2955, what to expect, how to get involved, and why this year promises to be the most spectacular yet.
What Is the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo?
The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo—better known as IAE—is the universe’s premier showcase of ships, vehicles, and engineering marvels. Spread across a multi-day schedule, nearly 200 flyable and drivable vehicles will be available for all players to test, free of charge. Whether you’re a veteran captain or setting foot into Star Citizen for the first time, this is the perfect moment to jump in and fly icons of the ‘verse firsthand.
Manufacturers rotate daily, each taking over the halls with their finest creations. Expect legendary warships, cutting-edge prototypes, industrial workhorses, fan-favourite fighters, and more.
Event Dates and Start Times
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Event Duration: November 20 – December 3
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Opening Time: November 20 at 16:00 UTC
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Free Fly Period: Runs the entire duration of the expo
From the very first second the doors open, everyone—including brand-new accounts—can explore the ‘verse at no cost.
Where Is IAE 2955 Being Held?
For the first time ever, the expo moves to the Vision Center in Orison, floating above Crusader. Known for its towering clouds, gleaming spires, and breathtaking skyline, Orison provides one of the most stunning backdrops for an IAE showcase in years.
How to Get There
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If you’re new, set Green Circle as your starting location to spawn directly in Orison.
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Existing players:
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Quantum to Crusader
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Spline jump down to Orison
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Land at August Dunlow Spaceport
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Follow the IAE signage straight to the Vision Center
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The path is well marked, making this one of the easiest expo locations to navigate.
Ship Rentals: How They Work
Every day features a new manufacturer hall with different ships available to rent. Simply:
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Visit the appropriate hall during its Manufacturer Day.
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Head to the Traveler Rentals terminals.
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Select any flyable or drivable vehicle showcased that day.
Good to Know
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Each rental lasts 48 hours.
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Every eligible ship can be rented once per account.
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Additional ships may be rentable despite not being displayed physically—check the terminal for the expanded lineup.
This is the best opportunity all year to compare flight styles, roles, and size classes without spending aUEC.
Best in Show (BIS) Rewards for 2955
The four Ship Showdown semi-finalists—
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RSI Polaris
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Anvil Asgard
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RSI Zeus Mk II ES
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Anvil Gladiator
—will receive exclusive Best in Show paints, plus manufacturer posters for all players who own those ships in their hangar by the end of IAE.
The Polaris, as champion of Ship Showdown 2955, also receives a unique in-game championship pennant.
Important Requirements
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You must own the correct ship in your web hangar (variants do not count).
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Melting any BIS ship before receiving its reward disqualifies you.
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BIS ships will be available for free flight Nov 29 – Dec 3.
F8C Lightning Access Changes
A major change arrives this year:
The Anvil F8C Lightning is becoming available for direct pledge—no more Gold License required.
Key details:
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Still limited to one per account.
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Players who previously redeemed a Gold License, or who reach the required Concierge tier before Anvil Day, will receive the exclusive Nightweaver livery, delivered during the expo.
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The commemorative Nightweaver paint is not retroactive.
New Features for IAE 2955
Twitch Drops Debut
For the first time, Twitch Drops arrive in Star Citizen. Watching approved streams for four total hours during IAE grants an exclusive full armor set.
Last Chance Pricing
Several ships will receive price adjustments after the expo, making IAE the last chance to secure them at their current rates:
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MISC Hull A
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MISC Hull B
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Argo RAFT
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Gatac Railen
Daily Warbond Deals
Warbond Daily Deals return, with new offers available every 24 hours.
The Finale event (Nov 30 – Dec 3) introduces refreshed deals from select manufacturers and brings back a small number of earlier offers.
Stock-Limited Ships and Release Waves
Some of the most sought-after ships in the ‘verse will reappear in six waves daily, ensuring players worldwide have a fair chance:
Wave Times:
16:00 UTC • 20:00 UTC • 00:00 UTC • 04:00 UTC • 08:00 UTC • 12:00 UTC
Stock-Limited Schedule:
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Nov 20: RSI Constellation Phoenix
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Nov 21: Origin 890 Jump
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Nov 22: Drake Kraken & Kraken Privateer
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Nov 24: MISC Hull E
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Nov 26: Consolidated Outland Pioneer
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Nov 28: Aegis Idris-P & Aegis Javelin
Do You Need Star Citizen to Participate?
No. Anyone can play for free throughout IAE using the Play Now page.
Inviting a friend? New accounts using your referral code earn 5,000 aUEC, and both of you will receive special IAE referral bonuses to be announced soon.
New Players: Where to Learn More
If this is your first dive into Star Citizen:
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New Player Guide – your quick-start manual
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Welcome Hub – interactive tutorials
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Guide System – veteran players who can help you in real time
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Knowledge Base – troubleshooting and how-to articles
A Final Word from The Impound
As the Vision Center prepares to open its doors, The Impound is gearing up for its own celebration. Each IAE day, we’ll highlight the featured manufacturer with bespoke promotions, special pricing, and curated deals you won’t find anywhere else in the ‘verse—all delivered with our signature speed, security, and reliability.
Whether you’re expanding your fleet, upgrading a favourite, or shopping for that dream flagship, The Impound is ready to help you make the most of IAE 2955.
Stay tuned for our daily deal announcements—this year’s event is going to be unforgettable.
