Beta 1 Released with Expanded Galaxy

Frontier Developments has announced the release of Beta 1 for Elite: Dangerous. This release features a hugely expanded universe, up to 38,000 cubic light years' worth. The new content takes place in the realistically modeled Milky Way, centering on the Boötes constellation.

Significant Beta 1 additional features include:

• 55 star systems covering 38,000 cubic light-years
• Initial online mission system functionality (to be further developed through Beta)
• Player-to-player communication by text and voice
• Friends management and matchmaking
• Private Group play option
• On-line single player option
• Overview trade route mapping
• The concept of fuel consumption
• Docking computers to automate safe star port landings 
• Additional Viper heavy fighter and Lakon Type 6 medium trader ships

Find out more about Beta 1 on the Elite: Dangerous site.