The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) is almost here, and to help you get the most from the annual ship show, we've answered some common questions surrounding the event. Read on for everything you need to know about the show, including where to go and how to participate in the upcoming Free Fly event. What is the IAE? The Intergalactic Aerospace Exposition (IAE) is the universe's premier spaceship convention. It provides everyone with the opportunity to see some of Star Citizen's most legendary ships and ground vehicles up close as different manufacturers showcase their finest in the expo center halls. And the best part? Nearly 200 ships and ground vehicles are yours to test-fly for free! Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your journey, this is your chance to take the helm of the universe's most iconic rides. When is the IAE taking place? The IAE takes place from November 20 through December 3. What time does the event start? The IAE opens its gates on November 20 at 16:00 UTC. When does the Free Fly start? The Free Fly will start on November 20, simultaneously with the launch of IAE, and will end on December 3. I don't have a Star Citizen game package or in-game spacecraft. How do I travel to Orison for the event? For the duration of the IAE, every account has access to a Crusader Intrepid ship. After getting started, head to the nearest ASOP ship retrieval terminal to access it. Where does the IAE take place? Where do I have to go? For the first time ever, the IAE is being held at the Vision Center in Orison, on the planet Crusader, bringing the universe's premier aerospace expo to one of the most breathtaking cities in the Stanton system. How do I get to the Vision Center? First, head to the planet Crusader. If this is your first visit to the Stanton system, you can choose to spawn at the Green Circle hab by selecting it as your primary residence. If you're already a citizen, quantum travel to Crusader, spline jump to Orison, and then land at the August Dunlow Spaceport. From there, leave your hangar, and look out for signs for IAE. Follow the signs to the Vision Center and head into the expo. What ships are available to fly for free? Each day of the IAE, there will be different ships available for you to test-fly. Check out the full Manufacturer Schedule for details. How do I rent a ship? In the expo center halls, you'll find ships on display from a variety of manufacturers throughout the event. If something catches your eye, head over to the Traveler Rentals terminals in the main IAE hall during that vehicle’s Manufacturer Day and follow the on-screen prompts to take it for a spin. In addition to the ships on the show floor, each Manufacturer Day also unlocks a wider selection of flyable ships, some of which aren't on display but are still available to rent through the terminals. Manufacturers cycle almost every day, so be sure to check back often! You can visit the full schedule to play your test flights. You can then head to the space port or any other ASOP terminal throughout the 'verse. How long can ships be rented? Once you have rented a ship or vehicle, it will be available for 48 hours. How many vehicles can be rented? You can rent every flyable or drivable vehicle exhibited at the IAE. Each ship or vehicle can be rented once. Which ships get the Best in Show paints? All four ships that made it into the semi-finals of the recent Ship Showdown 2955 event (RSI Polaris, Anvil Asgard, RSI Zeus Mk II ES, Anvil Gladiator) will receive the limited-edition Best in Show livery as well as their in-game manufacturer poster. These are available to all players with these ships in their hangars. Additionally, the Polaris will receive a collectible in-game championship pennant to commemorate the glory of being this year's Ship Showdown champion. If you already have one of these ships, you'll receive the IAE-exclusive paint (and extra items) following the last day of the event at no cost. To be eligible to receive the paints, the specific Best in Show ships, and not variants, need to be in your web-hangar at the end of IAE (having them in your Buyback List won't grant you the Best in Show paints). If you melt any of the ships before receiving the associated paints, then you will no longer be eligible. Everyone pledging for a Best in Show (BIS) ship during the IAE will receive the paint and items, too. If you don't already have the ship, the vehicles will be bundled with the prizes during the Best in Show days following the 29th of November. Please note that these Best in Show Edition bundles already contain the BIS paints and posters within them and will not grant the standalone versions of those items. The Best in Show ships will also be available to fly for free between November 29 and December 3. I missed previous opportunities—how can I pledge for the Anvil F8C Lightning? Previously, pledging for an Anvil F8C Lightning required players to locate a CDF F8C Certification Pass (commonly referred to as a Gold License) and redeem it at an in-game rental kiosk. These licenses were only obtainable during select in-game events. Starting with IAE 2955, the Gold Licenses will no longer be required. The F8C Lightning will be available to all players for pledge. Please note that the F8C Lightning is still limited to ONE per account, so if you have previously pledged for one, you will not be able to pledge for a second. That said, we want to celebrate two groups of players: those who've redeemed a Gold License and previously unlocked pledge access, and those who've reached the qualifying Concierge level ahead of Anvil Day during IAE. If you are in either group, you will receive a special commemorative "Nightweaver" livery, which will be distributed during Anvil Day. This paint is not giftable, and only 1 paint will be awarded to each eligible player. Please note: This reward will not be retroactively applied in the future, i.e., players who reach the qualifying Concierge level (Wing Commander) after IAE will not receive the commemorative paint. What's new this IAE? For the first time in Star Citizen history, Twitch Drops are landing, and we've chosen IAE as the stage for their grand debut! Watch any Star Citizen stream for a total of four hours during IAE to unlock an exclusive full armor set. As long as the streamer has opted in to participate in the Twitch Drops campaign, you can just enjoy the show and claim your reward. For full details on how it works and how to link your accounts, check out this comm-link. Is there anything else that's new this IAE? Yes. IAE 2955 is your final opportunity to pledge for certain ships at their current pricing. Sometime after the event, these ships will receive a price adjustment to reflect recent and upcoming development updates: MISC Hull A MISC Hull B Argo RAFT Gatac Railen If you've been considering adding one of these to your fleet, now is the perfect time to secure them before the adjustment takes effect. Will there be Warbond Daily Deals available? Yes! Check back each day throughout the event to see what's available. Each Warbond Daily Deal will run for 24 hours only. This year's Finale (Nov 30, 16:00 UTC - Dec 3, 20:00 UTC) will include a refresh with new Warbond Deals that will feature only at this time for select manufacturers and a few select offers from prior days may return. Will there be quantity stock-limited ships? Yes! Each stock-limited ship is limited to one per account and will be available in six waves to cover as many global time zones as possible. Please note that depending on your time zone, some waves may occur the next calendar day. ▲ Wave 1 - 16:00 UTC ▲ Wave 2 - 20:00 UTC ▲ Wave 3 - 00:00 UTC ▲ Wave 4 - 04:00 UTC (the following day) ▲ Wave 5 - 08:00 UTC (the following day) ▲ Wave 6 - 12:00 UTC (the following day) ► Starting on Nov 20 (IAE Day 1): RSI Constellation Phoenix ► Starting on Nov 21 (IAE Day 2): Origin 890 Jump ► Starting on Nov 22 (IAE Day 3): Drake Kraken, Drake Kraken Privateer ► Starting on Nov 24 (IAE Day 5): MISC Hull E ► Starting on Nov 26 (IAE Day 7): Consolidated Outland Pioneer ► Starting on Nov 28 (IAE Day 9): Aegis Idris-P, Aegis Javelin Do I need a copy of Star Citizen to enjoy the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo? No. For the duration of the event, anyone can play Star Citizen for free. All you need to do is visit the Play Now page and follow the instructions. Can I invite a friend? Of course! All they need to do is visit the Play Now page, create an account, and jump into the game. Don't forget, using your referral code during account creation grants them an additional 50,000 UEC. And if they decide to stay after the Free Fly, you'll earn a referral point. Plus, this IAE, you and the friends you refer will receive extra referral bonuses - more details here! I am a new player. Where do I get more info? The New Player Guide is a fantastic first stop with a plethora of tips on how to get started, and the Welcome Hub presents various tutorials to help you get off on the right foot navigating the 'verse. Star Citizen veterans act as informal guides for an ever-growing number of new players in the Guide System. The Knowledge Base answers the most frequent questions in articles that cover everything from how to create an account to character equipment.