This is only in the beta branch for now (which is open to all players), and it just scratches the surface of what's possible. In it, you will find:
- A new faction: The Syndicate
- A new location: asteroid bases
- A new entity: NPCs
- A new interaction: branching conversations
- A new machine: the construction interface
- A new pickup: harvest rare plants
- 3 new space enemies (find them yourself)
- 5 new planet enemies (hope you don't find them...)
The asteroid base is currently located in sector 9.
You can use an existing save-game, but you'll understand more of the story if you start a new run and look for subtle (or in-your-face) changes to the universe.
Good luck, and let me know how it goes!