 The player begins inside a space station called Starport orbiting the planet Arth . Here they buy and sell minerals , Endurium ( fuel ) , and artifacts , recruit and train crew members , and upgrade parts of the ship . The player hires a crew from five species to man the ship 's six posts : navigator , science officer , engineer , communications officer , doctor , and captain . A crewman 's proficiency is determined by the relevant skill : a science officer with a high science skill can determine more of a planet 's properties and detect aliens at a greater range , for example . Skills are increased through training , which must be purchased . One crewman can man multiple posts , but different species have different maximum skill levels . The ship is initially equipped only with engines and a limited supply of Endurium , a type of crystal used as fuel . The ship can be modified and upgraded through the purchase of weapons , armor , and shields . 
