Experimental Modules

Category:Hidden Technologies
 is a hidden technology in Starcom: Unknown Space 
Description: Experiment with using cosmetic modules that currently have not been added to the tech tree. Many of these do not have implemented functionality.
Research Point Cost: 100 RP
Pre-requisite(s): None, but this technology is only unlocked for research (in its position below Fallen Empire and Wormhole Gateways if the appropriate flag is set in the dev. console.
IMPORTANT: Because the number of modules in the Utility category grows above the size easily handled by the UI, especially if settings like text scaling are adjusted, it's possible to soft-lock your game by removing e.g. the Survey Lander module and having no way to select it in order to re-add it.
(spoilers!)
 
The developer's point about some of the modules being cosmetic is also important. For example, the Y-shaped 4-hex experimental module 'Reactor Mk III" may stuff 50 Chiralite into a small number of hexes, but it's not at all evident if it actually produces e.g. 50x the power of a one-Chiralite Micro Reactor. Further oddities may present, such as weapons doing damage without incorporating technological enhancements, armor modules not actually deflecting any damage, etc.