Commanders have received a time-critical request for help from Professor Frank Raddix. And a new Galactic secret may be about to be revealed.

A mysterious, and - at time of writing - undeciphered message has been discovered in the Jungkurara system. The Communications Beacon was discovered after an anonymous tip-off was posted to social media.

This is not Frontier Unlocked, for the 27th August 3311.

A recap of where to build your starports to get the economy type you want.

The Trailblazer colonisation megaships are back in business, with all the commodities for Colonisation available at six of the Brewer Corporation megaships.

The Galaxy is no longer suffering from flickering shadows, judging by early observations. And an updated version of Squadrons has been released, bringing Squadron Carriers and the ability to transfer credits directly to other Commanders in the same Squadron.

The "Vanguards" change to Squadron organisation is coming in less than a week. Meanwhile, Community Goal records are tumbling, with additional Rail Guns rewards unlocked.

With nearly three quarters of a billion tonnes of supplies hauled, it's not surprising that pirates are beginning to take an interest in the Brewer Corporation's Trailblazer resupply initiative. And now Brewer is offering pre-engineered railguns to anyone willing to eliminate the pirate threat.

Galactic party-pooper Princess Aisling Duval has been instructed to reinstate the supply of cigars that are essential for Commanders wanting to make friends with engineer Hera Tani. And the Pilots' Federation has promised that in future no Power will be permitted to prevent the sale of the five essential Rare Goods that are required for Engineer unlocks.

Many commanders are currently concentrating on trucking for Brewer's Trailblazer colonisation megaships, with huge profits and the promise of enhanced capacity cargo racks. But that's not the only opportunity on offer this week. There's also a rare opportunity to earn merits and improve your Powerplay rank while advancing the cause of your Power and earning good profits at the same time.