Space Engine 0.9.8.0 was the final major freeware version of the revolutionary universe simulator, released on . For many space enthusiasts, this version represents a golden era of the software—offering a 1:1 scale, scientifically accurate 3D map of the cosmos for free before the project transitioned to a paid model on Steam. Key Features of Version 0.9.8.0

The update added "planemos" (rogue planets), new star classes (Carbon and Zirconium stars), and chemical compositions for planetary atmospheres.

This update was one of the most substantial in the software's history, introducing features that still hold up today:

Users gained the ability to dock, land, and pilot ships using an Alcubierre warp drive with realistic physics.