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!