Star Citizen IAE 2026: the biggest free fly of the year
IAE is an annual ship showcase. Its dates, trial roster, rental periods and package offers must be confirmed in the current RSI announcement; this guide does not establish the 2026 event terms.
By Domux. Updated 2026-10-03.
IAE is the biggest Star Citizen event of the year. Expected mid-November to early December 2026 (IAE 2025 ran 20 Nov to 3 Dec; 2026 dates not yet announced). Historically every flyable ship is free to test for the whole window, and it brings the largest wave of new players. If you are going to start, this is the richest time to do it.
How to make IAE count
- Create your account with the code now
Do not wait for the event. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR✓ Verified referral code · Today: 3 October 2026 today. The code attaches permanently, so when IAE opens you just log in and fly.
- Fly the entire fleet for free during IAE
Download the RSI Launcher (current build Alpha 4.10.1) and test ships you would never otherwise try, from starters to capital ships.
- Buy during the IAE sale, take the 50,000 UEC
IAE runs the year's best pricing. Grab a Starter Pack (cheapest is Citizen Starter Pack at $45) and your 50,000 UEC credits because the code is already attached.
Why the code matters most during IAE
Choose the player you want to support. A dated form observation shows what the form contained; it does not establish a credited balance or prove that other valid player codes are less reliable.
IAE in the 2026 event calendar
| Event | 2026 window | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Invictus Launch Week | 14 to 27 May | large (military showcase) |
| Foundation Festival | 29 July to 10 August (passed) | medium |
| Ship Showdown 2956 | 26 Aug to 2 Sep (existing backers only) | small |
| Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) | mid Nov to early Dec (TBA) | largest of the year |
Dates are final only when RSI posts the Comm-Link. Check the official Fly Free page as November approaches.
Sources and updates
By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.
Edited 3 October 2026. Prices are USD before tax. Check RSI for current offers and event dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is IAE 2026 in Star Citizen?
The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo is expected mid-November to early December 2026. Exact dates are not announced yet as of 30 September 2026; IAE 2025 ran 20 November to 3 December. It is the largest Free Fly of the year.
Are all ships free during IAE?
Historically yes. During IAE the entire flyable fleet is free to test for the event window, which is unique to this event. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR so the 50,000 UEC is attached when you later buy a package.
Is IAE the best time to start Star Citizen?
The announced roster and actual offers determine what you can try and buy. Create your account with STAR-JTV7-FXLR now so you are ready, compare the actual event offers if you decide to buy game access; the signup reward follows the account referral rules.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
The signup link pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR. RSI advertises the bonus after buying a Game Package. The $40 fresh-money threshold determines the referrer's Recruitment Point. RSI referral conditions
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR