Ship guide · 2026

RSI Aurora Mk II: the Citizen Starter Pack ship, honestly reviewed

Q: What is the RSI Aurora Mk II?

The RSI Aurora Mk II is the entry-level multi-role spacecraft from Roberts Space Industries, the in-fiction manufacturer of the Aurora line. It is the ship included in the Citizen Starter Pack, the cheapest Game Package on the RSI store at $60 USD. The Mk II is the modular successor to the original Aurora Mk I, with four size-two guns, eight size-one missiles, a small interior bunk, and a 2 SCU embedded cargo bay that can be expanded to 8 SCU with the TS Cargo Module.

Q: How much does the Aurora Mk II cost?

The Aurora Mk II is included in the Citizen Starter Pack at $60 USD (which also includes 10,000 UEC and full game access). Standalone it is $48 USD on the RSI Pledge Store. Optional modules (TS Cargo and DM Combat) are $12 each, putting a fully-equipped Aurora Mk II package at $66 to $72 depending on whether you bought the base ship standalone or via a Game Package.

Q: How much cargo does the Aurora Mk II carry?

The Aurora Mk II base hull carries 2 SCU of embedded cargo (two internal shelves, each holding a 1/8 SCU container). With the TS Cargo Module installed (rear ramp added), total capacity rises to 8 SCU, the same as an Avenger Titan.

Q: Is the Aurora Mk II good for beginners?

Yes. The Aurora Mk II is the recommended starter ship for new Star Citizen players in 2026. It handles better than the original Mk I, carries enough cargo with the module to start light hauling, has enough firepower for low-tier bounty contracts, and the modular system means you can adapt it as you find your preferred gameplay. It is the ship in the cheapest Game Package.

Q: What weapons does the Aurora Mk II have?

The Aurora Mk II ships with four size-two guns (decent damage for beginner combat and bounty missions) and eight size-one missile pylons. With the DM Combat Module, you add eight additional size-two missiles and a third size-one shield generator for noticeably better survivability.

Q: Is the Aurora Mk II better than the Mk I?

Yes in every meaningful way. The Mk II handles better, has more cargo capacity (especially with the TS Module), better weapon loadout, and the modular system that the Mk I lacked. The Mk I was retired from new Starter Packs in favor of the Mk II. Existing Mk I owners can CCU to the Mk II for the price difference.

The Aurora Mk II is the ship most new players actually own, because it comes in the cheapest Game Package. It's also the most-questioned starter ship: is it any good, what does it do, should I CCU to something else? Short version: the Mk II is genuinely capable for early Star Citizen play. Here's the full breakdown.

By Domux · Updated 19 May 2026

What the Aurora Mk II actually is

The RSI Aurora is the in-fiction starter ship from Roberts Space Industries (the same company-name as the real-world developer, on purpose). The Mk II is the modular successor to the original Mk I, released as the new entry-level ship in 2025. It is the ship bundled with the $60 Citizen Starter Pack and the recommended default for new players.

Standalone price

$48

USD on RSI Pledge Store. $60 in Citizen Starter Pack with game access + UEC.

Crew

Single seat pilot, plus a small interior bunk.

Base cargo

2 SCU

Two embedded shelves, each holds 1/8 SCU container.

With cargo module

8 SCU

Matches an Avenger Titan. Rear ramp added.

Guns

4 × S2

Four size-two hardpoints. Decent for early bounty work.

Missiles

8 × S1

Eight size-one missile pylons. +8 more with DM Combat Module.

Design and feel in 2026

The Aurora Mk II is a sleek, modern redesign of the original Aurora. Visually it looks like a small, agile RSI fighter with a long fuselage, raised cockpit, and clean lines. The interior has a single pilot seat up front, a tiny bunk in the rear (where you can bed-log to safely save your character), and a small dropdown cargo bay. The redesign focused on improving handling, expanding cargo, and adding the modular system that the Mk I lacked.

In flight, the Aurora Mk II handles noticeably better than the Mk I. Turn rate is improved, acceleration feels punchier, and the four size-two guns give it real damage output (the Mk I had only two). It's not a dedicated dogfighter like the Anvil Arrow, but it can hold its own in a 1v1 against another light fighter.

The modular system

The game-changing feature of the Aurora Mk II is the module slot. RSI sells two modules separately, with more confirmed in development:

TS Cargo Module $12

Adds six SCU of cargo capacity for a total of 8 SCU. Adds a rear ramp for easier loading, giving the Aurora the same cargo capacity as an Avenger Titan. Essential if you plan to do hauling missions.

DM Combat Module $12

Adds eight additional size-two missiles and a third size-one shield generator. Significantly improves survivability and burst damage for combat missions, especially Mercenary bunker clearouts and bounty work.

Modules are pledged on the store and swap at your hangar between sessions. You can run cargo on one day and combat on another. This flexibility is the main reason the Mk II is the recommended starter over the older Mk I.

Who the Aurora Mk II is for

It's a good fit if

You're new to Star Citizen and want one ship that does a little of everything
You don't know yet whether you want to focus on combat, cargo, mining or salvage
You want to spend the minimum to get into the game ($60 Citizen Starter Pack)
You want a ship you can grow with via modules instead of replacing
You're going to do low-difficulty Delivery and Bounty work in your first 5 to 10 hours

Look elsewhere if

You already know you want to focus on dogfighting (consider the Arrow in the Duelist pack)
You already know you want serious cargo (consider the Cutter in the Hauler pack, or a Cutlass Black in Privateer)
You want a multicrew experience from day one (Aurora is single-seat)
You already played Free Fly and felt cramped in the Aurora's cockpit (try the Cutlass)

What to spend the 50,000 UEC referral bonus on for an Aurora pilot

The Aurora Mk II is small enough that your character is the limiting factor in early missions, not your ship. Spend the bonus on personal gear first, ship upgrades second.

Medium armour set at CenterMass in Area18: helmet, core, arms, legs, undersuit. ~16,000 to 22,000 UEC.
Primary weapon (rifle or SMG) plus 3 to 4 magazines. ~7,000 to 12,000 UEC.
Sidearm + multi-tool + medical pens + food and drink. ~5,000 UEC.
Ship component upgrade. A better shield generator or cooler at a ship-parts shop. ~8,000 to 15,000 UEC.

That brings you out of Area18 fully kitted with a small reserve. Take a Delivery contract from MobiGlas, fly it in the Aurora, get comfortable with takeoff, Quantum Travel and landing.

When (and to what) to upgrade later

The Aurora Mk II is a good first ship but not a forever ship. After 20 to 40 hours of play you'll likely have a sense of which gameplay loop you enjoy most. The natural upgrade paths:

If you enjoy	Upgrade to	Why
Cargo hauling	Drake Cutter or MISC Freelancer	Cutter is ~$60 standalone, Freelancer is ~$110. Both carry significantly more cargo.
Combat (dogfighting)	Anvil Arrow or Aegis Avenger Stalker	Sharper turn rate, dedicated combat loadout.
Multi-role / piracy	Drake Cutlass Black	~$110 standalone. Multi-seat, cargo + combat hybrid.
Mining	RSI Scorpius Antares (in Miner Starter Pack) or ARGO MOLE for serious mining	Mining laser + ore storage.
Salvage	Drake Vulture (in Salvager Starter Pack)	Salvage rig, the right tool for hull-strip missions.

You upgrade through the CCU system (Cross-Chassis Upgrade): you pay the price difference between the Aurora and your target ship, and the upgrade swaps your ship while keeping the original package benefits (game access, UEC stipend, insurance level). See the Game Packages explainer for how CCUs work.

A short history

The original Aurora was the very first ship RSI sold in the 2012 Kickstarter campaign, available in multiple variants: ES (entry), LN (combat-focused), LX (luxury), MR (cargo). The Mk I has been the entry-level ship for over a decade. The Mk II launched in late 2024 as the modular successor. Existing Mk I owners can CCU to the Mk II.

If you see references online to "Aurora ES" or "Aurora MR", those are Mk I variants. The Mk II is the current ship and the one in modern Starter Packs.

The Aurora Mk II comes in the cheapest Game Package. Add the referral code and your account has 60,000 UEC the moment your purchase clears.

STAR-JTV7-FXLR Create account with code

FAQ

What is the RSI Aurora Mk II?

RSI's entry-level multi-role spacecraft. The ship included in the Citizen Starter Pack ($60). Modular successor to the original Aurora. Four size-two guns, eight size-one missiles, 2 SCU base cargo (8 SCU with TS Module), single seat with a small bunk.

How much does the Aurora Mk II cost?

Standalone: $48 USD. In the Citizen Starter Pack: $60 USD (also includes 10,000 UEC + game access). TS Cargo Module and DM Combat Module are $12 each. Fully equipped: $66 to $72.

How much cargo does the Aurora Mk II carry?

2 SCU base. 8 SCU with the TS Cargo Module installed (matches an Avenger Titan, adds a rear ramp).

Is the Aurora Mk II good for beginners?

Yes. Best starter ship in 2026 for players who want one vessel that does a little of everything. Handles well, decent cargo with the module, enough firepower for low-tier combat, and the modular system lets you adapt.

What weapons does the Aurora Mk II have?

Four size-two guns and eight size-one missile pylons. With the DM Combat Module: +8 size-two missiles and a third shield generator.

Is the Aurora Mk II better than the Mk I?

Yes in every meaningful way. Better handling, more cargo (with module), better weapon loadout, modular system. The Mk I was retired from new Starter Packs in favor of the Mk II.

Can I CCU the Aurora Mk II to a different ship later?

Yes. Buy a CCU (Cross-Chassis Upgrade) for the price difference between the Aurora Mk II and your target ship. The upgrade swaps your ship while keeping the original package benefits.