Star Citizen Centaurus vs Andromeda: Which Constellation Is Better?

The RSI Constellation Mk V Centaurus and Mk IV Andromeda share a multi-role foundation, combining cargo transport, pilot-controlled weapons, defensive systems, and support for smaller craft. Their differences lie in cargo capacity, turret operation, missile configuration, handling, and how effectively a crew can use their respective systems.

The Centaurus is the larger, cargo-oriented multi-role option, with 240 SCU of cargo, four pilot-controlled Size 5 weapons, two remotely operated quad-Size 3 turrets, and a dedicated RSI Skylark snub fighter. The Andromeda offers 96 SCU of cargo, the same four Size 5 pilot weapons, two manned dual-Size 3 turrets, and a mixed-size missile loadout.

For players deciding between them, the key question is not which ship is universally better. It is whether the Centaurus's larger cargo capacity and revised crew arrangement are more useful than the Andromeda's smaller hull, higher listed SCM speed, and different weapon configuration.

For a complete breakdown of the Mk V's individual systems, see the Constellation Mk V Centaurus Guide. This comparison focuses on the differences that matter when choosing between the two ships.

Current LIVE Version: Star Citizen Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860 Vehicle Data Reference: Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860 for both ships

Centaurus vs Andromeda: Specifications Compared

The following figures are intended to represent version-locked implementation data for Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860, rather than a mixture of values from different game builds.

Specification	Constellation Mk V Centaurus	Constellation Mk IV Andromeda
Manufacturer	RSI	RSI
Status	Flight Ready	Flight Ready
General role	Multi-role freight / gunship	Multi-role freight / gunship
Cargo capacity	240 SCU	96 SCU
Crew field	4	4–5
Length	82.5 m	62 m
Width	47.5 m	26.6 m
Height	Approx. 20.25 m	16.3 m
SCM speed	170 m/s	190 m/s
Max speed	1,075 m/s	1,000 m/s
Pilot weapons	4 × S5	4 × S5
Turrets	2 × remote quad-S3 turrets	2 × manned turrets, each with 2 × S3 weapons
Ready-to-fire missile loadout	32 × S2	24 × S2 + 28 × S1
Shield generators	2 × S3	1 × S3
Total shield HP	200,000 HP	100,000 HP
Snub-fighter arrangement	Dedicated Skylark docking port	Mk IV docking arrangement associated with the P-52 Merlin

Sources: Centaurus — Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860 and Andromeda — Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860. Dimensions are presented as Length × Width × Height. The Star Citizen Wiki API is a secondary implementation-data source, not an RSI official specifications page. Numerical values are limited to the referenced build and may change in later versions.

The table highlights differences in capacity, weapons, defensive configuration, and handling. These specifications are not a complete performance ranking: cargo capacity does not establish profitability, missile count does not determine overall combat effectiveness, and maximum speed does not establish turning performance or acceleration.

1. Cargo Capacity: Centaurus Has the Clear Advantage

The Centaurus carries 144 SCU more than the Andromeda. Its 240 SCU capacity is 2.5 times the Andromeda's 96 SCU.

That difference matters when a mission combines freight with combat or ground-vehicle transport. The Centaurus provides more cargo capacity while retaining its crew-operated weapons and dedicated snub docking arrangement.

The Andromeda's smaller cargo capacity remains sufficient for many general cargo tasks, particularly for players who prioritize its more compact hull over maximum freight space.

Published cargo capacity does not guarantee that a ship can carry its full cargo load alongside any chosen ground vehicle. Actual loading depends on vehicle dimensions, clearance, and usable cargo-grid space. Players planning mixed cargo and vehicle transport should account for the space their vehicle occupies.

2. Weapons and Combat: Different Turret Arrangements

Both ships have four Size 5 pilot-controlled weapons in the referenced implementation data. Their differences become more apparent in their secondary weapon stations and missile configurations.

Centaurus: Remote quad-Size 3 turrets

The Centaurus has two remote turrets, each mounting four Size 3 weapons. Separate crew members operate them remotely from the bridge, allowing the pilot to concentrate on flying while turret operators cover additional firing arcs.

This arrangement provides clear roles for a coordinated crew. However, the turrets' practical contribution depends on having other players available to operate them. A solo pilot retains the four primary weapons but cannot manually operate both remote turrets while flying.

The Centaurus also carries 32 ready-to-fire Size 2 missiles. RSI's official Constellation Mk V Centaurus Q&A confirms that replacement missiles can be stored internally and loaded into the active racks in flight.

This is an onboard resupply capability, not unlimited ammunition or automatic rearming. The crew must carry replacement missiles and perform the loading process.

Andromeda: Manned dual-Size 3 turrets

The Andromeda's current implementation record lists two manned turrets, each with two Size 3 weapons. These should not be described as the Centaurus's bridge-operated remote turrets: the station arrangement and operating method differ.

The Andromeda's missile loadout is also different. Its version-referenced configuration lists 24 Size 2 missiles and 28 Size 1 missiles. This mixed-size configuration matters more than the total count alone when comparing the ships' armament.

Neither missile count nor turret weapon size independently establishes which ship performs better in combat. The result depends on the weapons' characteristics, target conditions, positioning, and the current combat model.

What the weapon differences mean

The Centaurus suits players who want bridge-operated remote turrets and can regularly crew them. The Andromeda offers two manned dual-Size 3 turrets and a mixed-size missile loadout.

Both retain four Size 5 pilot weapons, so neither ship depends entirely on turret operators for its primary forward armament. The practical choice is between different weapon-station arrangements and crew workflows, rather than a guaranteed winner in every engagement.

3. Handling and Flight: Maximum Speed Is Not Agility

RSI's official Centaurus Q&A confirms that the Mk V turns and accelerates more slowly than the Mk IV. The developer describes the Mk V as a heavier ship class with improved durability and a higher NAV speed.

The version-referenced implementation values list:

• Centaurus: SCM speed 170 m/s; Max speed 1,075 m/s.
• Andromeda: SCM speed 190 m/s; Max speed 1,000 m/s.

The API's Max field is presented here as Max speed to stay close to the source field name. It should not be treated as a complete measure of maneuverability. RSI's Q&A separately states that the Centaurus has a higher NAV speed than the Mk IV, but turning response, acceleration, deceleration, and combat positioning remain distinct considerations.

The Centaurus is also physically larger, with a longer and wider hull. That larger footprint is part of its multi-role configuration, but it can make the ship less convenient where tight maneuvering or a smaller physical profile matters.

The Andromeda's smaller dimensions and higher listed SCM speed make it a reasonable alternative for players who prefer the Mk IV's handling characteristics. The Centaurus trades slower turning and acceleration for a larger platform and expanded cargo and crew-combat capabilities.

4. Shields and Durability: What Changes With the Mk V?

The Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860 implementation records list different shield configurations:

Defensive specification	Centaurus	Andromeda
Shield generators	2 × S3	1 × S3
Total shield HP	200,000 HP	100,000 HP

These values apply to the referenced implementation build and should not be assumed to remain unchanged in future patches.

RSI's official Centaurus Q&A also describes improved armor deflection and integrity for the Mk V, while distinguishing it from dedicated warships such as the Perseus and Hammerhead.

The Centaurus therefore has a documented defensive upgrade in its design and a higher listed total shield HP in the referenced data. That does not guarantee that it will survive every encounter that defeats an Andromeda. Actual combat outcomes depend on the current damage model, positioning, incoming fire, and other conditions.

The larger Centaurus hull also comes with a handling trade-off. Players should evaluate its defensive configuration alongside its slower turning and acceleration rather than treating shield capacity as the only measure of survivability.

5. Crew Requirements: Which Ship Works Better With Your Group?

The versioned implementation records list Crew 4 for the Centaurus and Crew 4–5 for the Andromeda. These fields describe the ships' recorded crew specifications; they do not establish the minimum number of human players required for every activity.

What matters in practice is how many people are available to operate the ship's systems simultaneously.

Crew situation	Centaurus	Andromeda
Solo pilot	Can fly and use primary weapons; remote turrets lack additional operators	Can fly and use primary weapons; manned turrets need additional operators
Two players	Can divide piloting and another task	Can divide piloting and another task
Three players	Pilot plus two remote-turret operators is a practical arrangement	A small crew can distribute tasks across available stations
Four players	More flexibility for turrets and onboard tasks	More flexibility for its available stations
Snub deployment	Deploying the Skylark removes its pilot from the mothership crew	Uses the Mk IV's existing snub-docking arrangement

For the Centaurus, three to four players is a practical editorial recommendation for regular multi-role operation, not an official minimum crew requirement.

A smaller crew can still fly either ship, but it must prioritize tasks. Deploying the Skylark removes one player from the mothership's available crew. The Andromeda's manned turret arrangement also requires additional players for normal turret operation; its smaller hull does not eliminate the trade-off between flying the ship and using its other stations.

6. Snub Fighters: Skylark vs the Mk IV Docking Arrangement

The Centaurus has a dedicated docking port for the RSI Skylark. RSI identifies the Skylark as compatible with this arrangement; owners should not assume that the P-52 Merlin or P-72 Archimedes can use the Mk V port.

The Skylark provides a separate craft for scouting or other independent operations. Its purpose is to expand the mothership's operational options, rather than replace the Centaurus's own combat capabilities.

There are two important limitations.

First, the docking system is specific to the Skylark. The Centaurus should not be treated as a universal snub-fighter carrier.

Second, the Centaurus does not provide mothership refueling, rearming, or repair servicing for the Skylark. The system supports carriage and deployment, not the complete servicing functionality of a carrier hangar.

The Andromeda retains the Mk IV docking arrangement associated with the Kruger P-52 Merlin. Its snub configuration differs from the Centaurus's dedicated Skylark arrangement, so the two systems should not be treated as interchangeable.

7. Which Constellation Should You Choose?

Choose the Centaurus if…

• You need 240 SCU of cargo capacity.
• You regularly play with a small crew that can operate both remote turrets.
• You want the dedicated RSI Skylark docking arrangement.
• You prefer a larger multi-role ship for freight, ground operations, and combat.
• You value its version-referenced dual-S3 shield-generator configuration.

Choose the Andromeda if…

• You prefer the more compact Mk IV hull.
• You value its higher listed SCM speed and established handling characteristics.
• You prefer two manned dual-Size 3 turrets.
• You want its mixed-size missile configuration.
• You do not need the Centaurus's additional cargo capacity or Skylark-specific docking port.

These recommendations are based on documented specifications and operating trade-offs. They are not a tested ranking of combat performance, mission profitability, or overall survivability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Centaurus better than the Andromeda?

Neither is universally better. The Centaurus has greater cargo capacity, two remote quad-Size 3 turrets, and a dedicated Skylark docking arrangement. The Andromeda has a smaller hull, a higher listed SCM speed, two manned dual-Size 3 turrets, and a mixed-size missile loadout.

Which ship carries more cargo?

The Centaurus carries 240 SCU, compared with 96 SCU for the Andromeda. That is 2.5 times the listed capacity. Ground vehicles can occupy usable cargo space, so neither ship should be assumed to carry every desired vehicle alongside a full cargo load.

Is the Andromeda faster than the Centaurus?

The Andromeda has a higher listed SCM speed in the referenced build: 190 m/s compared with 170 m/s. The Centaurus has a higher listed Max speed: 1,075 m/s compared with 1,000 m/s. RSI's Q&A also describes the Mk V as having a higher NAV speed than the Mk IV. Neither figure alone establishes overall agility or combat maneuverability.

Which ship has more missiles?

The Andromeda's referenced configuration lists 52 missiles: 24 × S2 and 28 × S1. The Centaurus carries 32 × S2. Because their missile sizes differ, the total count alone does not establish which ship has greater practical combat effectiveness.

Does the Centaurus have stronger shields?

In the Alpha 4.10.2-LIVE.12881860 implementation records, the Centaurus has two Size 3 shield generators and 200,000 total shield HP. The Andromeda has one Size 3 generator and 100,000 total shield HP. These are version-specific values, not permanent guarantees of combat survivability.

Can the Centaurus carry a P-52 Merlin?

The Mk V docking port is designed for the RSI Skylark. P-52 Merlin compatibility should not be assumed. The Andromeda retains the Mk IV docking arrangement associated with the Merlin.

Is the Centaurus suitable for solo players?

Yes, but it is not optimized for solo operation. The pilot can fly the ship, use its four Size 5 weapons, and transport cargo. The remote turrets require additional operators for normal manual use, and deploying the Skylark removes its pilot from the mothership crew.

Final Verdict

The Centaurus and Andromeda share a multi-role foundation but prioritize different operating needs. The Centaurus offers 240 SCU of cargo, remote quad-Size 3 turrets, two Size 3 shield generators, and a dedicated Skylark docking arrangement. The Andromeda offers a more compact hull, higher listed SCM speed, manned dual-Size 3 turrets, and a mixed-size missile loadout.

Choose the Centaurus for greater cargo capacity and coordinated remote-turret operations. Choose the Andromeda if you prefer the Mk IV's more compact handling and existing weapon-station arrangement. The better fit depends on which capabilities you and your crew will regularly use, not on a single speed, shield, or missile figure.