Great Gate

The great gate is a special type of gate connecting the subsector Galaxy's Edge (the Prologue starting option) from the rest of the galaxy (The Sandbox starting option).

Presumably, unlike the rest of the subsectors within Canis Majoris, the Galaxy's Edge is much farther away, requiring a special type of gate to connect to it.

History of the Gate

While there is no direct information on who built it, why is it greater than others, nor why it failed, after its loss the Stranded emerged as an united force within the Galaxy's Edge subsector.

Once it is repaired/rebuilt, the player reconnects the Edge with the rest of the galaxy - at least unidirectionally - while leaving the prologue behind and entering the game proper. As a side-effect, the Stranded also rejoin the galactic community and start competing with other major and minor factions.