The era of Sol Expansion does not begin with a grand gesture, but with the quiet continuation of prototypes and projects once thought experimental. By the early 2050s, humanity’s off-world infrastructure is sparse, fragile, and disparate — yet undeniably present.   Luna City, though still barely more than a long-duration research outpost, has proven that life off Earth is possible, if not yet comfortable. Supplies arrive from Earth infrequently and at great cost. Its labs and living spaces are crude, modular, and always under revision. But its presence is constant — and increasingly symbolic.   In orbit, the LISI drydock platform, spearheaded by Nigeria and the African Union, stands as the only dedicated large-scale construction site in space. Still under phased development, it hosts a rotating crew of engineers, analysts, and contractors, many of whom live aboard for months at a time. No vessels have yet been fully built there — but components are arriving.   Elsewhere, the remnants of the Ares Program persist in a classified capacity under Project HESPEROS. Though publicly retired, small launches continue. Cargo manifests are redacted. Ground-based telemetry is fragmented. Still, rumors circulate: of new materials, anomalous sensor readings, and plans for long-range deployment testing.   For now, humanity builds slowly. Every module launched, every component docked, every bracket welded in vacuum is a step — not toward a new age of prosperity, but toward the possibility of one.