Ideas for this have probably been thrown around quite a bit, but in one of my rare thinking moods i came up with some thoughts.

Mission chain, end reward is unlocking the ability to make your own stellar object. (i have no clue about missions, but make it a high-ish level to start, probably 400 or higher, and lots of energy to complete)

1: These stellar objects can vary in shape when first built, and the shape chosen affects how it behaves. (defensive, resource producing, other ideas?)
2: They will appear on planet scans, but will not be able to be invaded, instead they will be raidable.
3: You will need to build them over time, with vast resources to complete each "stage"
4: Each stage you complete you will specify what you want it to be, defenses/production/cloaking/repairs etc
5: Have an item, or an ability, to hide your stellar object, but with a cooldown, and/or energy cost
6: I would think a new research branch would be needed, but instead of going one after another, you could choose them individually based on how you want your object built.

Feel free to give feedback/criticism.

I'm neutral about this. Whilst this version is certainly better thought-out, and more "content-y" than Asheron's take at this, it still doesn't hold any real promise to me. Essentially, these are specialized planets, surrounding a star with a dash of bases thrown in. I think it needs something to distinguish it from bases and planets, and then a definite +1, but for now +-0.

Answer me this: Why do we want this "Dyson Ring"? Why is it needed? Why did you suggest it?

I don't feel that, what are essentially, new planet types are the next step in content that this game needs. It's not like Dan has a load of free time on his hands with which to throw out every suggestion we make.

- 1 ; the idea's not neccesarily bad, but it's not a game changer.