[1] colonizing in the redesigned universes. For the guide on how to colonize in the [2] old universes see Colonizing in Old Universes

A Major Twist in Gameplay

Colonizing in redesigned universes has been completely revamped and differs greatly from the original Colony operation. The first major change is that the nine planet cap has now been lifted. The maximum number of planets you may now colonize is dependent upon the level of the newly introduced research technology, Astrophysics. And of course, there are counters to these lively facts below.

The 'Catch'

1. A new research technology, Astrophysics, has been introduced, which allows you to both colonize & conduct expeditions. You must first research this technology before you are able to colonize any worlds (other than your homeworld). This creates an added component to the 'early-game race' where people strive to build cruisers, recyclers, colony ships (more difficult now). The square root of the level of astrophysics allows you X number of expedition slots & every other level (1,3,5,7) of astrophysics allows you an additional colony slot. Refer to the table in Astrophysics.
2. Also, once again, in reference to the table below, slots 1-3 & 13-15 are considered restricted until you gain the ability to colonize 4 & 5 additional planets (i.e. Levels 7 & 9 Astrophysics).
3. In addition to these new found constraints, colony sizes have been dramatically reduced. The maximum colony size is now 247, dropping down from ~360.
4. Finally, colony slot placement - size ratio has also been altered. Slot 4 will no longer produce the best chance for a large planet. Now the ratio spirals out from Slot 8, the 'best large field chance' slot and decreases evenly down to slot 1 & 15. This change was most likely intended to give a more even pro/con to the system planetary position's field size, deut bonus, and sat bonus.
   

Table updated from REDESIGNED universes ~23/09/2011.
Comment here, thank you.

The costs

The exact formula to calculate the cost of Astrophysics research is as follows:

rounded to the closest 100 [3].