The Barnard's Star star star system hwas an early target of a sub-light probe launched back in 2115. This arrived in the system in 2175, and although a technological success the telemetary sent back to Earth was dissapointing, though not unexpected, in relation to the worlds in the system. As a consequence the system was ignored until 2511 when an early generation faster than light explorer entered the system. By this time Earth was becomming desperate for explotable resources. On the solitary moon of the gas giant Tyson extensive resources of naturally occuring plastics and other non-metallic ores were discovered.

The first mine on Barnard Station was established in 2513 and has remained in operation ever since. The mine is now operated by Consolidated Mining Group (CMG) and has proved to be very profitable.

The permanent population of Barnard Station is around 22,500 and a small naval and scout service facility, together with a number of research facilities have been established on the world.