A map of the lanes of Celestial Space (Full[1])
Celestial Space is a region of the cosmos which is defined by the borders of the Celestial Confederacy (even long after it fragmented into successor states). Celestial space is difficult to access from "Imperial" space - for milennia, only one known route existed; during much of post-imperial history, this was controlled by the Nippon States, who jealously guarded it and used the exclusive trading rights to enrich themselves and slow the spread of gunpowder weaponry to their Celestial competitors.
A second path was opened up by an expedition headed by Katya Morovin, which led to a scramble for Celestial space between the Aeldrum Trade Company and the Knights Mercantile.
