There are no extra- extras (usually referred to here as 'jewelry' to be researched. If you bought the collector's edition, it comes with several extra pieces, and more will come with the expansion pack. Research will give you more non-extra parts (weapons, engines, etc) but the extras you have are all that there are for now..(although people have done stunning things wtih them.. there is a thread here somewhere for showing off some of the best designs.)

Also, research can unlock larger hull classes which have some different base designs from which to choose..

the "expansion pack" is no more than just that right now. There is no set date, there is no garuntee of what will be in it. Stardock seems to be leaning torwards more campaig missions, more "extra extras" and simple other upgrades. expect an expansion pack within the next year. DO NOT confuse expansion pack with updates. the real "expansion pack" will proably cost money. The updates are all free.

yea then theres mods. theres always pleanty of mods to add ship parts. kyros mod is highly rated. pleanty of others too

Because you can't post games with mods to the Metaverse, perhaps?

AH. I was not aware of that most grievous oversight since I don't metaverse at all.

However, the OP did not say he was in MV games.