Race Ages (Direct from the .exe file)

[DirectorTsaarx]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
No, it means you need 5001 experience points. Each tech level you research gives 1, each facility gives 1, each ship you build gives tonnage / 10, untis give nothing, and you get some for destroying enemy ships. There are probably a few other things that get you experience too.

I think you get experience for colonizing other planets. I wonder if you get experience for "exploring" (i.e., each new system seen or something). I also wonder if you get experience for making treaties, trades, etc.