Temp Fix:
1. Start up game | 2. Click Abort | 3. Click Don't Connect | 4. Select Server List | 5. Select planet with your mouse | 6. Play!
This temp fix from
http://theuniversalmaster.com/news.php usually works when the galaxy server is off, but it's not working at the moment as there are no planets listed in the server list. Maybe because theuniversal chat server is offline as well?
The other workaround is to download the a-tractor client from
http://www.gameislands.net/ but the download is reporting a "files corrupted" at the moment (On my PC). So yes, for me, theuniversal is completely down. No playing in space OR on any of the planets
You can still download the world building software and I have done just that. My new world is "No Man's Land"
Come on guys! Sober up just for an hour or so! : -P
Cya all later, I hope!