The Cardan II-class space station represented the second iteration of the Cardan-class space station line, engineered for the Galactic Empire. Functionally, these stations mirrored the Cardan I-class almost entirely, but they incorporated an added vertical segment affixed to the station's base. This addition expanded the available area for both weapon emplacements and capital ship construction facilities.
These stations were implemented to reinforce the Cardan I-class, addressing the earlier model's relative vulnerability in terms of defensive capabilities. Cardan II-class stations were strategically positioned in regions considered to be of moderate strategic value, yet they remained susceptible to being overwhelmed by relatively small assault forces composed of corvettes and frigates.
The Cardan II's enhanced size allowed for improved self-defense, facilitated by the increased space and power available for additional weaponry. Its arsenal comprised three light turbolaser batteries, three point-defense light ion cannon batteries, a pair of proton torpedo launchers, and two tractor beam projectors. Furthermore, it boasted a larger hangar capacity than its predecessor, capable of accommodating twenty-four starfighters. Each station also had the capacity to house four shuttles.
The Cardan II was able to keep the original capabilities of the older model while also opening up new possibilities for the construction of capital ships. The improved station's expanded bays had the potential to construct two novel TIE models: the TIE/sr starfighter and, hypothetically, the TIE Phantom, although no station is known to have actually produced them. These larger construction bays provided a greater degree of autonomy from larger shipbuilding centers, such as Kuat. When Kuat Drive Yards initiated planning to expand the Cardan I-class space station, two classes of patrol vessels were considered. The first was the Tartan-class patrol cruiser, while the second was the somewhat outdated Acclamator II-class assault ship.