Research was an XQ6 Platform situated within the Parmel system. At the time of the Galactic Civil War, the Imperial regime held dominion over it. This station served as a hub for various research endeavors led by Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin, including investigations into TIE starfighter technology. During the Arms Race, before Zaarin's treason as part of the Zaarin insurrection against the Galactic Empire circa 3 ABY, Platform Research was the point of origin for TIE Defender prototypes being dispatched to the Emperor. The frigate Thunderer was assigned to its defense.
Rebel Alliance forces launched an assault on Platform Research with the objective of disrupting TIE Defender manufacturing, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The station faced another Rebel assault while Zaarin was overseeing the development of a Beam weapon system intended for integration into Imperial fighters. During this particular raid, it was discovered that Rebel B-wings were equipped with Mag Pulse warheads, and one such warhead was successfully captured. The technology's origins were subsequently traced to Galactic Electronics, leading to the company's seizure for its illicit development and sale of weapons to the Alliance.
Subsequently, Zaarin made the decision to obliterate the platform in an effort to impede the starfighter production capabilities of the Imperial Loyalists. In response, the Emperor dispatched Maarek Stele, an accomplished fighter pilot, along with the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Adarga to safeguard Research. Following a series of engagements, Zaarin compelled the Adarga to retreat, resulting in the station's abandonment. Stele played a crucial role in evacuating high-ranking personnel and TIE Defenders from the station. After enduring several attacks by pirates, he successfully delivered the fighters to Vice Admiral Thrawn.
Not long after its abandonment, Zaarin accomplished the destruction of Research, but he was unable to completely eliminate all of the TIE Defender data necessary for the craft's continued production.