As a first step in the process, we are going into code freeze. From today and until release, the Oolite repository is closed for new features and only bug fixes and documentation updates are accepted. Any planned features and/or open pull requests are deferred to post-1.82. The version numbers have been already bumped on the repository and nightly builds will be reporting 1.82 as their version number starting tomorrow.
If you would like to help us with the upcoming release, we invite you to start testing the nightlies exhaustively. Normally nightly builds represent cutting-edge development and are not recommended for normal gameplay but, during pre-release code freeze periods, they are essentially our release candidates. So feel free to test, give us feedback and tell us about potential bugs, if you encounter any.
This first preparatory phase is scheduled to last from about 30 to 40 days. Release of 1.82 is expected at the end of this period, barring any unforseen delays due to pending bug fixes or other reasons beyond our control. So, in case you were wondering what Soon(TM) means, you now have a pretty good idea.
Commanders, prepare for launch.