You should be able to download from the mod manager in game. Where are you seeing a grey button?

Not the metaverse button the gear button at the bottom of the main menu. What version of the game are you on?

Go to Epic library and verify your files all the buttons on the bottom should be lit.

For me, those two buttons are like that and like the screenshot when I'm not connected to the Internet.  Perhaps that's the problem.

Apologies, for the delay in responding, my neighbors decided that they did not want the entire neighborhood to have power.

I restarted the computer, verified the files and it seems to be working now.  I had created a custom civilization, with a custom icon and background, but the verification seems to have fixed it.  If it keeps happening I will reach out again.  My sincerest thanks to everyone for their time.

I am likewise struggling the same as Maya there... On Steam, updated and verified files (several times), and I cannot access the Metaverse and download other user's ships.

Thanks Spider! Out of interest, where can I find that info?

I really don't mind not having access to it - it is early access! I just don't want to bug people with these questions if I can help it haha!