What's the date?

[Stephen]

The rulebook mentions that the Rigel joined the Confederation in 2281, but then implies that some time has passed since then and the current time.

What is the current in-game year?

[Goblinoid Games]

That is left intentionally open so you can customize where you want to start. Overall it's my hope everyone will go their own way with the setting and not worry about "canon".

[Stephen]

Ok, then what's the earliest date when an adventure can start and still use the entire rulebook? It can't be 2281, because the book says that after Rigel joined the Confederation in 2281, the Videni/Confederation war transpired.

"Just when a period of stability looked hopeful, a new threat emerged from deep space. A series of brutal raids destroyed an Confederation space station and two colony worlds. A new race was responsible—the Videni... Impressed by Videni tactics and recognizing a chance to turn the balance of power, the Zangid formed an alliance with them and waged a new war against the Confederation. However, after a major double-cross on the part of the Videni, the Zangids have again formed an uneasy truce with the Confederation... It is at this point in the game setting that play begins."

So any hints on how long it took for that to resolve?

[Goblinoid Games]

It can be however long you want it. If you want a strong confederation I'd say just a few years of war, so game play could begin around 2283-4. If you want the war to have been brutal, leaving the Confederation and possibly Videni and Zangids weakened, colony worlds still needing to be repaired and made contact with (if lost during the war) then you could stretch the war out many years. You could also set the campaign during the war, right after the Rigel join the Confederation.