diff --git a/assets/vector/status/rov.svg b/assets/vector/status/rov.svg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b15a2fc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/vector/status/rov.svg
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
+oid sha256:bc067074ddeb85ae5503b66abbfd9d2778c00c4d4deb813f5478906faf81adb2
+size 459
diff --git a/assets/vector/status/rov.svg.import b/assets/vector/status/rov.svg.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b0eeb5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/vector/status/rov.svg.import
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://c3kgbws2ejds6"
+path="res://.godot/imported/rov.svg-85cd68e18cc64f6002858c870af4fd81.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://assets/vector/status/rov.svg"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/rov.svg-85cd68e18cc64f6002858c870af4fd81.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=false
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
+svg/scale=1.0
+editor/scale_with_editor_scale=false
+editor/convert_colors_with_editor_theme=false
diff --git a/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg b/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..14e5489
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
+oid sha256:a099a4970f2cc41d68dee79cd61e94ff539ef8780b6fe9dbbd20127ceccb07fe
+size 297
diff --git a/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg.import b/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg.import
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39a6042
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg.import
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://bc2m1gknloa5i"
+path="res://.godot/imported/stationkeep.svg-ba46234e5cd35725d5ce1d66d82e2fa0.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/stationkeep.svg-ba46234e5cd35725d5ce1d66d82e2fa0.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=false
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
+svg/scale=1.0
+editor/scale_with_editor_scale=false
+editor/convert_colors_with_editor_theme=false
diff --git a/components/vehicle_status_panel.tscn b/components/vehicle_status_panel.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc6b75a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/vehicle_status_panel.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,274 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://c6xqxnk0pqhg1"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://d3jrypgr15n4x" path="res://scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd" id="1"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://rh8gwu8mfqx2" path="res://scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd" id="2"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://bqvhrignal143" path="res://scripts/status_gauge.gd" id="3"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://bc2m1gknloa5i" path="res://assets/vector/status/stationkeep.svg" id="4"]
+
+[node name="VehicleStatusPanel" type="PanelContainer" unique_id=489606862]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(600, 440)
+offset_right = 600.0
+offset_bottom = 440.0
+theme_type_variation = &"VehicleBackground"
+script = ExtResource("1")
+mode_icon = ExtResource("4")
+
+[node name="Margin" type="MarginContainer" parent="." unique_id=1101194281]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/margin_left = 16
+theme_override_constants/margin_top = 12
+theme_override_constants/margin_right = 16
+theme_override_constants/margin_bottom = 12
+
+[node name="Layout" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin" unique_id=221437014]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+
+[node name="StatusArea" type="MarginContainer" parent="Margin/Layout" unique_id=1107401965]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 164)
+clip_contents = true
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_vertical = 3
+
+[node name="StatusArt" type="Control" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea" unique_id=649910411]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+script = ExtResource("2")
+
+[node name="ModeIcon" type="TextureRect" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/StatusArt" unique_id=728690011]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+visible = false
+self_modulate = Color(1, 0.61176467, 0.25, 0.09)
+layout_mode = 1
+anchors_preset = -1
+anchor_left = 0.68
+anchor_top = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.68
+anchor_bottom = 0.5
+offset_left = -105.0
+offset_top = -105.0
+offset_right = 105.0
+offset_bottom = 105.0
+rotation = -0.20943952
+pivot_offset = Vector2(105, 105)
+mouse_filter = 2
+texture = ExtResource("4")
+expand_mode = 1
+stretch_mode = 5
+
+[node name="Inset" type="MarginContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea" unique_id=2050290664]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/margin_left = 12
+theme_override_constants/margin_top = 8
+theme_override_constants/margin_right = 12
+theme_override_constants/margin_bottom = 8
+
+[node name="Text" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset" unique_id=905192152]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 4
+
+[node name="Top" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text" unique_id=424687654]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="Code" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text/Top" unique_id=1099636858]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+visible = false
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+theme_type_variation = &"Label"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+
+[node name="Severity" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text/Top" unique_id=1356897068]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"Label"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "NO DATA"
+horizontal_alignment = 2
+
+[node name="StatusName" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text" unique_id=1189663888]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"Label"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 30
+text = "Waiting for telemetry"
+autowrap_mode = 3
+
+[node name="Detail" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text" unique_id=703466821]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"Label"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+autowrap_mode = 3
+
+[node name="Action" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/StatusArea/Inset/Text" unique_id=514634651]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"Label"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+autowrap_mode = 3
+
+[node name="Readouts" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout" unique_id=1999758637]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 8
+
+[node name="Voltage" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts" unique_id=1002742281]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 2
+
+[node name="Numbers" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Voltage" unique_id=1312021033]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+
+[node name="Title" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Voltage/Numbers" unique_id=264983620]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(124, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "VOLTAGE"
+
+[node name="VoltageValue" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Voltage/Numbers" unique_id=1230347145]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 26
+text = "—"
+horizontal_alignment = 2
+
+[node name="VoltageReference" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Voltage/Numbers" unique_id=264381298]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(100, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "/ 48 V"
+vertical_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="VoltageGauge" type="Control" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Voltage" unique_id=446082505]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 16)
+layout_mode = 2
+script = ExtResource("3")
+minimum = 42.0
+maximum = 54.0
+warning_low = 47.0
+warning_high = 49.0
+fault_low = 45.0
+fault_high = 51.0
+nominal = 48.0
+
+[node name="Current" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts" unique_id=1982270337]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 2
+
+[node name="Numbers" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Current" unique_id=619271939]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+
+[node name="Title" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Current/Numbers" unique_id=137700803]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(124, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "CURRENT"
+
+[node name="CurrentValue" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Current/Numbers" unique_id=2147417420]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 26
+text = "—"
+horizontal_alignment = 2
+
+[node name="CurrentReference" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Current/Numbers" unique_id=1995980746]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(100, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "/ 30 A"
+vertical_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="CurrentGauge" type="Control" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Current" unique_id=484645650]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 16)
+layout_mode = 2
+script = ExtResource("3")
+nominal = nan
+
+[node name="Power" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts" unique_id=1074490654]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 2
+
+[node name="Numbers" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Power" unique_id=111236353]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+
+[node name="Title" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Power/Numbers" unique_id=213594380]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(124, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "POWER"
+
+[node name="PowerValue" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Power/Numbers" unique_id=1921756191]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 26
+text = "—"
+horizontal_alignment = 2
+
+[node name="PowerReference" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Power/Numbers" unique_id=1441937096]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(100, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "/ 1440 W"
+vertical_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="PowerGauge" type="Control" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Power" unique_id=82393019]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 16)
+layout_mode = 2
+script = ExtResource("3")
+maximum = 1728.0
+warning_high = 1152.0
+fault_high = 1440.0
+nominal = nan
+
+[node name="Temperature" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts" unique_id=658026844]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 2
+
+[node name="Numbers" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Temperature" unique_id=567006533]
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+
+[node name="Title" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Temperature/Numbers" unique_id=1987975109]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(124, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "INTERNAL"
+
+[node name="TemperatureValue" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Temperature/Numbers" unique_id=1041616611]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 3
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 26
+text = "—"
+horizontal_alignment = 2
+
+[node name="TemperatureReference" type="Label" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Temperature/Numbers" unique_id=1032238631]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(100, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 18
+text = "/ 65 °C"
+vertical_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="TemperatureGauge" type="Control" parent="Margin/Layout/Readouts/Temperature" unique_id=214013672]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 16)
+layout_mode = 2
+script = ExtResource("3")
+maximum = 90.0
+warning_high = 55.0
+fault_high = 65.0
+nominal = nan
diff --git a/docs/vehicle_status.md b/docs/vehicle_status.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4e002c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/vehicle_status.md
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+# Vehicle status prototype
+
+Run `scenes/vehicle_status_demo.tscn` with F6. The controls switch between normal, warning, fault, and a stopped feed, plus high contrast and alert pulsing.
+
+Instance `components/vehicle_status_panel.tscn` for integration:
+
+```gdscript
+$VehicleStatusPanel.set_status("STATIONKEEP", 0, "", "Position hold active", "Thrusters enabled")
+$VehicleStatusPanel.set_telemetry(48.0, 18.2, 874.0, 34.0)
+# severity: 0 normal, 1 warning, 2 fault
+$VehicleStatusPanel.set_status("Enclosure overtemperature", 2, "TMP-003",
+	"68 °C · trip 65 °C · thrusters inhibited", "Inspect cooling before reset")
+```
+
+All sample fault codes, responses, and thresholds are illustrative. The UI displays reported vehicle status; gauge zones do not control the ROV or generate its faults.
+
+Configure each gauge in the scene Inspector. The numeric references use the voltage nominal or the other gauges' upper fault thresholds. Voltage marks 48 V at center; any deviation enters a yellow region.
+
+| Gauge | Display range | Warning zone | Fault zone |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| Voltage | 42–54 V | Either side of 48 V | Below 45 / above 51 V |
+| Current | 0–36 A | 24–30 A | Above 30 A |
+| Power | 0–1728 W | 1152–1440 W | Above 1440 W |
+| Internal temperature | 0–90 °C | 55–65 °C | Above 65 °C |
+
+Only 48 V nominal and 30 A were supplied. The other thresholds need confirmation; 1440 W is the provisional 48 × 30 reference. Markers clamp to the track, but numeric readings remain unclamped.
+
+Labels and containers own layout. `status_gauge.gd` draws tracks and markers; `vehicle_status_art.gd` draws the watermark and status background. Warning/fault backgrounds alternate shades once per second; `pulse_alerts` disables that behavior. After two seconds without telemetry, the status is marked STALE and readings are held. Colors come from the shared palette and generated themes.
+
+`mode_icon` selects the SVG watermark (stationkeep and ROV samples are in `assets/vector/status/`). Edit `ModeIcon` anchors, rotation, and size in the scene. Readings are right-aligned beside a fixed-width, left-aligned limits column. Off-phase warning/fault shades are derived in the shared palette.
diff --git a/scenes/vehicle_status_demo.tscn b/scenes/vehicle_status_demo.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c5464d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scenes/vehicle_status_demo.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+[gd_scene format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" path="res://components/vehicle_status_panel.tscn" id="1"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd" id="2"]
+
+[node name="VehicleStatusDemo" type="VBoxContainer"]
+offset_left = 24.0
+offset_top = 24.0
+offset_right = 624.0
+offset_bottom = 560.0
+theme_override_constants/separation = 12
+script = ExtResource("2")
+
+[node name="Notice" type="Label" parent="."]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "SIMULATED / gauge thresholds are provisional"
+
+[node name="VehicleStatusPanel" parent="." instance=ExtResource("1")]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="Controls" type="HBoxContainer" parent="."]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="State" type="OptionButton" parent="Controls"]
+layout_mode = 2
+item_count = 4
+selected = 0
+popup/item_0/text = "Normal"
+popup/item_0/id = 0
+popup/item_1/text = "Warning"
+popup/item_1/id = 1
+popup/item_2/text = "Fault"
+popup/item_2/id = 2
+popup/item_3/text = "Stop feed / stale"
+popup/item_3/id = 3
+
+[node name="Contrast" type="CheckButton" parent="Controls"]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "High contrast"
+
+[node name="Pulse" type="CheckButton" parent="Controls"]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Pulse"
+button_pressed = true
diff --git a/scripts/status_gauge.gd b/scripts/status_gauge.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b29cd7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/status_gauge.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+@tool
+extends Control
+
+@export var minimum := 0.0
+@export var maximum := 36.0
+@export var warning_low := 0.0
+@export var warning_high := 24.0
+@export var fault_low := 0.0
+@export var fault_high := 30.0
+@export var nominal := NAN
+var value := 0.0
+var available := false
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	resized.connect(queue_redraw)
+	theme_changed.connect(queue_redraw)
+
+func _x(number: float) -> float:
+	return 4 + clampf((number - minimum) / maxf(maximum - minimum, 0.001), 0, 1) * (size.x - 8)
+
+func _zone(low: float, high: float, role: String) -> void:
+	if high <= low:
+		return
+	var color := get_theme_color(role, "SurfaceSide")
+	color.a = 0.65
+	draw_rect(Rect2(_x(low), 4, _x(high) - _x(low), 6), color)
+
+func _draw() -> void:
+	draw_rect(Rect2(4, 4, maxf(size.x - 8, 0), 6), get_theme_color("instrument_grid", "SurfaceSide"))
+	_zone(minimum, fault_low, "fault")
+	_zone(fault_low, warning_low, "warning")
+	_zone(warning_high, fault_high, "warning")
+	_zone(fault_high, maximum, "fault")
+	if is_finite(nominal):
+		draw_line(Vector2(_x(nominal), 0), Vector2(_x(nominal), 16), get_theme_color("instrument_accent", "SurfaceSide"), 2)
+	if available:
+		var x := _x(value)
+		var ink := get_theme_color("font_color", "Label")
+		draw_line(Vector2(x, 0), Vector2(x, 14), ink, 3)
+		draw_colored_polygon(PackedVector2Array([Vector2(x - 5, 0), Vector2(x + 5, 0), Vector2(x, 4)]), ink)
diff --git a/scripts/status_gauge.gd.uid b/scripts/status_gauge.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bab726e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/status_gauge.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://bqvhrignal143
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd b/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f791e81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+@tool
+extends Control
+
+@export_enum("Normal", "Warning", "Fault", "No data") var severity := 3
+@export var pulse_alerts := true
+var _phase := -1
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	resized.connect(queue_redraw)
+	theme_changed.connect(_update_icon)
+	_update_icon()
+
+func _process(_delta: float) -> void:
+	var phase := int(Time.get_ticks_msec() / 1000.0) % 2 if pulse_alerts else 0
+	if phase != _phase:
+		_phase = phase
+		queue_redraw()
+
+func _draw() -> void:
+	if severity in [1, 2]:
+		var role := "warning" if severity == 1 else "fault"
+		if _phase == 1:
+			role += "_alternate"
+		draw_rect(Rect2(Vector2.ZERO, size), get_theme_color(role, "SurfaceSide"))
+func _update_icon() -> void:
+	var tint := get_theme_color("status_icon", "SurfaceSide")
+	tint.a = 0.09
+	$ModeIcon.self_modulate = tint
+	queue_redraw()
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd.uid b/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94f48eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_art.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://rh8gwu8mfqx2
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd b/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90b7765
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+extends VBoxContainer
+
+@onready var panel = $VehicleStatusPanel
+var elapsed := 0.0
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	$Controls/State.item_selected.connect(_select_state)
+	$Controls/Contrast.toggled.connect(func(high: bool) -> void:
+		theme = load("res://themes/theme_highcontrast.tres" if high else "res://themes/theme.tres")
+	)
+	$Controls/Pulse.toggled.connect(func(enabled: bool) -> void: panel.pulse_alerts = enabled)
+	_select_state(0)
+
+func _select_state(index: int) -> void:
+	match index:
+		0: panel.set_status("STATIONKEEP", 0, "", "Position hold active", "Thrusters enabled")
+		1: panel.set_status("Supply voltage low", 1, "PWR-012", "46.5 V · below 48 V nominal", "Check topside supply and tether load")
+		2: panel.set_status("Enclosure overtemperature", 2, "TMP-003", "68 °C · trip 65 °C · thrusters inhibited", "Inspect cooling before reset")
+		3: panel.set_status("Enclosure overtemperature", 2, "TMP-003", "68 °C · trip 65 °C · thrusters inhibited", "Inspect cooling before reset")
+
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+	elapsed += delta
+	match $Controls/State.selected:
+		0: panel.set_telemetry(48.0, 18.2 + sin(elapsed) * 0.6, 874 + sin(elapsed) * 29, 34)
+		1: panel.set_telemetry(46.5, 25.5, 1186, 42)
+		2: panel.set_telemetry(48.0, 2.1, 101, 68)
+		3: pass
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd.uid b/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2b65b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_demo.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://qipln371l5is
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd b/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2c6b9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+@tool
+extends PanelContainer
+
+@export var mode_icon: Texture2D:
+	set(value):
+		mode_icon = value
+		if is_node_ready():
+			%ModeIcon.texture = value
+
+@export var stale_after_seconds := 2.0
+@export var pulse_alerts := true:
+	set(value):
+		pulse_alerts = value
+		if is_node_ready():
+			%StatusArt.pulse_alerts = value
+var _received_ms := -1
+var _severity := 0
+var _name := ""
+var _code := ""
+var _detail := ""
+var _action := ""
+var _stale := false
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	%ModeIcon.texture = mode_icon
+	_refresh_status()
+	_refresh_references()
+
+## Severity and fault explanations come from vehicle telemetry, not gauge zones.
+func set_status(name_text: String, severity: int = 0, code: String = "", detail: String = "", action: String = "") -> void:
+	_name = name_text
+	_severity = clampi(severity, 0, 2)
+	_code = code
+	_detail = detail
+	_action = action
+	_refresh_status()
+
+func set_telemetry(voltage: float, current: float, power: float, internal_temperature: float) -> void:
+	for number in [voltage, current, power, internal_temperature]:
+		if not is_finite(number):
+			return
+	_refresh_references()
+	_received_ms = Time.get_ticks_msec()
+	var values := [voltage, current, power, internal_temperature]
+	var labels := [%VoltageValue, %CurrentValue, %PowerValue, %TemperatureValue]
+	var gauges := [%VoltageGauge, %CurrentGauge, %PowerGauge, %TemperatureGauge]
+	for index in range(4):
+		labels[index].text = (["%.1f V", "%.1f A", "%.0f W", "%.1f °C"][index]) % values[index]
+		gauges[index].value = values[index]
+		gauges[index].available = true
+		gauges[index].queue_redraw()
+	_refresh_status()
+
+func _process(_delta: float) -> void:
+	var stale := _received_ms >= 0 and Time.get_ticks_msec() - _received_ms > stale_after_seconds * 1000
+	if stale != _stale:
+		_refresh_status()
+
+func _refresh_status() -> void:
+	if not is_node_ready():
+		return
+	_stale = _received_ms >= 0 and Time.get_ticks_msec() - _received_ms > stale_after_seconds * 1000
+	var missing := _received_ms < 0
+	var unavailable := missing or _stale
+	%StatusArt.severity = 3 if unavailable else _severity
+	%StatusArt.pulse_alerts = pulse_alerts
+	%StatusArt.queue_redraw()
+	%ModeIcon.visible = not unavailable and _severity == 0
+	%Severity.text = "NO DATA" if missing else ("STALE" if _stale else ["", "WARNING", "FAULT"][_severity])
+	%StatusName.text = "Waiting for telemetry" if missing else (_name if not _name.is_empty() else "Mode unavailable")
+	%Code.text = _code
+	%Code.visible = not _code.is_empty() and not missing
+	%Detail.text = "" if missing else _detail
+	%Action.text = "Values held · connection overdue" if _stale else ("" if missing else _action)
+	var variant := ("VehicleWarningText" if _severity == 1 else "VehicleFaultText") if _severity in [1, 2] and not unavailable else "Label"
+	for label in [%Severity, %StatusName, %Code, %Detail, %Action]:
+		label.theme_type_variation = variant
+
+func _refresh_references() -> void:
+	%VoltageReference.text = "/ %.0f V" % %VoltageGauge.nominal
+	%CurrentReference.text = "/ %.0f A" % %CurrentGauge.fault_high
+	%PowerReference.text = "/ %.0f W" % %PowerGauge.fault_high
+	%TemperatureReference.text = "/ %.0f °C" % %TemperatureGauge.fault_high
diff --git a/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd.uid b/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b5a4996
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/vehicle_status_panel.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://d3jrypgr15n4x