Thermal Regulator
A thermal regulator, found commonly in the BDA and analogous to the technology used by some species in other Sectors, is designed to keep a being's body temperature within a specific limit. It is a minor but essential piece of gear for most BDA members to have, usually worn on the hip or otherwise on a belt.
Utility
A thermal regulator is a lightweight, easily missable piece of technology designed to protect a species from damage due to temperature by keeping them in a skintight bubble of a certain temperature. It is a lightweight version of more general climate regulators, which are much heavier and use much more power, and is not designed for dangerous explorations like climate regulators. It is used most by Aktangsi due to their requirement of higher temperatures than the majority of sentient species, but it can be used the other way by other species, keeping them cool in hot environments and preventing overheating in facilities like mines and factories where keeping the ambient temperature safe can be difficult.
It has been known to have been used by BDA criminals to try and hide their heat signatures in order to avoid being tracked by Aktangsi (or other people with similar abilities, including Sanadasin) or to match the temperature of a particular environment to evade defences.
Social Impact
Thermal Regulators had the biggest impact for the Aktangsi, making it much safer to leave their homes for other, more temperate biomes. The lighter, more accessible Thermal Regulator nullified the biggest danger for Aktangsi while also being much easier and cheaper to produce, and therefore much more widespread in its availability. It has also made it easier for expeditions to more dangerous biomes by multiple species, as its much lighter weight makes it much easier to carry and use.
However, this easier use has led to criminal or spy activity using them to avoid being spotted by security measures around places like vaults or to avoid the eyes of Aktangsi guards. BDA security has tried to move apace to keep ahead of such misuse, and temperature-based security quickly became obsolete in the BDA. Some smugglers and pirates have started attempting to retrofit the technology to their ships in order to try and hide their thermal signatures with varying degrees of success, and in turn, the BDA has started work to both be able to see through such disguises and implement similar technology on their own ships in their neverending crusade to avoid contact with the outside world.
Access & Availability
Accessibility can vary depending on where you are and what you are. Essentially all BDA military have access to them in case of having to go somewhere off-planet. Outside of the military, they can only be easily brought by Aktangsi on their home planet - their potential requirement is as an emergency medical tool, not something for comfort. Outside of this, you normally need some proof that you're going to be going somewhere, off-planet or on, where it would be of use. Interplanetary travel isn't actually something done for much leisure in the BDA, with the constant warfare, and so it helps to limit how much criminal elements can get their hands on it.
Related Species
