diff --git a/sc2/src/uqm/planets/planets.h b/sc2/src/uqm/planets/planets.h
index 56a62a692..60e8160bb 100644
--- a/sc2/src/uqm/planets/planets.h
+++ b/sc2/src/uqm/planets/planets.h
@@ -110,7 +110,9 @@ struct planet_desc
 {
 	DWORD rand_seed;
 
-	BYTE data_index;
+	// Expanded to 32 bits now, to permit additional flags
+	// like shield types and such.
+	DWORD data_index;
 	BYTE NumPlanets;
 	SIZE radius;
 	POINT location;