orbiting_base

Resource generation for an orbiting base is pretty slim. It might occasionally run across scrap satellites for scrap metal, but otherwise wouldn't have many raw resources. Some thoughts on how a space station would justify it's existence:

• Science. It could collect astronomy images, observe the planets and moons nearby, etc. This science could in turn be sold to another location, allowing them to get upgrades to do more stuff.
• Expedition- It could send expeditions to collect raw resources.
• Repair- It would make a good repair station, although spare parts might be hard to come by.
• Manufacturing- There might be some goods that can only be produced in Zero G, or are better if produced in Zero G.
• Military- It could serve as a platform for missiles, lasers, etc.
• Communication- Facilitate communication, both with deep space objects as well as point to point.
• Warehouse- It might be easier to send goods from the planet to the space station, to be picked up by other ships at a profit. Most likely this would involve buy goods from one location and selling them at a profit.
• Tourism- People come to the station, spend money, and leave.
• Waypoint- Large ships can't land, small ships can't go far. The base could be a waypoint between the two.

Difficulties for an orbiting space station

• Where to get the resources? They likely require an infusion of outside goods.
• Day/Night cycles, they will have more temperature fluctuation and power fluctuation than in deep space, but not as much as on a planet. They will also have solar power faults when in eclipse, and require batteries or shutting down some subsystems, or at least an alternative mean to generate power when in eclipse.