Factorio Forums

TL;DR

Space platforms can meet each other.

What?

I know this could be quite difficult to implement, but it would be interesting if the space platforms could meet each other instead of existing separately as they do now.
That is, you can meet another space platform that is traveling in the opposite direction, flying faster, or simply drifting in orbit.
Platforms could communicate with each other and transfer resources, for example via capsules as in a planet drop, or via docking nodes to which belts, pipes and logic could be wired.

Why?

This leads to a number of interesting possibilities. For example, you can repair a half-destroyed space platform that is stuck on some planet or in between and cannot fly on its own. Or you can create refueling stations in the orbits of planets, with which space platforms will dock for quick refueling. Or you can organize more complex interplanetary logistics, where space platforms will meet and transfer cargo to each other. Or even PvP on space platforms.

I suspect this would be impossible, due to the limitation of only one hub by platform. What if once the platform met, one just builds a bridge between them ?

Platforms cannot be connected by bridges, only docked by means of a gateway.

At least it'd be nice if we could send cargo pods between platforms in same orbit.

I guess this limit is a design decision, forcing players to build self sustaining platforms. Otherwise one can just build huge manufacturing, refueling hubs over each planet and transfer resources to the cargo space platforms (spaceships now).
Space Exploration did this quite well...

So unless there would be a huge design overhaul, rethinking of space biome and platforms, I don't think this will happen.