Allow logistics transfers between space platforms

[Phantom329]

The very simplest implementation would be a target dropdown for when we shift-click in the hub inventory. It can use exactly the same cargo pod launch animation, but then the cargo pod lands on the other platform instead of the planet.

It's easy to suggest new buildings and items but I think it's much better to find other uses of existing features. Stations drop items for free to planets with the landing pods. There's no reason ship to ship should be different. Using the mech suit to spacewalk to another platform could just show the animation leaving from the cargo bay. I understand why the devs don't allow walking around a platform, so I'm not suggesting that.

[kaijyuu]

I also expected this to be in the game and was surprised when I found out it wasn't.

[Ghoulsberry]

Hello! I was thinking that it would be cool if you could transfer items between 2 ships orbiting the same planet. As of now, if I want to take something from one ship and put it to another, I have to send that item to the planet then back up to the other ship. But if the 2 ships are already orbiting the same planet, then it would make sense that they could transfer items to one another.

Thanks for an awesome game!

[IjstWannaSleepPlzUwU]

Is it possible to transfer cargo between different space platforms on the same planet's orbit, rather than through cargo landing pad and rocket silo ?
This is a natural and reasonable function, so that I can establish a Space Logistics Hub in planet orbit to replenish materials for other space platforms anchored on this planet, such as walls, repair packs, platform foundations, turrets, Uranium fuel cells, etc
This also solves the problem of automated rocket launches: when multiple space platforms require extremely small amounts of materials, they can directly send requests to the Space Logistics Hub, instead of letting surface rockets automatically launch stacks of materials

[myridium]

No, it is not possible.

You make a good point about collecting small requests.

[Koub]

[Koub] Merged several threads with the same suggestion.

[JohnAlekseyev]

Just came across this post while searching online on how I can send stuff to another platform instead just down to a planet - I thought I was just not finding the option, since it seemed so intuitive.

Please really add this! Orbital construction or docking stations are a staple of spacefaring sci-fi, and also just straight up make a lot of sense considering the huge cost of sending something up from a planet's gravity. It would also be great for gameplay, being able to give planets an orbital platform to send stuff to, that they can then transfer to another mobile platform passing by.

[erronius]

Another +1 on this, I was about to make this as a suggestion myself. I think it would be reasonable for there to be some kind of cost associated with this. Maybe it requires one solid rocket fuel per stack you're sending over, or has a power draw or something. But this would open up so many great options for space logistics which is currently a stumbling block for a lot of people including myself. I would really love to have a "staging platform" above each of my planets that holds all the things that I want to export. And then my transport platform shows up and grabs stuff from the staging platform.

Edit: better idea, the cost could be an explosives, since this would allow using the advanced asteroid crushing for sustainability.

[dev-cyprium]

+1 on this

I landed here in search of a mod, if not part of the base DLC, can someone at least make this via a mod?

[dev-cyprium]

I would mostly love to send extra asteroids from various platforms to a single one which turns them all into calcite

[Forblaze]

I would really like to have been able to make stationary platforms that act as refueling/rearming stations instead of needing every one to be completely self sufficient. Shame this isn't possible.

[Fharkas]

Super agree.
I was also one of those who started a google search for how it should be done, since it seemed as a no brainer.

For balance issues, so the make a moving factory challenge remains, some ideas:
- Have the transfer tech locked between one or two planets' tech. So the player needs to build a moving factory for first times.
- Have a maximum platform weight/size that is upgradable with tech (with new tech types added), so even a non-moving orbital hub/manufacturing/refueling station a bit of constraint
- After some time, lower asteroid appearance or make it fluctuating widely
- Have some other space hazards (solar flares, that fry, irradiate various stuff or micro, super fast meteors that do fixed damage so the platform needs walls to mitigate dmg)

Also, the whole Space Age so far super fun and well thought out, distinct and a solid foundation that allows for so much more. Looking forward to all the extra stuff that will be added over time!