Suggestion: Manual transfer of items between space platforms 1. The problem
In the current version (2.1), space platforms can request items from other platforms and planets via the logistic network. This works well for automation.
However, there is no way to manually send items from one platform to another. This causes inconvenience in several scenarios:
Complete redesign of a platform. When you want to drastically change a ship's layout (e.g., expand it, rearrange components), you currently have to either drop all items to a planet or build a new platform from scratch. Manual transfer between platforms would make this much easier.
Reallocating resources among your fleet. If one platform has a surplus of certain items and another lacks them, there is no quick way to move them manually. You have to resort to complex combinator setups or drop to a planet and then re‑request.
Symmetry with the request feature. Since the devs added the ability to request from other platforms, it would be logical to also allow sending – at least in manual mode.
2. Proposed solution
Add a manual sending mechanism to the platform UI that works similarly to the existing drop‑to‑surface system.
Currently:
When you select an item in the platform's storage and press Shift + Right‑Click, a window opens where you can move items. After confirming, they are dropped to the chosen surface.
Proposal:
Extend that same dialog to also list other space platforms as valid destinations, in addition to planets/surfaces. The interaction remains the same – Shift+RMB, select items, but now you can pick a target platform instead of a surface.
This is a minimal UI change that adds significant flexibility without cluttering the interface.
3. Why this matters
Remote management convenience. Most of the time you are on Nauvis or another planet – you cannot physically walk up to a platform and move items. The only alternative is to build complicated logistic chains, which defeats the purpose of a quick manual action.
Lower entry barrier for new players. Currently, managing multiple platforms efficiently requires knowledge of combinators and intricate settings. A simple manual transfer would solve many common tasks with zero extra learning.
Logical complement to existing mechanics. Since requesting is already possible, offering a manual sending option is a natural symmetry in the UI.
4. Counterarguments and my replies
"This is a niche scenario – it would bloat the UI."
Even niche scenarios matter if they save players significant trouble. Adding one extra destination option in an existing dialog does not bloat the interface – it adds a useful feature with almost zero cost.
"You can already do that via combinators."
Yes, you can. But Factorio is about automation, not about making simple tasks unnecessarily complicated. Manual sending does not replace automation – it gives you choice. Sometimes you just want to move a few stacks quickly.
"The devs won't add it because nobody asked for it."
I am a player, and I am asking for it. I am confident I am not alone. That is exactly why I am posting this suggestion.
5. Conclusion
Please consider adding an option to manually send items from one space platform to another via the existing Shift+RMB interface. It is a small, low‑impact change that would greatly improve the quality of life for players who build and manage multiple platforms, especially during redesign phases.
Thank you for reading.