Factorio Forums

With 2.1 inter-platform logistics, nearly everything necessary for building new space platforms can now be built directly in orbit. Theoretically one could just assemble new platforms entirely in space by using already existing orbital shipyards. However, launching a new platform always requires a rocket launch as of now, even if you built a starter pack in space already.

I would like to propose the ability to launch a new platformusing by using a starter pack that is inside the cargo bay of an already existing space platform orbiting the same body. this could theoreticaly be done through the dropdown menu under the star map with an option such as "launch new platform from (Platform name)". This would allow us to build platforms entirely in orbit.

+1
It's only logical, but I am not getting my hopes up.

This is (almost) possible in Vanilla; I am sure a Mod could be written to handle it better: Placing a Silo on a Platform is normally prevented by a surface condition. The Rocket will never launch from a Platform because there is nothing "in orbit" of it (which is entirely reasonable ). I am not sure where needs to be modded to allow Platforms to be chosen as a "Planet" for the New Space Platform dialog... interesting idea nonetheless!

Absolutely, it is *almost* doable, but would require some gimmicky modded prototype with the express purpose to launch exactly one type of item into orbit around the same body it is parked in. I think it would be great if we just had a section in the UI that lets us use platform starters in inventories of platforms already in space.

I support this idea too!
I was thinking about an endgame mod, continuation of the vanilla SA:
Building a dysonsphere around a sun using prometheum. It is a tedious job, so to fasten it you would incentivized to create multiple space platform to be able to build more solar panels or whatevet. As is, you would need to do this whole thing in space!

I am actually working on a modding project for a large self sufficient orbital facility. The goal is to have a space location capable of building spacecraft parts more effectively in orbit directly without the need to import. The whole point of this is that that space location doesnt have a surface to interact with, so its currently not possible to launch anything from here