Improved space stations and colonies

[Bryant]

I am new to the game, and really enjoying it.  But as I play, I am getting the feeling that it centers around an individual mission, so things like space stations and colonies, while fun to build don't have a significant value from what I have seen.  I would love to see things like satellites around planets have more value over time, and the ability to "service" them, like Hubble getting new mirrors, oh yeah, a space telescope.

Long term goals would be fun and challenging, like 100 kerbals living on Mun, and then building a supply chain.   Space stations that could serve as jump off points for planets, and the ability to assemble large space craft in orbit by ferrying smaller modules from Kerbal.  The list could go on forever, it is a really fun game and great concept. 

[MrMeeb]

16 minutes ago, Bryant said:

I am new to the game, and really enjoying it.  But as I play, I am getting the feeling that it centers around an individual mission, so things like space stations and colonies, while fun to build don't have a significant value from what I have seen.  I would love to see things like satellites around planets have more value over time, and the ability to "service" them, like Hubble getting new mirrors, oh yeah, a space telescope.

Long term goals would be fun and challenging, like 100 kerbals living on Mun, and then building a supply chain.   Space stations that could serve as jump off points for planets, and the ability to assemble large space craft in orbit by ferrying smaller modules from Kerbal.  The list could go on forever, it is a really fun game and great concept. 

You're right, KSP IS a really fun game!  One of the things that makes it so great is the flexibility it has as a base for an awful lot of ideas. In fact, almost everything you've suggested is already possible in the game. While the game may not set them as challenges, nothing is stopping you setting yourself challenges! The possibilities are endless  

(also, welcome to the forums )

[Randazzo]

18 minutes ago, MrMeeb said:

almost everything you've suggested is already possible in the game

The suggestion was to give these things a value beyond just doing it.

Stations at present can have actual value if they have an MPL on-board, if you bother to stop off with data and fill it up and process it. Later in the game, this can be a direct source of funds with the appropriate strategy active. As you can put data in as many labs as you want (currently), there's a reason to stop off at a station or two before returning to the surface of Kerbin.

This is going to change in 1.1 however, requiring data to be left in the lab processing it instead of copied, removing the value of making more than one stop.

[KerbonautInTraining]

If you're OK with (and know how to) install mods there are TONS of them with similar goals in mind. Two relevant favorites of mine:

TAC life support makes surface base/space station resupply missions mandatory. Of course, it adds a fair bit of difficulty so it's not for everyone.

Kerbal Attachment/Inventory System allows for in-depth EVA's. You can add, remove, or replace parts on the fly (ha ha). It adds functionality only, so it won't effect anything unless you actually incorporate it into your mission.

(I love this combo because it makes resupply missions much more involved)

There are a multitude of mods based around surface outposts, many of which are compatible with TAC life support, if you wish to go that route.

[Nich]

I don't know I have had 4 missions to upgrade my Kerbin station.  I gamed the hell out of 5 contracts.  Minimus base 6 kerbals, Minimus station 8 kerbals, Mun 10 kerbals Station, Kerbin station 10 kerbals and 6000 LF.  I completed all 5 for 200k and put my dream station in Munar Orb it and they paid something like 1.2-1.5 mil.

Edited March 2, 2016 by Nich

[Kerbalstar]

Mod's for this include: Pathfinder, porkjets habitat pack, TACLS, USILS, KAS,and KIS. Yes really good game.

[Somtaaw]

RemoteTech also covers the need to continously build up an extensive satellite network over multiple planets. However the stock setting also puts in slower than light control telemetry, so sending unmanned missions you have to wait for commands to be transmitted. It's possible to change some of those settings, but it also somewhat defeats the point of the RT mod, so it's 50/50.

[Andem]

Mods add a lot of these features in stock, but I understand wanting them in the game. Alas, likely not for a while, but maybe soon. I would at least install KAS, KIS, KPBS, and USILS.