Next Steps

Immediate Backend Follow-Up

The simulation now has the beginnings of a self-sustaining bootstrap:

The next step is to close the remaining logistics and simulation gaps around that bootstrap.

Recommended work:

add constructor material logistics
- allow the constructor to fetch module materials instead of assuming they are already on the target station
- add pickup / load phases and delivery priorities
expose station installed modules and active construction to the viewer
- installed modules
- current build target
- build progress
harden dock management
- make dock eligibility depend on dock type / ship class if needed
- surface pad occupancy in debug UI
add stronger action timing coverage
- timed final approach / berthing if desired
- timed station-side processing queues if multiple modules run concurrently
add recovery behavior for stranded ships
- rescue / tow / emergency refuel
- better handling after full fuel and power depletion

The economy now has a more explicit resource chain:

The next step is to make those logistics deliberate instead of bootstrap-scripted.

Recommended work:

split logistics roles more clearly
- ore miner
- gas miner
- hauler / constructor transport
make station build priorities responsive
- fuel chain first when reserves are low
- ore refining when fuel is stable
- docking expansion when traffic backs up
make fuel scarcity visible in debug UI
- fuel throughput
- gas stock
- dock contention
move away from generic node selection
- let miners prefer nearby valid nodes
- factor travel cost and dock turnaround into throughput planning

Add constructor pickup / delivery behavior for module materials.
Expose station installed modules, dock pads, and active construction in the contracts and viewer.
Add rescue / recovery behavior for power-starved ships.
Add faction build priorities based on fuel, ore throughput, and dock saturation.
Improve pirate targeting so industrial ships and docking lanes are high-value harassment targets.
Break backend simulation responsibilities into smaller planning / faction / combat / logistics modules.

The repository now has a split architecture:

The next networking step is not “move the simulation into .NET.” That is already done for the active runtime.

The next steps are about scaling the transport and authority model cleanly.

Recommended work:

add client-to-server command submission
- direct orders
- automation changes
- selection / observer commands only where useful
add persistence
- saves
- world seeds
- reconnect support
add player ownership / permissions
- command authority
- eventually fog of war / restricted information
harden replication contracts
- explicit entity lifecycle events
- versioning
- reconnect / catch-up semantics

The viewer still works as an observer/debug client first.

Recommended work:

keep tuning the tactical and camera-follow camera feel
add clearer camera mode affordances in the HUD / ship rail
show station module state and construction state
show dock occupancy and waiting ships
expose fuel-chain health
- gas stock
- fuel stock
- refinery / processor activity
improve event typing for:
- dock request
- dock granted
- refuel
- construction started / completed

The stream is still world-wide.

Recommended work: