...
Scattered throughout the X-universe are numerous stations and more will be constructed while other will be destroyed as play progresses. Stations consume wares to manufacture other wares or build and equip ships. Trading Stations are special in that they will both buy and sell a range of wares. Defence Platforms provide a means for a faction to maintain ownership of a sector. Station Trade offers are only available to the player if owned assets have recently been near the station, or if the satellite coverage is maintained, or if a Trade Subscription has been purchased from a Faction;s representativehas gather this information (see the Trading and Mining page).
Station IDs
Stations have unique IDs displayed withinin menus. The generation of IDs is completey random.
Station Platforms
Docking modules that look small when seen from space appear vast when explored on foot. Each docking module has a unique layout from which the player can watch ships come and go. Automated safety systems prevent unoccupied landing pads from being walked on (if you find yourself trapped in a bay, look for escape ladders near regular exits). Player-owned ships can have their Ship Options displayed via interacting with the panel on the edge of the landing pad in front of the ship. In addition to docks, all stations have an Engineering Bay, Managers Office and a mission-unlocked Bar.
Elevators and transporters
Whilst travelators are available on larger docks, not all areas of all stations may be accessed on foot. The player may need to take an elevator or transporter to other areas. Elevators and transporter are used by interacting with control panels on the inside on the left. From left to right, elevators, transporters and the panel on the edge of the landing pads are ringed in the picture below.
NPCs
Talk to the denizens of stations to ask for directions, progress missions, trade and to hire new staff for ships and stations.
Modules
Stations are constructed from multiple interconnected modules. Each module acts independently from the rest having an independent amount of hull and surface elements. NPC modules can be scanned to reveal information about the module, while player-owned station will show this by default. Modules are classed into Production, Build, Storage, Habitation, Defence, Dock and Other categories.
...
These allow ships to dock at stations. There are usually a mix of S and M size landing pads on the same docking modules while L and XL ships need to use piers. The availability of docking options can limit which ships can trade with a station.
Station Platforms
Docking modules that look small when seen from space appear vast when explored on foot. Each docking module has a unique layout from which the player can watch ships come and go. Automated safety systems prevent unoccupied landing pads from being walked on (if you find yourself trapped in a bay, look for escape ladders near regular exits). Player-owned ships can have their Ship Options displayed via interacting with the panel on the edge of the landing pad in front of the ship. In addition to docks, all stations have an Engineering Bay, Managers Office and a mission-unlocked Bar.
Elevators and transporters
Whilst travelators are available on larger docks, not all areas of all stations may be accessed on foot. The player may need to take an elevator or transporter to other areas. Elevators and transporter are used by interacting with control panels on the inside on the left. From left to right, elevators, transporters and the panel on the edge of the landing pads are ringed in the picture below.
NPCs
Talk to the denizens of stations to ask for directions, progress missions, trade and to hire new staff for ships and stations.
Hidden Crates
Certain missions will require crates hidden on the station platforms to be found and collected by the player. These crates usually contain wares to progress the mission.
...