MODULE:KNOWLEDGE-BASE■DATABASE:INFRASTRUCTURE■CLASS:UNRESTRICTED
PORT: SURFACE
Planetary Ports vs Orbital Stations
Approach Time, Gravity & Surface Access
Infrastructure Profile
Signal Summary
Orbital stations are usually faster to reach from supercruise. Planetary ports trade that convenience for surface context, settlement proximity, and operations that happen on or near a body.
PlanetaryOrbitalLanding
Key Concepts
Approach cost - Planetary landings add glide, descent, gravity, and terrain considerations.
Surface context - Surface ports connect naturally to Odyssey missions, settlements, and local body conditions.
Operational choice - The best port is often the one with the right services at the lowest travel cost.
Field Notes
A cheap commodity price can be less attractive if the port sits deep in a gravity well.
Surface access matters more for commanders combining station work with settlement or exobiology loops.
Reference
| Signal | Value | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fast stop | Orbital station | Usually lower approach overhead. |
| Surface loop | Planetary port | Better tied to settlement and body activity. |