As it stands now, if I want a proper Space Station, I must construct it in my shipyards and tow it to a destination. Thats fine, but I have to tow it back for periodic overhaul.
I propose designing starbases in a as akin to a pdc, and building them using industrial base in prefab sections. Once sections are put together, they sit in orbit, akin to a shipyard. The sections can then be individually towed to a waypoint or object.
The fundamental difference between a starbase and a ship is that the overhaul clock is frozen IF maintenance supplies are available. The station burns maintenance supplies as a function of tonnage. Run out of maintenance supplies, and the overhaul clock progresses at 4x the rate for ships, ie, the station falls apart. Fast.
Fail to run regular deliveries and a starbase and it can crumble.
Create research line items for number max number of prefit sections.
Advantage: Simplifies the approach of having proper stationary or orbital starbases, complete with fighter wings, without cheesing the maitenence\overhaul issue. Stations can be towed, but it will be a slow tow with the starbase inactive.