Okay, before to start working on AI, we need to complete the crew system.
Now we want to implement an engineers, and also it is good time to make some changes in the craft system.
Current system
Gather resource from asteroid -> Construct parts in production module -> Build ship module anywhere.
And we don't really like the "parts" (metal plates, fastener kit, etc). These parts do not add to much sense in gameplay, it is just one additional "level of resources". It is make the production more complicated and don't add any fun for the game, actually, no one don't want to calculate or remember how much parts he need to construct the module. The only good thing about "parts", it is works as "intermediate stage of production", but this is not the best way to achieve it.
So there is other idea
Gather ore from asteroid -> Refine it to pure metal powder by using module "Refinery" -> Construct modules by using this metal powder.
And this method seems like a lot more better. There is its benefits:
- We still have "intermediate stage of production". It is good. Because raw ore -> modules it is not good.
- Refined metals is stored in the same containers, as and the ore. We think that ore containers is cool. :)
- Refined metals may have not an integer value. For example metal place can be only 1, or 2, or 10. But with new system module can require, for exmaple. 0.65 tons or iron, it gives better opportunity for balance the costs and also it is allows to consume resources slowly, along with the construction progress, not all at once.
- It is pretty realistic. In real world, people want to use industrial 3d printers to construct parts of space ships, even in space. Actually SpaceX already printed their Draco engine for Dragon space ship by using 3d printer. Also ISS received plastic 3d printer some time ago and ground team already testing the parts which ws assembled on the board of ISS. So we think that metal powder and industrial 3d printers it is cool. :)
- When module destroyed it will leave several wreckage which contain some amount of elements which can be salvaged.
Also you cannot build module everywhere. You need to have "engineering module" on the ship and engineers inside. It is assumed that the engineering module inside contains 3D printers and all the necessary equipment. Engineers will increase their skills along with construction. Better skills will improve build time, energy costs and maybe gives access for better modules.
The engineering module will be very heavy and expensive, as and refinery, so will be better to construct and repair ship only on large station, which is should be cool. :)