Station Modules

Station modules are production facilities you can operate at NPC stations. This is the primary way to start manufacturing in ECON Galaxy – rent space, install modules, and build production chains.

See also: Production Slots - Detailed guide to renting and managing production slots.

What Are Station Modules?

Modules are facilities you operate at someone else's station:

• Production modules - Manufacture goods
• Storage modules - Store your cargo
• Trade modules - Run a market stall
• Service modules - Offer services to others

You pay rent or construction costs, but you don't own the station.

Module Types

Production Modules

Each module needs:

• Inputs - Raw materials or components
• Power - From station reactor
• Workers - From station population
• Time - Production isn't instant

Storage Modules

Storage lets you stockpile goods for better timing or to feed production.

Trade Modules

Trade modules let you be a permanent presence in a market.

Getting Your First Module

Step 1: Find a Station

Look for stations that:

• Have available module slots
• Are near your operations
• Have suitable population/market
• Charge reasonable rent

Step 2: Check Requirements

To build/rent a module you need:

• Credits - Rent or construction cost
• Reputation - Some stations require standing
• License - Some module types need ECON licenses

Step 3: Rent or Build

Renting:

• Instant access
• Pay ongoing rent
• Can be terminated
• Lower commitment

Building:

• Takes time to construct
• Higher upfront cost
• You own it (at that station)
• Better long-term value

Step 4: Configure Operations

Set up:

• What to produce (if production)
• Pricing rules (if trade)
• Access permissions
• Automation rules

Module Economics

Cost Structure

Revenue Sources

Profitability Check

Before building, calculate:

Daily Revenue - Daily Costs = Daily Profit
Construction Cost ÷ Daily Profit = Days to Break Even

If break-even is more than 60 days, reconsider.

Module Management

Production Settings

For production modules, configure:

• Recipe - What to make
• Rate - How fast (affects power/worker needs)
• Quality Target - Higher quality = more inputs
• Input Sources - Where materials come from
• Output Destination - Where products go

Inventory Settings

• Minimum Stock - Auto-order inputs below this
• Maximum Stock - Slow production above this
• Priority - Which products to make first

Automation

Modules support full automation:

• Auto-purchase inputs
• Auto-sell outputs
• Condition-based production
• Emergency protocols

Strategic Considerations

Location Choice

The right station matters:

Vertical Integration

Build modules along your supply chain:

1. Mining outpost → Ships ore
2. Refinery module → Processes ore
3. Factory module → Makes components
4. Own ships → Distribute to markets

Each step adds value and reduces dependency on others.

Redundancy

Don't put all modules at one station:

• Station can increase rent
• Station can be attacked
• Market conditions change

Spread across multiple stations.

Module Upgrades

Modules can be upgraded:

Upgrades make sense for long-term modules.

Problems & Solutions

"Module not profitable"

Possible causes:

• Input prices rose
• Output prices fell
• Too much competition
• Wrong location

Fix: Adjust recipe, move operations, or sell module

"Can't get workers"

Station population is limited. High-demand stations run out.

Fix: Build at less popular stations, or improve station conditions

"Module shut down"

Stations can terminate modules for:

• Unpaid rent
• Rule violations
• Station upgrades

Fix: Pay on time, follow rules, diversify locations

Module vs. Own Station

Modules are stepping stones to own stations.

Next Steps

• Production Slots - Rent and manage production slots
• Station Building - Build your own stations
• Production Chains - What to produce
• Automation Basics - Automate your modules