Resources

Resources are produced by mines, which are occasionally within colonies, but are generally independent, remote sites. Mines can be developed on top of deposits, which can be found on planets, moons, and asteroids, and have a limited size, so mines are not permanent operations. Planets and moons do have vast resources of resources though, and they may be surveyed regularly to try to discover new deposits.

Production

Goods and services are produced by production lines, located in colonies and owned by an organisation (generally a corporation). Most goods and services either supply other production lines or provide goods and services for the population. Production lines require resources or supply goods, services, energy, and labour to function. They will first attempt to sell their produce locally, and export any surplus.

Consumption

Consumption is mostly done by production lines (to produce other goods) and colony populations, but ships will also consume goods such as fuel, crew supplies etc.

Shipping

Mines and colonies will import and export produce and supplies, and this must be done physically using freighters. There are some exceptions, as some goods and services are digital and can be traded remotely as long as communication networks have been set up.