Space ports are bases that provide many important
services. Space ports must always be built at a colony.
They serve as a central trade point for the player, and mined
resources are brought to them by freighters and mining
ships. Space ports provide construction facilities for the
player, and both private and state-owned ships are built
at space ports. When private citizens purchase freighters
or other ships at these ports, the player earns income.
Space ports also have heavy weapons which protect its colony,
research facilities for scientists, medical facilities and recreation
centers which keep the population happy. The player should
have one space port in each system where they have colonies.
Resources collected by mining ships, as well as excess
resources at mining stations, are brought to the nearest
space port. Therefore, having space ports strategically spread
throughout the empire improves efficiency by decreasing travel
time for freighters. To cycle through space ports, press P.
Quote, the game manual.
I want to ask the experts around here, is it truly a good idea to have a space port in each system? I haven't tried custom-building a small space port yet, but I assume even if you do it won't exactly be light on maintenance.