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I think it would be cool if you could planetary bombard bases. The devs have always talked about a faction perk of being able to call in airstrikes. What I'm suggesting is a system whereby someone on the ground, say a commando perhaps, has a device to "paint" a factional target like a base and then that sends a signal to the bomber pilot in space to lock on and fire. (The warhead would just disappear over the planet's surface, and then an animation would occur on the ground later, with accuracy and damage determined by the skill of the pilot and bomber and how good of a target lock they have, etc.)

Maybe the requirement should be for both pilot and commando to be declared SF. That way, both are vulnerable to attack when they attempt this procedure. It would encourage people to launch into space to protect their bases on the ground.

I've thought about how to institute a factional control system in space similar to the one on the ground, and it seems tricky. I don't think you could assign control of the planetary space station to one faction, because then how do people just come and go from their destination without worrying about getting attacked? You would have to have the same sort of "on leave" system in space as you do on the ground.

I also thought about rewarding a faction with the placement of a capital ship in the system. So, let's say Rebels destroy enough Imp space stations around Corellia that an AllianceNeb B cruiser or something appears in the system. I'm not really sure if that's an incentive or not.

In any case, I agree that more space and ground integration is needed. There seems to be little incentive for people to go into space. I say that despite the fact that I love space.

Instead of factional bases in space, factional cruisers with NPC fighters on defense would be neat. Buying these and taking these out would contribute to the shipping/blockade status of a planet, and could affect faction point prices on the ground. I'd just like to see space involved somehow.