I haven't posted anything new for a long time because of preparations for the boating season and other concerns.
But now I'll describe an element already implemented in the game.
Reliability. Every structure or mechanism has a service life, after which it fails through wear or the failure of some component. I've already coded and tested this mechanic.
Every ship module has its own reliability level. Initially, this is determined by certain design parameters, the module's manufacturing quality, and the quality of its materials.
A bad design will break down like the Zumwalt despite the highest standards of manufacturing and materials. The reverse is also true. A fine design can be ruined by poor materials, though high manufacturing quality can compensate somewhat, as with German aircraft engines during the Second World War.
The module then begins operating together with other modules in what we collectively call a ship or station.
Over its lifetime, the module ages, suffers damage, gets repaired, and receives maintenance. Good, timely maintenance can substantially extend a mechanism's life, while neglect and battle damage shorten it.
The player will decide its actual service life. A module with low reliability will simply fail more and more often, and those failures may become increasingly severe.
There are several degrees of failure. 1. Minor failure 2. Serious failure 3. Severe failure 4. Catastrophic failure
The crew can fix a minor failure. They can also fix a serious one, but the ship must have a repair-bay module and a suitable specialist officer. A severe failure, as well as less serious ones, can be repaired at a shipyard.
With a minor failure, the module continues operating with various penalties.
A catastrophic failure means the module can't be repaired. It must be replaced.
Now imagine that your ship, with only one life-support module, is two weeks from the nearest port when that module suffers a serious failure. The crew have only a few hours to repair it, assuming they have the necessary capability. If they don't, or if the failure is severe, it's a death sentence for the crew. Spacesuits and some other systems may help for a while, but overall it's a catastrophe. They can send an SOS and hope to dock with another vessel, but if nobody is nearby, they're in trouble.
That's why redundant systems, timely maintenance, and high-quality, reliable modules are the key to flying without grim adventures.
Timely modifications and overhauls can also extend a ship's overall operating life.
Sooner or later, however, an inspection will show that most modules have reached a state of low reliability. That means it's time for the ship to retire, though the decision is always yours.
If the hull and outer plating still have service life remaining, perhaps an extensive modernization that replaces every system can give your vessel a second life.