Now, regarding the specialisation – a space station can be specialised depending on its size, as described in the last part of the post. If it is truly enormous, then it stands to reason that you can put just about anything on it as long as it fits (think of the Babylon 5 TV show).

If you want to create a really specialised base, only put modules of one type on it; if you want a more versatile station, nothing prevents you from doing it either.

Regarding supply to space stations, they will of course require maintenance; this will be provided by the planets using maintenance work units and of course resources. While it’s easy to keep maintaining a space station as it’s not really far from its supply source, it’s a bit harder for distant “outer space” stations, so yeah, if they’re under siege they won’t get any maintenance done.

I think that space structures need supply of stuff like ore/water/darkmatter in case of siege. (just a thought :S)

I also reckon that a base should be able to specialise into 2 main categories and have a 3rd catagory which sorta goes into the two:
1. MIlitary (pretty straight forward)
-Stuff like building/attacking ships and keeping the peace (or something)

2. Commercial (again pretty staright forward)
-Mining, trade and other stuff like that

3. Communications (three outta three in straight forwardness)
-Essentially a breakaway of the two main types, this can be used for either military purposes or Commertial purposes

OK, I am rather tired and I can’t think straight but that doesnt mean I am going to shut up