Alright this would be a larger idea then some of the other much easier to implement things. Anyway, I was thinking it would be great if a new resource was introduced, perhaps something radioactive. It would be hard to come by and you could only get it from planets that put out that sole resource.

So the next part being the profession, a series of selections could be made such as a person who makes weapons, or defense modules, or scanners etc. (trying to point out that you would only be able to select one.) Most people should recognize this style from a lot of mmo's out there and I think it could be a great addition to the game.

You would also have to farm the materials to make things and have to level the profession (again like most mmo's if you're not familiar with the idea) the higher you leveled the profession the more impressive items you could create.

You could also find rare patterns from base battles or npcs. The pieces you made could be tradeable to others that way you would be able to sell them if you wish, and perhaps a special item that only you yourself could use, so say you are a weapons designer, you get slightly better weapons then you can make for other people. It would add an element of personalized style and a reason to interact with other players on a non hostile level.

+1

edit : but if this is done , dan will have to go thru and add materials to all of the npc's

or add a repeatable mission that rewards the material
or
a mission chain for each module

Love this idea i play a ton of mmorpg games from 12 sky 2 to prius to kitsu saga ECT... anyway love it +200^40mill

would be nice to be able to mass produce items to sell.

+1 i love the idea.