Have you given any thought to the prospect of starting in space instead of on a planet? It might be a bit masochistic, but it sounds like an interesting challenge to me.

I figure there are a few adjustments that would have to be made for it to be possible:
1. Begin with a space platform and some initial parts so you could build out a platform to do some basic resource collection.
2. A few technologies to be unlocked at the start:
- Advanced Asteroid Processing (copper, sulfur, calcite for Simple Coal Liquefaction)
- Coal Synthesis (coal for plastic and Simple Coal Liquefaction)
- Simple Coal Liquefaction (provides heavy oil, and thus rocket fuel and petroleum)
3. A source of stone (to make refineries), and refineries would need to work on space platforms
- I'm imagining that all asteroid processing could have a chance of producing stone, or another asteroid processing recipe could produce stone specifically
- Alternatively the refinery recipe could be changed to not require stone bricks, which might be more reasonable
4. A solution for furnaces
- There are several options here, but the one that appeals to me would be a new furnace that runs on thruster fuel and thruster oxidizer
- It would be simpler (but less fun) to just start with a sufficient number of electric furnaces to get to the point of being able to make more

Dropping to Nauvis would essentially invalidate the scenario so perhaps something would need to be done about that as well.

Anyway, I'm curious what your thoughts are. If it seems plausible and interesting, I would be more than happy to contribute. If it doesn't seem plausible or doesn't interest you, I would appreciate any tips you would give me should I attempt to make it myself.

Thanks for the mod. I've been enjoying it immensely. Cheers.