Unsatisfied with the fact that you can only launch a satellite into space? Want to launch yourself into space and continue your base IN space?
(And unsatisfied that the space platform from https://www.factorio.com/blog/post/fff-74 is nowhere to be found ingame yet)

This mod is work in progress. The basics work, but it can expand into something bigger

Now you can! With SPACE PLATFORM. (The mod)
This adds:
- A "Crew capsule" item, which you can launch with a rocket to ride into space towards your space platform.
- You first have to launch a satellite as the initial platform.
- On the platform you have a "free" ride back from the rocket stationed there.
- Smaller "cargo silos", that can launch large amounts of cargo into space. These rockets are way cheaper to build. And launch their cargo into the cargo receive containers on the platform.
- Auto launching of cargo rockets. The cargo receive containers have request slots. If the amount in the container is less then the requested amount, and a cargo rocket is completely stocked up, it will auto-launch the cargo rocket to refill your platform with items.
- Special item to expand your platform in space. Which you need to construct IN space. As it requires a special assembler that only works in space.

So. I recommend you:
- Download and install this mod.
- Launch a satellite.
- Build cargo rocket silos. And fill them with iron plates, copper plates, steel plates, plastics. And be sure they keep being fed.
- In the mean time your 2nd rocket should be ready.
- Be sure to grab enough raw materials.
- Build a "Crew capsule"
- Put this in your fresh rocket.
- Launch yourself into the depths of space.
- Setup request amounts of 1k for iron plates, copper plates, steel plates and plastics. And notice the goods coming in from the cargo rockets.
- Build space assembler.
- Feed it with the raw materials.
- Use the result to expand your space base.
- Have fun.