[douglas]

From your description of the repeat orders button flashing, I suspect you're playing in sequential movement mode. Before you can set up repeat orders in sequential movement, you have to use up all of the ship's movement for the turn. Once the ship has no movement points left, then issue the command to remotely launch mines and hit repeat orders. If you have a nearby planet or space yard building mines, you might also want to order it to load mines from that location, either before or after the launch order.