[DirectorTsaarx]

Here's an odd thought on the minister: does it check the 40% against the total number of satellites called for in the construction files? i.e., if the file calls for 10 satellites per planet, the minister waits until there are at least 4 satellites per planet before launching? And if there are NO calls for satellites (or some minimal number, like maybe a "must have" line of 2 satellites; or even a missing unit construction file), the minister calculates the 40% as 0 satellites and therefore launches all satellites.

I'm really reaching on this one, and my theory doesn't necessarily account for planets that don't launch satellites at all. I'm assuming you had the non-launching planet's cargo capacity more than 40% full, just in case that was the determining factor.