Some other newbie questions (mines etc)

[Alneyan]

2) Satellites around planets are also used for cheap sensor coverage. Put a cloak armour on the satellite, and some sensors, and you have a very cheap device to detect any cloaked ship attempting to sneak in. As actual defences, satellites are much better on a wormhole, where they are more likely to be actually within range of any enemy; when deployed over planets, your satellites could be orbiting the wrong side of your planet if you are unlucky.

3) If playing in strategic combat, your ships will not unload troops until all weapon platforms have been destroyed, if any weapon is still available in the whole fleet. So if you want to make a suicide run to unload troops, you will have to either way for the platforms to destroy your warships, or to remove all armed vessels from the battle.