Lab modules of any use if not in earth orbit?

[Thurlin]

So... If you build labs in low earth orbit they give you x% bonus to something.... great, but is there any reason to build these on outposts or platforms outside of earth low orbits? Do they give any bonus then?

[direstorm]

Lab modules give three bonuses: A small bump to science, a small % bump to researching a particular kind of science, and a specific bonus that only occurs in orbit.

For instance, a life science module gives 5 science, a 3% bump to life science research, and a (IIRC) 6% increase to empire Welfare.

These bonuses stack. The Xeno science module is extra-useful in LEO as it gives a bonus to spotting xenos. But even if you put it around Mercury, you still get the raw science and a % increase to xeno-related research.

[Reizo Icefield]

There are two bonuses. One if in earth interface orbit and second if anywhere.
Btw, Mercury is amazing for massive lab hubs and orbitals, so much solar power.

[Thurlin]

Ok, cheers for reply, I was unsure if the 3% bonus was the one mention as orbit only, but that is additional bonus... so its worth it if you need the bonus, just better in orbit.

[ArcticISAF]

Optimally you want the specific science labs in LEO over earth so you get the bonuses. Typically you hit that +50% bonus soft cap from them fairly easily... so imo I would just place enough around so you hit that cap, and past that research campuses for the raw science income. I had one dedicated station to each in LEO- when you hit tier 3 it's not so necessary.

[Reizo Icefield]

Also another advice. If you put lab on interface orbit try to distribute labs of specific type around all orbitals. If you make one orbital dedicated to one lab type and it get captured, you will lose all bonus from that specific reaserch area in one go.

[ArcticISAF]

That's probably the smarter way to do it for sure. I was lazy and just kept it together for easy setting/tracking what I built already.

[corisai]

One T2 station on LEO filled with 5 x T2 labs will max bonus to soft cap value (for energy you will need to remove either Farm or LD). I find it most effiicient solution in early-mid game (in late game I may decide to push it a bit over soft cap).