Refine your first mining haul aboard the starter ship, then establish a permanent station and connect the machines for your first production line. Put the input and output in places you can inspect as you run a test batch.
Choose what the station will make
A station gives you a permanent place to grow production. Start by choosing a useful part or material, then build enough space for the machines that supply it. Leave a clear side for expansion so the next line can connect without crossing every existing belt.
Keep the first line easy to inspect
Place your machines in processing order. Trace the belt from the supply end to the output and run a small batch. If it stalls, check the last point where you can see the material move before building another machine.
Expand when you find the bottleneck
Run the line long enough to see whether it runs out of input, builds up output, or produces too slowly for your next project. Add capacity to the part that limits production first.
See Main Sequence on Steam for the official game information.
FAQ
Should I build before refining anything?
The official opening loop starts by processing resources aboard your ship. A refined starter haul gives you a supply to work with when you establish the base.
Why build a station?
It gives your machines and conveyor lines a permanent home and room to expand.
What should I leave room for?
Keep a clear path to the production input and output so later lines have a place to connect.