Corporations can be cooperative.
Being associated with a big name like SSS or SPQNR can deter low level pirates, or any pirates.  In my Corp(HHW) there is a member who has low level research, and I help him manufacture stuff, he buys the materials and I start the manufacture process.  Also, being in a Corp can be a way to get more ships.  In Corps like TGE, (Are any of them still active?) they have big Science and Com ships that they cycle among the members.  And Corps like SSS give QP to the members.

So the benefits of being in a Corp depends on how the Corp is run and what they can do to help it's members.

Welcome to the game!

Welcome to the game!

Well I heard HHW is okay, not biased at all

Have you joined a corp yet?

[Surface Control]

The amount mined should be shown when you look at your facilities under Surface Control.  You can also see the amount remaining when you survey the planet surface.

But how is a building on the surface supposed to fly up far enough to establish an orbit, and then defend whatever is in orbit?
That's just not logical.

What is the maximum map size?  Or whats the farthest out anyone has been?

They're called STATEGIC nukes for a reason. AG should include some settings that allow you to choose which ships to use them against.

Do you even know what a strategic nuke is?

USA Wisconsin

And now HHW is stronger than SITH

Ahh the training, the most boring part of the game.

Welcome to the game!
There are a lot of good corps out there, most of them have forum pages.

No, Sol is the only place to build ships.  If you don't want you facilities to be attacked you could join a corp.  Sometimes some of the big names deter attacks.

What do you mean?