Once I filled up my spacesuit inventory with raw materials I moved them into a refiner. This will convert them to elements used in technology and other items that can be crafted. This refiner is new to me, I do not remember such a thing early on in the game. Probably another feature added on later.
Using Carbon as a fuel I can add the elements I collected and spin them up in the machine. This allows me to fix my spaceship and get airborn and then space capable.
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