Factorio version 2.1.21 adjusts asteroid collision damage and flight drag for space platforms. Medium asteroids cause 2000 damage when hitting a moving platform and 100 damage when hitting a stationary one; platform drag is now calculated based on mass, so wide platforms no longer suffer the previous speed penalty simply due to their wider shape.
The calculation method for collision damage had already changed: older versions calculated it based on the relative speed between the platform and the asteroid; after entering the 2.1 branch, damage is determined by the asteroid's remaining health before impact. The more an asteroid is weakened before collision, the less damage the platform sustains.
Medium asteroids were previously considered too dangerous, especially near volcanic planets, so version 2.1.21 further adjusted the damage they inflict upon impacting platforms. The difference in damage between moving and stationary states also requires players to consider when to continue navigating and when to stop their platforms.
Regarding platform design, drag was previously directly affected by width, meaning even a slight increase in hull width could significantly reduce maximum speed, making narrow structures more advantageous. The new rules calculate drag based on platform mass, allowing wide platforms to accommodate more engines; however, players still need to consider the platform's mass and layout during construction.