>>717956592
Space Age changes a lot of stuff around, some of the changes being good and others being ass. Spidertrons and Artillery are gated behind two other planets, and Lasers got a nerf if you liked those (though even pre-nerf it was better to use flamethrowers for the sake of defense).

On the upside; Since Space Platforms are an important part of the expansion, Rocket Parts are 1/10 the original cost since you're encouraged to set up an interplanetary logistics system (basically the equivalent of a space train, not very daunting). Rocket launches are also available much sooner (as soon as you get to Chemical/Blue science) and Space/White Science is also easier to acquire (you craft it on space platforms using asteroids materials). They were also kind enough to change the requirement for Construction Drones/Roboports to Red/Green/Blue/White instead of Red/Green/Blue/Yellow, so you can get access to personal roboports for easier building a lot sooner in the game.

Most of the planets also have some way to get infinite materials.

>Is it required at this point, or should I just stick with the base game until I get to space?
Base game is still nice in its own way so I wouldn't say the expansion is or isn't required. But you are genuinely missing out on a lot if you don't have it.