There needs to an indicator to say whether there is a Docking Module in orbit or not. This is one of the most impenetrable aspects of the game, from the perspective as a player.

Per the game manual

A docking module will remain active in space for a year, so it may be used in the season after its launch: to take advantage of this option, select a Manned Orbital Docking (Orbit) mission.

but this is only true if the Hardware Power-on test is successful. That fact isn't listed in the RIS manual (or the original game's) and without that knowledge the game is - in my experience - very confusing. Since unmanned docking missions report if they were successful or not, but don't (as I recall) display the failure case, the player is left guessing whether the DM is available or not.

At the least, there should be an explanation in the manual that a successful Hardware Power-on step is required. Leon's proposed summary page could help with the issue, but requires the player to go out of their way to verify information that should be provided to them in the course of play.