That is some really good detailed feedback! I actually did implement smoke and fire on the satellites to show damage, but it was too subtle an effect I think. Showing damage on the solar panels would have been clearer.
Controls are another area that people have commented on. I played so much I got rather good at it and I probably needed more fresh play-testers to highlight issues like this.
Yes to a pause menu - good shout. Hope the soup was good!