It is a shame that none of the starbase modules can be modified to act as spying stations - either as training stations for agents or as long-range telemetry bases that peek at alien activities.
or can they? (I didn't see espionage as any of the editable regions in the .sbmodule data)
No, espionage modules aren't in the game. However, it'd be nice to have that, where you get a bonus to the espionage level of any alien planets in that sector. Definatly a good idea
What would be cool, because of the way espionage works, would be to have a "spy resource." Of course, given how easy it is to get +5% spy boosts from anomalies, it may not be necessary.
What gets me is why "morphing" doesn't offer +10 espionage along with +10 soldiering. I mean, if you can change your people from one race to another without a hitch, you have a perfect spy tool.