Alright, these are just some random ideas, but take a read.

Surface Thrusters Component: Gives troop transports X%+Y% chance to re-enter orbit after having dropped off troops if the attack fails, if the attack is a success then the ship has a much greater chance of not being destroyed and staying in orbit.

Basically the way this works is that it gives your troop-droppers a chance to be re-used, leading for an opening for expensive but kewl combat transports. The percent is based on the chances of your ship getting destroyed, each level researched of Surface Thrusters would give you the base X amount (upgraded each level) of which Y amount (based on how much armor your ship has)is added too. Each research level would also traditionally decrease size and increase cost.

Surface Targeting Component: Gives troop transports equipped with this X%+Y% boost to advantage level of the pertaining troops by providing cover fire. Like the surface thrusters the X is a base amount determined by the research level while the Y amount is based on how much weapon power your ship has. However, there is a chance that stray fire will destroy builings on the planet (More weapon power = more buildings destroyed (Maybe destroy planetary improvements?..)) Also traditionally, higher levels of research will result in smaller but more expensive components.

Anyways there it is, please don't flame but if you have any negative comments put them in the form of constructive criticism, (Dont be a douche) anyways hope you had a good read, looking forward to comments and maybe some of your own ideas.