I think the stations were put there for a couple of reason.
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2) to create a handy way to expand the planet later - just by adding a new zone to the orbital shuttle
this. like how they added Section X on Belsavis. you can also use the orbital station shuttles on planets with lvl 50 dailies to travel between other planets with lvl 50 dailies. don't even need to jump in your ship anymore.