It's not that they can't implement that - it's that they didn't because its a terrible game design decision in a game that's based around risk. That is why succeeding in the game feels fun - becuase the element of risk is real. Going far from your base feels risky, and raises the stakes.

From a gameplay standpoint - put an empty portal at your base and when you land your ship build a portal when you get there. That way getting your body is always pretty easy.