Cannot build Catalyst

Okay, every time I try to build the catalyst on metal planets it always shows up red, even with the area command to build them. Can someone explain?

Probably because something is blocking it like a metal extractor.

There's no metal extractors or any other buildings built within range of the build area for either of them

I find placing catalysts to be very buggy still.

Usually have to give the catalysts lots of extra room. Need to get rid of any near by buildings if you are having trouble with a particular catalyst. Also may have to manually reclaim destroyed buildings.

Using the area build command is the best method I find.