Newbie question--please answer

[bostonrpgmania]

Hi
I am really trying to learn game
but even after I read manual there are many questions that I have

1. I attacked a planet with satellite but they do not actually start the war even after I choose strategic war

2. I occupied the colony with enemy's vessel as a result and I tried to colonize it. But computer says that the satellite is already occupied. How could I colonize enemy planet?

3. How can I change the atmospere? I sacrificed one colony on a rock colony but atmosphere is not friendly one to my terran force. As a result, even though I colonized it, there is no population.
How can i make the plante popultated?

Your help will be appreciated