Thanks for checking out the original and feedback! There is a bug that could cause players to get stuck on the starbase, depending on their speed/position when they first docked.

All the things you list as important are definitely things I plan to incorporate into the game. I am definitely planning on having a fairly open universe where the player isn't forced to follow the main story line. I think for the early part of the game the player will be somewhat guided to ensure that they learn the ropes, but gradually expand their options of exploration to include paths off the main storyline. 

A few years ago I made a flash 2D space combat rpg inspired by Starflight called Starcom (http://lab.wx3.com/starcom) (not a conscious reference to the Star Control series).

Recently I've started a new project in that genre and have been playing or replaying a lot of space rpgs for inspiration. You can get a sense of the aesthetic I'm going for here: http://starcomgame.blogspot.com/

What do you feel are the essential or most fun elements of a space rpg?