Exploration is limited by your ship's life support systems (food, water, thermal, and waste management), which must be upgraded to venture into deep space.
You have complete control over universe generation, allowing you to adjust the "grind" to your preference. Astrox.Imperium.v0.139b.rar
A major overhaul adjusted nearly all pilot skills, including weapon projectile, mining, and ship navigation skills. These changes modified skill costs, effect values, and point requirements to align with a more balanced progression system. Exploration is limited by your ship's life support