Has anyone played Frontier Space?

I just picked up two used hardcovers for $6 each at a game store. The cover and title make it clear it's a tribute to Star Frontiers, but I haven't really had time to dissect it yet. Is it just an aesthetic tribute, or is there a modernization of the rules a part of it? How much of its own thing is it and how well does it play exploration/combat/space-combat?