Space ship game recs

Hey all,

I’ve been looking for a game centred around flying your ship in open space, but upgrading it, engaging in fights, going on quests…

I’ve found some games that are kind of similar but don’t tick all or most of the boxes like Elite Dangerous, Eve Online, or No Man’s Sky.

It might be easier to list what I wouldn’t like to see as I imagine there aren’t too many (good) games in this subgenre, so here it is. To be clear these are things I don’t want:

- base building. If there’s to be any planetary exploration I’d want it to be short-lived
- complex economy or any political elements
- aggressive PvP (or at least not any PvP with consequences such as losing massive progress, e.g. your whole ship)
- text-based exploration. I’ve seen a lot of games that have really cool concepts but you don’t actually get to see the exploration as it’s all text or 2D battles)

Some things that I really want to see, but not necessary:

- some sort of online aspect, e.g. playing with friends or a little bit of good-natured PvP
- fluid combat, but not so complicated or realistic that it’s like Elite Dangerous
- switching 1st/3rd perspectives (like that aforementioned game)
- some element of risk where you can. it sounds like it contradicts my earlier dislike, but I just don’t want to be in a game where overpowered and very experienced players pick on newbies

All in all I’m just looking for a game which really embodies the wonder and awe of space with some thrill, not a game where I’d need to spend hundreds or thousands of hours on to get anywhere.

Thanks!