If it might help, when I made my mod (starting with no skill), I started with integrating sprite in the game (usable by vanilla factions). Then I learned (and struggled) to create a hull mod. Then a ship system. Finally I create new stellar systems, at first inhabitated. Then I added new markets. Next step is create a new faction.
The way I see it, by doing bit by bit, you are sure to control origin of any error and crash happening.