I really like where you have an open world in Starsector and the ability to explore different aspects of the game while trading, exploring and building a stronger character, fleet etc.
You have made an interesting system that is very fun to play in Starsector and I really enjoy all the aspects of the game, from building ships and testing setups and strategies to the exploration.
I am a huge Homeworld fan as well. But when I played the original Homeworld it was a bit constrained, the game was too linear and restricted even though the story was awesome.
I always wished for someone to make a bit of an open world mod for Homeworld to complement the excellent 3d combat. The open world part is more or less perfected in Starsector.
My suggestion is that if you ever decide to make Starsector 2, please have a look at using a 3d engine and steal some of the 3d combat and visuals from Homeworld.
There are multiple aspects of the 3d gameplay from the Homeworld universe that would fit perfectly in a Starsector setting.
Specifically I remember missions to secret research stations near a solar corona and sneaking through nebulas and asteroid fields to avoid detection or superior forces etc.
Those missions where beautiful even in the old Homeworld engine and I can only imagine the stunning visuals that would be possible today with even an off the shelf 3d engine.
Large fights with fighters and bombers vs capitals where also visually awesome in the Homeworld engine and it would be even better with Starsector.
So basically, the idea is for a later sequel with a modern 3d engine, thats easy, no biggie
Please keep the roleplaying, ship building/customization, colony building, trading and exploration from Starsector though. The story and universe is very good!