There is no such thing as a grounded take on space travel, because it's impossible for us. It's all fantasy. Either from a raw resources, time to travel, or space radiation/muscular degenerative breakdown. So, all you're doing is just putting a hard ceiling on how much fun you can make your space game by being "real". The only viable way we can get into deep space is by sending A.I. out there. There is no resource that we can make for sustainable space travel with more than 5 people on board.
It does really fill like the mundane Bethesda narrative setup, but I really hope it's all to subvert expectations. I don't need another "realistic" space exploration game following fraction of slightly different political idealogly. I want a fun space adventure game with good stories, stakes, and set-pieces. Not clearing out lonely planets of resources and bandits then occasionally look for old relics.
I don’t see what’s “not fun” about it. Do they need more sheen and spandex for you to enjoy the game?