I have a question for you... Do you envision this game to be an open-ended game, or a structured game with levels?

I think an open ended game might not do your idea justice, as the game might end up being more mechanical and boring after you repeat the same navigation day in and day out. If the "excitment of the deep black" is anything like the "excitement of the deep blue" then as a Sailor I can tell you its not very exciting.

I think your idea has merit, but I think to make it turn out good you'll need to put it together in a series of levels, or "episodes" like star-trek.

There is an Old NES game you may want to look at for inspiration. Its called space shuttle or something.