I remember playing the demo of the original game.
I was more into the combat than exploring part at the time...
I found there was a decent variety possible for weapons, but defenses were limited in scope and effectiveness.
If the modding power is expanded as the news post says, I'm sold.
I'll have to arrange a gritty, strategic-minded combat setup; where shields and armor are leaky, hull and system damage is guaranteed in combat, and you have to use strong ships to cover the retreat of the damaged ones.
I'd probably also make a map style where you control a mixed task force of carriers, destroyers and gunships, trying to penetrate the enemy lines and complete your orders... rescue a hostage, or extract a spy, or find and blow up a fortified enemy base in the randomized sector.
Mmmm... that sounds good