Well, past level 12 its pretty much grinding level after level 20times per level or so till you can buff your defenses enough to survive. Initally to easy, past level 12 too hard.
Awesome, transponder was a nice touch. If you could develope a really good deep story line, it could be amazing. Maybe adding some support ships to hire, like building your own fleet one you get higher ranks, more diversity with weapons, anyhow, 5/5 for me.