I have an itch to build a browser based space-sim

Hey all, I apologise if this is a broad post and not Unity specific exactly. I'm not sure exactly what feedback I'm searching for. All I know if I want to have a discussion with fellow space-sim fans

I want to build my own browser based business oriented space-sim. I'd love to get other space-sim fans feedback on their ideal gameplay loop and mechanics if at all possible

A bit about me first. I'm a software developer by trade and sunk my teeth in the online gaming industry before (casino games), so I understand that the scope of something like this is big. But I feel I can get a minimum viable game up in a reasonable time if I have a plan in place.

I come from games like OGame and Chosen Space (RIP), and spent countless hours in both games. More recently, I am inspired by the scope and complexity of Prosperous Universe and feel I can make my game more elegant with a better user experience. I have the know-how to build something like this, I just need a plan.

I want to make it open-source in some way to allow contributors to vote and add features, but first I'd love to know what your ideal gameplay loop and/or mechanics would be for a space-sim browser mmo?

 

One thing I'd love to see in such a sim, that would set it apart from just about every other, would be some realism. For example, it could take place in the Solar System, and use some of the thousands upon thousands of rocks whizzing around (see these for example) as locations. The relative positions of those would change over time as stuff further out orbits more slowly than stuff close in.