Ending the fuel and landing on a planet.

It could even work as the normal starting quests (not just hardcore mode). It's a cooler way to introduce the game, instead of just being saying "you are out of fuel, also make some stuff." A wrecked ship would be more dramatic. Sadly, I think the starter quests are probably set in stone by now (maybe not?). It is a shame because that would've been a really cool idea.

 

Your ship could just stop in a nearby planet, where you have to look for fuel.

 

My ship crashing into a planet would not be cool. But the function to really LAND on a planet is cool, since you don't have to teleport up to your ship every time you need something, but on the other hand you are not able to teleport up if you are far away. Would be damn awesome to land your ship into your base if it's big enough!

 

This is a decent suggestion but it has one flaw. Ideally your ship is in an orbit that requires no thrust to maintain. Unless your autopilot is complete trash you should do fine.

 

It would be awesome !