I like this a lot! But I think when you notice the distress signal, you should have the option to investigate it or not, (In case you've just gotten something valueable and you might die in the quest.) I like all the detail you put into this post, and I surely hope to see this Side Quest ingame!
I like it. It sounds pretty creepy, so I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be Starbound's Shalebridge Cradle in terms of terrifying missions.
Great idea, I love the virus part. Viruses are pretty cool in my book. As long as they're not in one of two things; my computer or my interior body systems. Am I selfish? Well, I don't think so.
Goes against the light tone of starbound. replace the mutants with penguins( as in they morphed into penguins ) and it should fit right in