Star Control 2, how to make progress in game

[starred]

I have noticed that there aren't many hints from game itself, thus I wonder if I need to explore randomly the galaxy around.
So far I've just strict alliance with a couple of races and asked information at Melmorne traders, however sounds like there's no a clear path to follow in game.
Anyone can remember how gameplay works ?

[MrFlibble]

I haven't really played the game but I guess this is the place to get hints for it:
https://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Main_Page