FWIW (its also an indie game)

http://dss.stephanierct.com

"You are part of a multi-generational mission to colonize distant regions of space. Your journey brings you to a star cluster rich in resources and lightly populated. Or so it seems. Your goal is clear: setup a space settlement and thrive. Whether you choose to make allies or conquer through supremacy is up to you."

Features
Build your interstellar empire
Gather and convert resources to power your empire's economy
Trade resources between players and NPCs across star-systems
Random events, RPG style
Customizable ships and stations
Build giant capital ships supported by an armada of smaller, more maneuverable ships
Create fleets
Unlock new technologies
Unlock new ship abilities through an XP system
Defend against invaders and conquer new star systems
Single- and Multiplayer
Story and sandbox mode
High modding capabilities, access game content through XML and game logic through the API

Trailer looks Homeworldesque. Taking preorders ($50) but no access to gameplay for around 6 months

http://www.spacesector.com/blog/2014/07/deep-space-settlement-pre-orders-first-playable-in-6-months/

They love space? I love space! We connect on so many levels here.

Really though, how is this game different from, say, Endless Space or Sins of a Solar Empire? The connect with Players business? That's not very appealing to me, I like space in my space games.

Looks cool but I like my games to be done before I even start thinking about buying them.