I love the current story thus far, as well as the interactions. Tamua and Dex are very funny alongside the pilot.
Speaking of interactions, this 'first area's feels very complete. Granted, spriting for the next area might take a while and thus we will need to wait until you have mocked it up. Since unlike the first game there isn't a prestige system. The gameplay flow is fun either way. Though I could feel there could be a bit more dialogue between characters aside from the weight dialogue. For example dialogue when interacting with the fusion reactors when playing as the pilot.
We know that their main mission most likely is to explore the planet and extract resources. However I do feel the group's goal in the first area would be to set up a base on the surface since a cave isn't exactly the most comfortable place. It would be cool if you could unlock a customizable interior after unlocking the teleporter. That way you can have the characters in a more relaxed environment. Maybe even talk to them too.
It could be nice to unlock a system later on which allows for characters to be given assigned tasks. Though that might be hard to code. Since that might also mean each character would have separate inventory stats. I can tell that you might be in a bit of a hard spot in terms of ideas but don't let that stop you from making this fun game!