I can completely see why the gameplay might not be for everyone. I don't remember struggling with the spaceship controls but maybe I just got used it it. If you ever want to give it another go I'd suggest exploring the starting planet first, then maybe go to the moon, and then explore the other planets. You don't need to visit stuff in a particular order and are sort of led by your own curiosity. Though there's a logbook in your spaceship for collecting clues which also gives some pointers where to go next.