It certainly is beautiful, but I wouldn’t say there’s anything lonely about it - each little sector you enter is entirely comprehended, and you’re on a time limit.
That said, I played it a bunch more tonight and it grew on me. I think one of my big problems was that the weapons on the default ship suck ass, the other three (the other one you start with, and the two you buy) are all better and more satisfying to play. I unlocked the little stealth ship last and I like it the best!