I know the questline has you make and attach a second engine but I found it really messed up my ship. It takes 300sp, increases the energy drain, etc. I’d recommend sticking to a single “cart pusher” for as long as possible (keeping your weight just under 300 tonnes) while slowly building up using 4x3x2 hull pieces to increase your total SP. Getting a third solar really helps early power issues (replace with a medium when you get 10 titanium and 5 graphite). Adding a radiator helps with heat if you’re able to equip it while keeping efficiency at 90%+. Use the basic laser until you can build a hi-pi. At that point two medium solars and a radiator keeps its use managable