Once I changed my mindset to "this map of the solar system is really just like a flat plane in Fallout New Vegas, except with extra steps" then I was able to enjoy it more. I think games like No Mans Sky spoiled people in terms of an engaging space travel mechanic, even though Bethesda was honest from the beginning about there not being transitions into/out of planet atmospheres.

The opening story about joining Constellation was pretty weak though.