Prototyping is a great thing to do before doing any big project, you should find out if your approach is correct as fast as possible.
Well they've added ai controllers which allow for missiles, auto docking and auto fighting in the recent update. They also added derelict ship wrecks and even randomely spawning NPC bases, theres even bossfights now against the factorum. All that with no mods or scripts needed, Its just drilling that as you said can only be done with scripts, though you can setup excavation platforms.
Good luck with your stuff!