It reminds me those times when i just wanted to explore an unexplored and unhabited planet on Starbound. I like the idea of exploring and not combating everything.
I have read all other comments and i think that's your main idea...
Here is a proposal: What about some sort of terraforming?
Perhaps this planet is innabithed, but you can help to grow some species in there.
Maybe you are researching fossils or other clues of ancient life forms and you can make them alive again, i don't know...
I like the concept and i think it have potential, as others, i enjoyed the ride and the day/night cycle and the biome changes