http://code.google.com/p/rlprospector/
it has some entertaining open world gameplay even though its still in the early stages of its development. one thing I found interesting: you get rewarded for exploration without being forced into mandatory combat, although if you like to blow stuff up that is certainly an option. there is some influence from Star Control 2 that can be seen in the planet scanning and exploration modes. its nice to see someone pick up these ideas and carry them forward.