Problem: Game is too sterile, too empty. It lacks any emotional motivation to go anywhere, to do anything. The Astronauts could be a solution, but in their current state, are fancy, walking test dolls with names.
Solution: Give them thoughts. When they are in a seat or capsule, give them a crew portrait. The portrait may occasionally display thought bubble popups.
On EVA, the popup would appear near the astronaut's head. Thoughts may resemble crew/EVA reports from KSP.
Conclusion: The sterile theme of this game has a serious effect on playability.
By adding thoughts to the astronauts, it gives them character, and may increase player satisfaction.
maybe using a small language AI like older GPTs could make the dialogue generation reaaally nice