I do hope this series gets an english update soon. I love reading this series, and it's one of the few sci-fi stories I feel comfortable just casually reading back from time to time.
Characters are not bland, although kinda quirky. Main character is not a dumbass and can even make decisions. There are some plot armors but not that it's bad. You need to have some kind of action. Universe make sense overall. Main character technically has "harem" but its more of an actaully crew rather than lets all have sex be embarrased.
Just because characters are not stereotypical slop manga character I'm recommending it.
Now just waiting for this to be made into an anime... It'd be easy for them, even using cheap CGI for the ships. Or go old school with drawn animations like Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star. That'd end up making this series a golden child of the new age.
Still now sure what studio will do the animation. I hope they'll just stick with the novel because the girls in this series are really good. No fujoshi crap, no annoying male friend who's horny 24/7. Probably won't get to see Serena's super clingy and cute version since that's far off in the latter chapters. They're probably gonna end it at Chris's first arc. At least I get to see Mei and Doc Shoko.