> I'm willing to be told I'm just doing it wrong, but does vanilla + Space Exploration have a different sort of challenge curve
Completely different. The SpaceX mod used as an endgame in Seablock has no relation to Space Exploration.
Space Exploration makes pervasive changes throughout the game, and adds the ability to launch yourself into space, build a space station, build colonies on other planets, and mine resources on other planets (and elsewhere) which aren't available on the starting planet. The research required for the first rocket launch is reduced, and there are multiple tracks of research unlocked once you get into space.
Completely different. The SpaceX mod used as an endgame in Seablock has no relation to Space Exploration.
Space Exploration makes pervasive changes throughout the game, and adds the ability to launch yourself into space, build a space station, build colonies on other planets, and mine resources on other planets (and elsewhere) which aren't available on the starting planet. The research required for the first rocket launch is reduced, and there are multiple tracks of research unlocked once you get into space.