I purchased this game a few days ago and I absolutey love what I see so far. The problem is, I'm severely stuck and not sure how to proceed. After watching the tutorials, I started the single player mode and started the first mission.

I've been slowly building my first area/planet up, got my metal/crytal mining going, built a few research centers, built some ships and missle defenses/upgraded my population. So far so good. But when it comes to venturing out to new places, this is when I get completely lost.

I ventured out to the surrounding planets and found a red/lava planet which prompted an audio cue saying "this looks like an inhabitable planet"...cool. I sent a few of my ships there, but non of them can colonize it....I assume it's because it's lava...any tips? I've looked through my research trees, I don't see anything that will help.

Thanks I'm completely intimidated.