Well, one COULD do the obvious thing, and try the easiest level for a bit...
You need to get some money, and upgrade the ship a bit. Cargo transport missions get money, a bit slowly, but...
And if you delay getting the next mission a bit, you can build up. That is, when the mission objective is met, don't go back to the star base for the next one.
The complete game gives you more options, better ships, etc.
