I don't know where to start.
When I was a child I wanted to be an astronaut (Like most children dream to), or work at a space agency. But because of my career choices I could not, and this is where this game / engine/ simulation comes. I always dreamed of exploring space and planets. I never had a telescope or had a opportunity to use one to view the stars, planets, nebulas, galaxies and photograph them. One day I'll get all that stuff but light pollution in metro cities will make it harder.

I have known space engine for a long time, I had played the free versions for years and I recently bought it 2 months ago (I'm in college currently) and it absolutely deserves every penny.
For me, space engine is a thing you can start, sit back, relax and enjoy. The default soundtrack is so soothing, it helps you cool down after a hectic or stressful day. You can of course add your own music to space engine easily.

The scale and vastness depicted in space engine really makes you think about what else is out there and makes me learn more about space & sciences. I watch Anton Petrov on YouTube to be up to date space related stuff.

The graphics and the shaders are very photo realistic. There is some cool stuff being added with each update but keep in mind that it is being developed by only one guy who is a father as well(I think i've read it a forum post but I could be wrong.), so the updates take time to come.
Some spaceships and rockets are there to try out with very detailed controls. I've not used them so much till now. I'm hoping see what it offers. If I remember correctly, I read that the developer wants space engine to be a complete game.
There is also steam workshop available, there are several texture improvement mods that you should check out, speaking of textures, there are HD versions of almost all of the solar system planet and asteroids as free DLC.

One day if i get a VR, this is the first thing I'm going to try out for sure.

This game / engine means a lot to me and I'm sure it does the same for some others. I hope this becomes a full fledged game and/or gets more recognition as it adds more cool features.

I want to thank Vladimir Romanyuk(sole developer) for finding spare time to develop this wonderful software.