There is no purpose to generate the ENTIRE universe on ones device when they are only going to be in or on one planet or solar system at a time. Unless one leaves a permenent marker, everything on planet changes upon a return to said planet. The entire universe does not generate onto your device, only the area that your in.
The star screen one can view is no different that an interactive screen saver basicly, none of the stars actually exist until you interact with it. Though one has the ability to go anywhere, it doesn't generate until you actualy get there. Unless one has left a significant change like a base, or a marker, everything on planet will regenerate upon your return. Hence the purpose of having to leave markers. The same goes for when you leave a solar system and go to another. And unless one is still actively involved with a planet or solar system, all records of accomplishment like name changes, will be gone in 6 months. As one flies above a new planet their exploring, one can view the generation process. It is less noticable now then it was in the earily days.
The problem I've had is, after two or three hours of playing, there is sooooo much data been saved it slows down ones abilities when using the controler. For instance the running jumpping technic is altered, thus one can goes as far per jump. I deliberately save, then turn off the game and restart. The only way to refresh is to restart the game from the selection on the ps4, not the ingame restart. However, what ever you have done, unless you have marked it, will be gone upon your restart except the location where you were at when you closed out the game.
