combat missions

Despite playing for many years, I just learned the hard way that there is a hidden expiration timer for completed (combat) missions. In an attempt to improve my Confederation rank, in order to purchase the Corvette, I stacked a bunch of 'kill pirate' missions together and ground out 15+...

I was wondering if I was the only one finding the ground combat ralted missions too hard. Every time I try to do one of them I get absolutely destroyed by turrets, defense ships and npcs, but I saw some gameplay of missions going pretty well. I do not have upgraded my suit and weapons yet. Are...