PF and other D&D style games typically have three pillars of play: Combat, Social, Exploration.
5e specifically states that these are the three pillars of play, and that character and adventure design are focused on those. A specialized PC will focus on one of those pillars; a well rounded PC will focus on all three. Most PCs can do two pillars fairly well. Likewise, a good adventure will provide opportunity for all three pillars.
From the rules, I figure that the Three Pillars of Starfinder are Combat, Social, Ships Operation.
Exploration of the environment seems to be easily handwaved with how easy it is to survive in extreme conditions, and most exploratory missions will take place using a spaceship. Therefore, operating a ship is of high importance and they've set up different roles so all PCs can have something to do.
What's your opinion on the Starfinder Pillars?
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Cheek pouches filled with grenades!!
I don't see ships taking over for exploration, it's more like ships is an additional pillar. You'll still spend plenty of time exploring that derelict space ship or weird abandoned temple on the planet, you just took a space ship to get there and fought some other space ships on the way.
A Four Pillar system? Interesting.
There's no ranger (exploration specialist) in this game. What abilities are focused on exploring?
Starships are just a method of getting from point A to point B. Skills related to starships are like skills related to horse, wagon, sailing ship in Pathfinder. Ship operations isn't really a thing. It will get hand waved after a short time and only come up in a combat situation. No different that riding a horse when mounted combat comes up.
I've played other sci-fi games. The starships are always a big deal at first then fade into the background as the game progresses and make the odd cameo appearance here and there. The bulk of the adventure take place at the destination where you have the pillars in full gear.
The spice is the pillar of life!