Short answers, pulled from the story.
The first space flight simulation game appeared in 1974 with the release of Spasim on early online networks. This title allowed players to control ships and destroy one another using simple vector graphics.
Realistic simulators recreate orbital mechanics and Newtonian physics while requiring players to follow checklists for tasks like dockings or landings. Pseudo simulators prioritize gameplay over strict realism by bending rules of nature to include features such as faster than light travel.
Doug Neubauer created Star Raiders in 1980 for Atari 8-bit computers. The game combined elements of Star Wars with text-based Star Trek mainframe games to become a killer app for that system.
Star Citizen set a record raising over $114 million by May 2016 while still under development. Cloud Imperium Games headed by Chris Roberts continues to develop the project to bridge the gap between living universe games and fast action.
Elite: Dangerous was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter in November and December 2012 before release in 2014. The title brought new attention to trading and combat subgenres after release the 16th of December 2014.