Went browsing through some old backups when I saw this and found something you may find useful.
The following assumes certain things are true, such as you have a CC, Struct factory, mine, standard lab, agrodome, ect. It also assume you can create basic vecs, or at least know how to get to that point with out assistance. It also assume morale is steady.
Admiral's Guide to Outpost 2:
1. Research hypnopedia early on. This allows for more sci's sooner.
2. Build your basics, in this order, extra smelter, Advanced lab, tokamac, agrodome, vec factory, extra smelter 2 (for a total of 3 smelters)
3. Research the following in order. Metallogeny, Large scale Optical resonators (or Microwave projection for plymouth) Mobile weapons platform, rare ore processing, Independant turret power systems, advanced vehicle power plant, advanced combat chassis, scout class drive train refit, Additional weapons systems as needed/wanted.
There ye go, now you should be able to at least get a few laser or Microwave lynx out before ya die.