Not necessarily. We just have to start some basic modifying, bit by bit, probably at first, not even close to what Viper is talking about, but perhaps bit by bit, we could get closer. 
If we start by removing the 'meshes' for the planets themselves, or replacing them with re-sized versions of some of the planet modules, we could approximate the 'stations' that Viper talks about briefly.
Even the star meshes themselves might as Viper said be changed out with a planet calls, not the mesh itself, as it would probably be way too small, or we could simply re-size the planet. I have done this, but have discovered a virus in the newbeorg re-size tool that was listed on these forums, a shame really, so i haven't used it since, but it is certainly possible.
My experience with skyboxes however borders on nil, but having seen some of the planet-scape backgrounds in Eve, or in AI War: Fleet Command, i understand, I think, what Viper is shooting for. A skilled artist could draw up a beautiful planet-scape, or asteroid field, or smashed planet (which i have wanted forever, ) and with the re-sized planet (to Star size) and the removal of the 'planet' meshes from where they are now, or replacing them with 'stations' or modules could approximate what Viper is after. Although this would largely be cosmetic, and would not greatly change game play unless there were a way to have the new 'stations' less planet-like, abilities, especially passive ones can work as weapons, much like the magnetic cloud or the plasma storm does now. Weapons, such as beams or guns however would take someone with some deal of ability experience to get close to. But i think certainly do-able.
I would like to see the effort continue and certainly with people pitching in, it could be done easier than a single individual having to have 'all' the skill sets, such as drawing, importing skyboxes or models, file coding, or mesh re-sizing or tweaking.
But i feel, like many here, that it would be a worthwhile effort, and certainly different and fun to play.
-Teal
