Universal exploration + slice-of-life?

Hello!

I'm looking for a new Sci-Fi book, or series, centred on exploring the universe, without any space-opera drama. Potentially, some lone, immortal/omniscient, protagonist's diary as they explore the universe with a focus on world building?

I've liked:

The Martian: World building of Mars and the Hab

The Bobiverse series: World building, exploration

Noumenon series: Interesting premise, loved the world building of the ships, just below the threshold of too much drama.

Sleeping Giants series (although, not the vibe I'm looking for right now).

Liked, but not as much:

Project Hail Mary: Similar to the martian, but just a little too much.

The Wayfarer series: Too much slice-of-life not enough universe.

This is how you Lose the Time War: Too abstract

Please let me know what you think! Thank you!