SWG's newest dev diary explains the collection systems coming in chapter 8.

Pilots will be able to participate in at least one of three faction oriented space slayer kill collections. Each of the faction kill collections has 5 tiers (or levels) that can be completed in any order. With each tier the player completes, space experience and badges are rewarded. When the player completes all 5 tiers they receive their final reward.

If you are new to space combat, new pilots will be able to progress through the collection at the same time as they progress through their piloting skills, giving the entire space leveling system more value. If you are a veteran pilot, you will be able to find the ships easily because additional spawn locations have been added.

Don't miss Jaskell's explanation of the other systems!