I'd like to add a notable thing: It seems that solid objects do not block either missiles or blasters. As long as there is a target reticle on something I've been able to shoot it even if it's behind an asteroid or another ship, or in the case of the Belosar outpost, even if it's on the other side of the station (IE the turrets up top even if you're passing under the station)
Though there's an effect that seems to indicate that the weapon was sbrsorbed by the hull, I've still found myself able to damage things where the blasters should not have been able to reach them. The -only- exception seems to be aiming for the engines on incoming destroyers, which sometimes works but mostly does not, I've found.
Lastly a note that using blasters or missiles on anything that shows a 'blue rings' effect is a simple indicator that the chosen target cannot be damaged by the chosen weapon.