I can't seem to build ships of Cruiser size. I designed 2 ships manually and did one automatically but all I can seem to build are the default eagle attack and hawk defense ships....what am I missing here? I did save them and designs were approved.

I have a Basic Systems Module and a Space Enviroment Module on the planet I am trying to build the cruiser on.

BTW, I am able to build Light Cruisers.

Nevermind, I needed a Matter Conversion Module. Is there someway I can find out this information without having to build the item first??

It's mentioned somewhere. That's the bad manual/in game help I'm complaining about, many things are well hidden.
As a general hint: Try looking at the tech description in the matrix, sometimes there is some extra info about something eg. the min accuracy of weapons isn't shown in the ship design menu but it's shown in the tech matrix.

A better hint: Look at your planet information screen, it tells you the max ship size it is able to build. In the beginning, your home planet should tell you "Light Cruiser" as max dock capacity and every new planet can "just" build frigates.
:D

ah, thanks....I will have to look at the max sizey thingy. ;)

And D., I agree with you that there is a lack of manual help - but what they do have in there is good - just missing things.