Beta (East) to play
The game doesn't end soon. Just find the move that Beta should make right now.
Beta should get a red ship immediately.
It's also acceptable to trade either of Beta's other blue ships for a red. I prefer trading the b1 in Betelgeuse because then Alpha can only build a small blue.
If Beta does not get a red, Alpha can invade Betelgeuse and capture ships. For example, if Beta tries to build one more time before getting a red, Beta's defensive weapon will arrive too late:
I composed this puzzle, but this exact position may have occurred in a real game. It's similar to typical early game positions where the players are fighting to control the blue economy,