View

Syntax: view [object]
In the bridge or turret shells: l [object] (for 'look') can also be used.

View used alone will give you a description of the system you are in.

With the optional [object] argument it will give a long description of that object. If it is a ship, it will give an estimate of the damage the ship has taken. If you are over level 7 in pilot it will give an estimate of the shield strength of the ship.

In short, view in ships is highly similar to look on the ground.