If the galactic map freezes i.e. acts like it is paused (time stops but planets can still be clicked etc.) , then it is likely an AIvsAI battle that is in a loop, due to e.g. hero bugging out and becoming invincible or whatnot. Also happens in vanilla, just one of many base game issues.

Look for the crossed swords battle icon on the map when freeze occurs and try to identify said battle, reload a previous save, and rush that location/planet to prevent said AIvsAI battle that hangs to happen.

its not freezing for a couple secs, its acting like it will play, then freezes, then crashes. how hard is that to understand.