Could Boarding Action in Space be a Reasonable Strategy for Capturing a Ship?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of boarding actions in space for capturing a ship, particularly in scenarios where attackers disguise themselves as civilian cargo vessels. Participants analyze the use of small assault boats with chemical rockets for rapid maneuvering, contrasting their capabilities with larger ships powered by fusion reactors. The conversation highlights the challenges of boarding, including the presence of security measures on the target vessel and the potential for defensive systems to thwart such operations. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that while boarding is theoretically possible, it is fraught with significant risks and complications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of space travel mechanics and propulsion systems, specifically chemical rockets and fusion reactors.
  • Familiarity with boarding tactics and the strategic implications of capturing vessels in space.
  • Knowledge of defensive systems and countermeasures employed on spacecraft.
  • Awareness of the dynamics of space combat, including the role of escort ships and decoys.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities and limitations of chemical rocket propulsion in space operations.
  • Explore the design and function of anti-boarding equipment on spacecraft.
  • Investigate the tactical use of escort ships and decoys in space engagements.
  • Learn about the implications of diplomatic flags and their impact on military engagements in space scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Science fiction writers, military strategists, and enthusiasts of space combat scenarios will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the logistics and tactics of boarding actions in a space environment.

GTOM
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Yes i know, with realistic space travel it is quite a stunt at best. However i wonder about a situation, when they really want to capture someone alive, and they can take a similar course disguised as a civilan cargo ship.
My question is, could it be reasonable, that the attackers need to leave their ship and rely on a small assault boat, since their ship can't stay at the ship meant to be captured due to course difference? The boat couldn't have fusion reactor unlike the ship, however, chemical rockets can have big acceleration, they can make 5km/s course change in a short time. On the other hand, although the ship has fusion but it can only maintain acceleration on the order of miliGs. (few hunder MW reactor output, mass 100 ton, exhaust velocity at least 10 km/s)
How they board is solved, the boat melt the way in. Alternatively they could use the ship laser and manueverable space suits. However, in the first case, they couldn't request laser cannon support from their ship, once on board.
 
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GTOM said:
they really want to capture someone alive
.
.
.
How they board is solved, the boat melt the way in.
You don't see any contradiction here?
 
phinds said:
You don't see any contradiction here?
No. There are many security doors inside. the boarding don't unair the whole ship. Also there are spacesuits and spare oxygen.
 
Your previous thread was about shooting down fast missiles. My humble opinion is that compared to missiles any boarding spacecraft would be just a big, fat sitting duck for elementary shooting practice.
 
Rive said:
Your previous thread was about shooting down fast missiles. My humble opinion is that compared to missiles any boarding spacecraft would be just a big, fat sitting duck for elementary shooting practice.

Missiles don't have a MJ laser unlike the ship that has the boarding party. And laser focusing apparatus is a pretty big target. (Focus energy to a smaller area than the whole lens/mirror, or take double heat, first from own laser, second from enemy laser and they are ruined quickly)
Also the target isn't exactly warship but a yacht serving diplomatic purposes.
 
GTOM said:
Also the target isn't exactly warship but a yacht serving diplomatic purposes.
Then it is a 'maybe'. Matter of amount of support vessels and decoys in escort (escort of the target and the boarding party too).
If boarding parties exists in a story then it is unlikely that an important ship would be without any anti-boarding equipment, troops and escort.
Spacesuit based boarding is unlikely, but cutting through the hull or an airlock based on a special ship which can lock onto the target feels good enough.
 
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Rive said:
Then it is a 'maybe'. Matter of amount of support vessels and decoys in escort (escort of the target and the boarding party too).
If boarding parties exists in a story then it is unlikely that an important ship would be without any anti-boarding equipment, troops and escort.
Spacesuit based boarding is unlikely, but cutting through the hull or an airlock based on a special ship which can lock onto the target feels good enough.

It has escort ships (one of them will be sabotaged, the boarding is part of a coup d'etat) lasers, troops armored like a tank, but i think its strongest defence is that it has the flag of Earth, attack it is the same as attack Earth. (Asteroid warlords fight only each other)
 

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