Designing Spacecraft for Hard SF Battles & Piracy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of spacecraft for hard science fiction scenarios, particularly focusing on their capabilities for piracy and combat. Participants explore various design elements, propulsion systems, and defensive measures against potential threats in space, including stealth technology and detection challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a spacecraft design featuring a fusion reactor, ion thrusters, and a cargo block, emphasizing its capabilities for piracy and combat.
  • Another participant questions the concept of a "back" on spacecraft, suggesting that orientation is relative to acceleration and approach.
  • Concerns are raised about the vulnerability of large spacecraft to small, high-speed objects, and the effectiveness of active sensors for interception.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of tracking small, cold objects in space, particularly those designed to evade detection.
  • There is a debate on the feasibility of stealth technology in space, with some arguing that it is impossible without advanced technology, while others challenge this assertion and seek justification.
  • One participant references an article on space detection, which is met with skepticism regarding its conclusions about stealth technology.
  • Another participant argues that active LIDAR systems could effectively detect objects in space, even at low temperatures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of stealth in space, with no consensus reached on its feasibility or effectiveness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approaches to spacecraft design and detection strategies.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in current detection technologies and the challenges of tracking small objects in space. The discussion also reflects varying definitions and interpretations of stealth technology and its application in a vacuum.

  • #31
I thought about two manuevers, i wonder whether they make any sense?
A: connect two fighters with carbon nanotube cables, and rotate that squadron around its new centre of gravity.
So with tether propulsion, they can change position without using thrusters, that can't be hid.

B: Position two ships into vicinity, fire their thrusters at once, so it won't be obvious, whether ship A fired with 100%, ship A fired with 50% and ship B also fired with 50%. So it would be hard to calculate their acceleration based on the flames of thrusters.
 

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