Designing Spacecraft for Hard SF Battles & Piracy

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The discussion focuses on the design of spacecraft for hard science fiction, particularly for piracy and combat scenarios. Key elements include a cargo ship with a fusion reactor, maneuvering thrusters, and a protective pyramid for sensors and weapons, as well as a battleship featuring advanced weaponry like coilguns and lasers. The conversation also delves into the challenges of detecting small, cold objects in space and the limitations of stealth technology, emphasizing that while radar detection is a concern, other methods can also reveal spacecraft. Participants explore the implications of propulsion systems and the visibility of heat signatures in space, concluding that true stealth is nearly impossible without advanced technology. Overall, the design considerations reflect a blend of engineering principles and speculative technology in the context of space warfare.
  • #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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