Thread: The Necessary Technological Ladder Of Science Fiction...

While not shown in popular televised science fiction (which is all many know), there are some technologies that are real that ANY space race could use.

Question 1: How are you getting the space stuff off the planet? Gravity is a big issue you know?

Hard science solution: Make a bunch of space elevators with carbon nanotubes or similar stuff. This allows you to get stuff into space cheaply. A lot cheaper and quicker than rockets. Did I mention safer? It is that too. No more worries about getting killed on reentry. Since the elevator is connected to the ground, you won't have to reach ridiculous speeds just to escape Earth's gravity.

Question 2: How are you gonna get around the solar system without running out of fuel?

Hard science solution: Solar sails. You may want to add a little fiction, or at least add a laser assist so they won't be totally dependent on the sun though.

Conclusion: All space races should at least have this tech, plus rockets. Since it predates any of the more common types, like warp drive and so on. And I don't think a space race would necessarily dump all their old tech. At the very least, they would keep some of it if it still worked. Some for museums, and some just as a fail safe.

I don't know about you, but I want a space elevator to rely on if my fancy star trek teleporters fail.

Because I'm not in the anything goes spaceship camp for fiction. Hardscience mixed with necessary handwavium I find more attractive. Since I know the science is at least remotely possible.

Two points:

It is called fiction for a reason.

Enjoyment of fictional works relies upon "a willing suspension of disbelief". Unfortunately, as you imply, this suspension comes too readily to some.

Originally Posted by John Galt

Two points:

It is called fiction for a reason.

Enjoyment of fictional works relies upon "a willing suspension of disbelief". Unfortunately, as you imply, this suspension comes too readily to some.

Oh yes, I know.

Truth is, It's hard to make science fiction fun if you only use REAL science. In that case you won't be bravely exploring new worlds each week/meeting new races.

That said, I have an idea where spaceships are as common as cars. Every family has one, so anyone can be a space explorer. They fly like Star Trek shuttles, so they can do vertical take-offs/landings. Roads are ONLY used for walking and biking, and to a lesser degree, recreation. All the old highways have been destroyed. As they aren't needed anymore. A few space elevators exist, only as a museum though.

Space sail? When you got star trek shuttles, they aren't needed.