Spacecraft Systems
Spacecraft Systems
Almost without exception, every species has yearned to leave the confines of its tiny planet and explore the vast reaches of space. On these planets, achieving this dream has been the single most important advancement in the civilization’s history, often spelling the difference between survival and extinction, between boundless growth and eternal stagnation.
Though many species had achieved sublight flight and explored the confines of their own planetary systems, the development of hyperdrive (or other faster-than-light technologies) made the first steps toward a galactic community possible.
Today, however, space travel is part of everyday life. What thousands of years ago seemed startlingly new and fascinating—almost magical—now seems routine. Few beings—except those from primitive worlds—think twice about hyperdrives, sensors, faster-than-light travel, or life support systems. But these “commonplace” items hold the galactic community together.
Without hyperspace technology, travel from one star system to another would take years instead of a few hours or days. In ancient days, the first space travelers were put into cybernetic hibernation to make even short intrasystem flights, so that they would not have to face the years—even decades—of boredom that space travel entailed. With the development of hyperdrive technology, however, the need for cybernetic hibernation became a thing of the past.
But it was not only hyperdrive which opened the galaxy: other inventions were needed to safely get from place to place.
Without the sensors aboard even the smallest starships, travel at sublight speeds would be dangerous to the point of suicidal—and, of course, hyperspace travel would be impossible. In addition, the development of a galaxy-wide, industrial-based economy would have been impossible without advanced sensing technology: sensors allowed the exploration of the galaxy and the expedient isolation of valuable raw materials.
Life support systems that allow space travelers to survive the vacuum of space are indispensable. When crossing the void, one is plying an environment that is totally hostile to all but the most primitive life forms. Fortunately, life support systems are now so reliable and efficient that travelers seldom consider the consequence of system failure.
To a space traveler from another, less developed galaxy, the Empire’s weapons of war would probably appear to be miracles as well. The standard blaster or laser cannon would be devastating, powerful magic. Again, the people of the Empire have lived with these wonders for so long that they are now commonplace.
In the final analysis, the fabric of the galactic community is bound together by cords of high technology.
Source: REUP:415