Laser Launch into Orbit

In this post, we will look at laser launch systems, how they would look like and perform, and how they might be applied to reach orbit and beyond.

How to Live on Other Planets: Jupiter

A look at how we could colonize Jupiter and its Moon. Fittingly long for our largest planet!

Boosted Orbital Tether - a fishing line in space!

The Boosted Orbital Tether is a less extreme version of the space elevator. A rocket is launched on a vertical trajectory to an altitude of several hundred kilometres. An orbiting mass drags a line and hook to catch the rocket and spends momentum to bring the rocket into orbit.

Let's look at the concept in more detail.

Expansion-cooled, Curved-nozzle stealth rocket

Here, we will look at a design for engines that can accelerate a spacecraft without producing detectable emissions. It is best fitted to a stealth spaceship described in 'The Hydrogen Steamer: Stealth Spaceship Concept'.

An Artificially Managed Society

Software is pervasive in today's world. We listen to what computers have to say, and the results printed on a screen are considered more reliable and consistent than human intuition. Artificial intelligence has started replacing human minds entirely, known as expert systems. If these trends continue, what do we end up with?

How to Live on Other Planets: Mars

An old favourite for colonization, Mars, is now our focus.

The Hydrogen Steamer: Stealth Spaceship Concept

Further to the Stealth in Space discussion, we found a type of spaceship perfectly suited to moving about the Solar System undetected. It is called the 'Hydrogen Steamer', and relies on using large amounts of liquid hydrogen.

Here is a discussion of the mechanisms involved, the capabilities and potential designs for the Hydrogen Steamer. 

How to live on Other Planets: Venus

Venus is our closest neighbour and Earth's 'sister planet', and yet it is very different from our cool blue marble.

We have a look at some of the challenges and advantages of colonizing this planet.

How to live on Other Planets: Mercury

Nuclear war. Collapse of the biosphere. Catastrophic global warming. Space elevators. Whatever the reason, Earth is no longer green and friendly. Many want to live on other planets, and have the resources necessary to go.

So how will life on other planets look like?

The solution to long range space combat

A short analysis of the challenges the different weapons in realistic SF face when trying to deal damage at long ranges, and a proposed solution.