an FTL drive that requires you to exit the solar system before it can be used, like in Larry Niven’s Known Space universe).įirst and foremost, we must realize that space will present a new unique environment with new and unique challenges for any military operations in it. Devices such as force shields, cloaking devices, FTL drives, reactionless drives, and other such common soft SF tropes are assumed to either not exist or exist in such a matter as to have minimal impacts on tactics (ex. Note: for the purposes of this essay I am assuming only technology theoretically achievable to current science. First, let us take a look at the environment of space and see what considerations it imposes on any attempts to make war in it. For those who are interested, somebody else has already tackled the question on Strange Horizons, but I believe that essay is flawed in several ways, most notably the conclusion that stealth will be important in space warfare. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s wondered “so what would a space battle really look like?” In this essay I will attempt to answer that question as best I can. But in fact this is probably a very unrealistic depiction of what a space battle would look like. Usually it seems to look a lot like some variation on WWII sea battles: fighters whizz around and engage in space dogfights as the great battleships pound each other with death rays. Space battles are ubiquitous in science fiction. Sorry, I admit it IS a bit long, I apologize if it's somewhat intimidating. Thought you guys might find it interesting. A little (or not so little) essay I wrote on what realistic space combat would be like.
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