How a star ship looks is totally up to the artist’s ability & imagination. We want your imagination to soar! Your submitted artwork should not be held back by physics, math, funding, materials, etc,. At the same time all of this should be taken into consideration when designing. This is what makes speculative science fun.
For those who like to get their "geek on," this is a two part showcase for science and Sci-Fi enthusiasts as well. Dreams & Designs gives amateur artists, future scientists & engineers an opportunity to come together and engage in amazing artwork, explore ideas, and expand their imagination.
Citizen Scientist, Artist or simply Sci-Fi enthusiast, you probably have at one time or another, dreamt of travelling to another planet, making first contact with an off world intelligence or just exploring the galaxy on board a fast, safe, comfortable, luxurious, spacecraft of some kind. How will humanity reach the distance stars? Certainly not with chemical rockets, ships that can't produce artificial gravity or rely totally on rechargeable batteries. In an effort to educate Sci-Fi Artists and the public in general of the realities of interstellar travel, Bean Soup Science Online offers informative advice for those that dare to dream and design star ships.
Experimental Engineering usually starts with scientific speculation and creative concepts. These are needed to produce the spacecraft for long term "enclosed" journeys. Necessities such as water, power, food conservation, recycling, even recreation and purpose for a community/crew in space, etc., are considerations to a successful mission. Artists have the unique talent above all to express these considerations visually. By no means are those that submit their artwork expected to solve interstellar space flight problems that currently exist. But the more the public is aware of the true hazards, facts and realities of deep space flight, the more opportunities for the youthful minds to conceive & attempt to address them through their artistic skills, education and talents.
So, here are a few things you should know before putting pencil to paper! To determine if the concept of a star ship is “well-designed” for deep space travel. It requires that artists should at least attempt to be knowledgeable with a few technical and human issues of traveling through the cosmos. Before creating your model concept, consider the elements of design below....
Propulsion & Engine (Fuel)
Life Support Systems & Climate controls
Artificial & Microgravity
Robotics
Astrometrics
(Navigation)
Food & Water
Supply
Crew Compliment
Medical
Bio Hazards in Space
Communications
Space suits
Computer Core, Rods, Pylons
Power Supply
(Artificial Intelligence)
Probes & Away Teams
Recreation & Work in
Space
Classification Types
Spacecraft are grouped into twelve classification types. You can create an entire fleet! You are encouraged to create vehicles from multiple Class types or combine technologies from different class types.
1. Probes, pods, sentry,etc. --Usually short range and serve specific purpose for main mission spacecraft. Unmanned.
(Designer Notes): When creating, robotic technology that is autonomous & sectional, with interchangeable parts are considered more robust and useful. Although main sections (robotic bodies) need to maintain certain temperature in space to it function, Drones, robotics, pods, etc., that can be retrofitted with various equipment & tools are ideal. Probes are usually outfitted with a variety of scientific & sensor instruments and "tailored" for their missions. Also include satellite & micro swarm bot technology.
2. Scout Class Military/escort vehicles. Usually no more than 1 to 10 crew and short range. These types of vessels are used for dangerous rescue/scientific missions, exploring unknown phenomena. Considered "fighters."
(Designer Notes:) Craft should be equipped with variety of scientific instruments, armored/ballistics or both. Best used for possible first contact scenarios to ensure the safety of a larger mother spacecraft. This classification type also includes Digital ships, or unmanned spacecraft that would take "star gate" technology ahead to a specific location for the process teleportation of individuals/equipment from point A to B travel. Can be manned/unmanned.
3. Shuttle -- The beaming up/down from planet surface to space ship is indeed a clever concept. However, it was a "thought out process" to decrease special effects expenses for a television program. Even though that technology exists in Sci-fi, there is always an episode or two written where the shuttle comes in handy. Shuttles will be consider the "orbital work horse" in space. Primarily for transport of supplies, cargo, crew, crane/dozer for construction of larger vessels usually in orbit or to other spacecraft. Capable of carrying 100 passengers plus crew of six to ten.
(Designer Notes): Universal docking door and hanger decks should be considered when designing. Constant atmosphere re-entry capability and reuse are the key for these types of spacecraft. Can be manned/unmanned. From an artist point of view, these are fun to draw and creative. Consider the science and it is tempting to skip this classification type totally. Although space elevators, are in this classification type, be warned! Short range teleportation and star gate type concepts are acceptable but the chances of receiving "well designed" votes here are slim.
4.Frigate -- A military ship with a mixed armament. Introduced for convoy escort work, first contact with clear &present dangers, (evidence of hostile off world life), asteroid collision deterrence and other dangerous missions.
(Designer Notes): Weapon technology is an open field to the creative artist, especially with plethora of sci-fi movies and film. But consider the statement you would making in a first contact scenario with a ship loaded with turrets and missile bays.
5. Star ship Class-- Build for speed and exploration with average long term missions 2 to 3 months , FTL speeds (Faster than light), limited crew 70 or less. Considered the "pathfinders" and crucial for expansion and charting in the milky way.
(Designer Notes): It is these ships that are predicted to have the highest "lost in space" stats. They should be designed to give the crews the best opportunity to return home. Usually assigned to "verify" telescopic findings.
6. Roundabout -- Includes merchant/commerce type vessels. Asteroid/planet mining freighters used to travel extensively on to and fro assignments. Although huge in size, living space should be minimal. Consider the oil tanker or tug boat concept when creating.
(Designer Notes): Also, keep in mind, the natural states of chemicals & elements found in space..... and the tools and vehicles needed to extract them. These should be apart of your submitted concept. Can be manned/unmanned.
7. Colony (seed) class -- "Go and land." With target planet confirmed and atmosphere verified, these ships should be designed to go simply from point A to B as safely and quickly as possible carrying tons of cargo, machinery and construction materials for future planet/moon settlements. Terra-forming ideas and designs to do so are in this classification type. Ideally, no human crew to eliminate the need for heat, radiation, food consumption, etc.
(Designer Notes): Crews can consists of some sort of autonomous robotic presence. Concentrate on speed, navigation, and the ability to safely land tons of payload materials or to be picked up later in case of an emergency.
8. Interstellar Arks -- Crew under 100, but thousands in stasis (suspended animation). This classification type includes embryonic/incubation technology type ships as well.
(Designer Notes): Be creative with power and navigation ideas.
9. Space Station -- Drive & Orbital park type spacecraft. Once it reaches its destination, it can use available resources or expand into a permanent & stationary space station for future travelers. Excellent for orbiting class M planets or moons, serving as a "repeater" for communications and life boat in space. Recommended crews up to 4000 to 5000. Also includes asteroid and moon base settlements.
(Designer Notes): Now you should start to think big. In order to make interstellar travel longer, farther and trips easier for space craft, concepts for artificial gravity should be addressed even if made to orbit a heavenly body. Also, design considerations for rescue of other spacecraft, cargo containment rooms, special science labs for planet observation, astronomy and other research functions will be the primarily function of this classification type. Over haul & repair station, fueling depot, hospital, etc., make this orbital slow boat a challenge to create.
10. Generational ships -- Has it's own atmosphere & biosphere. Hundreds of thousands living, working, playing comfortably in an artificial planet like environment. Planetary scale evacuation.
(Designer Notes): Definitely think huge. Research Bernal Sphere, O Neil Cylinder, Stanford Torus. Dyson Spheres
(NOTE: We are seeking business owners, private institutions, schools and community centers that are willing to exhibit or showcase artwork submitted. Help support & motivate our younger future engineers & scientists with their education and dreams). Help us move our youth away from the deceptive lure of sports and entertainment to become thinkers, explorers, and builders of nations.
To submit your designs for our up coming online gallery on the website email: corenovus@gmail.com
