Originally Posted by Michael Thayne (Post 2337076)

Re: the danger of antimatter, antimatter-catalyzed fuel (as opposed to antimatter boosted) fuel is not listed on p. 62 of Spaceships as a volatile fuel type. This surprised me when it was first pointed out to me, but it's true, and a major reason I suggested antimatter thermal rockets.

Originally Posted by Michael Thayne (Post 2337076)

I was hesitant to suggest "smaller systems" because the OP mentioned "little work pods", which might imply SM+4. It made me think of the Kobold from Spaceships 6 (an SM+4 design that uses nuclear thermal rockets as I've suggested). But smaller systems is definitely a valid choice for SM+5 designs.

Originally Posted by Kale (Post 2337014)

You can use Smaller Systems to convert a single system into three systems of one size (SM) smaller: You can replace a 3G chemical rocket with a 1G rocket and two small fuel tanks, all one SM smaller than the ship. This gives 2/3rds the capacity of a full SM sized fuel tank. If you want to go really small, you can convert down by two SM levels and get 10 systems at SM-2 for a single full sized slot. Each rocket would provide 0.3G of thrust at that level.

Originally Posted by acrosome (Post 2337315)

This looks like the answer I was seeking.
But, yes, I'm making a lot of little SM+4 pods. But I see no reason I can't still do this. Right?

Originally Posted by acrosome (Post 2336967)

Hi, all. I'm trying to find an appropriate propulsion system for little work pods and inter-ship lighters, for in the space near stations, in work areas, etc. These are not long-range vehicles so they don't need massive delta-V. But they probably do need acceleration measured in something larger than milligees, if only for time management concerns, so Ion and VASMIR drives are out.

In this setting (TL10) there is a limited superscience switch that makes antimatter extremely cheap and things like the antimatter plasma torch possible. But for small craft like this such systems wouldn't be used since every Tom, Dick, and Harry welder or taxi pilot can't be trusted with a drive that spews radioactive death.

So for the life of me the only option I seem to be able to find is a chemical rocket. But this seems like overkill at 3G acceleration. What I really need is just some sort of OMS, y'know? Have I missed some other option?

Originally Posted by Say, it isn't that bad! (Post 2337388)

Where are the rules for using smaller systems on larger craft?

Originally Posted by Johnny1A.2 (Post 2337385)

For the mission you describe, 3G sounds like more acceleration than you'd likely want anyway. Why do work pods and intership taxi vehicles need that kind of acceleration?

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth (Post 2337404)

Spaceships 7, p4-5.

Also, if you have guesses about how it works, they're probably right. It's not very complicated or tricky.