[Spaceships] Can't find the right propulsion system

acrosome · 08-05-2020, 10:53 AM

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?

08-05-2020, 10:53 AM	#1
acrosome Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: The Land of Enchantment	[Spaceships] Can't find the right propulsion system 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? __________________ I'd need to get a grant and go shoot a thousand goats to figure it out.