Spacecraft

Spacecraft are licensed, registered, and monitored to ensure safe navigation, security compliance, and adherence to standards for both civilian and military vessels.

Spacecraft are designed with specific functions in mind, from exploration and cargo transport to security and defense. Understanding the key characteristics of spacecraft, including their size, purpose, and operational capabilities, is essential for any crew looking to navigate the complexities of space travel.

All spacecraft must be licensed and registered, and construction and modifications can only be performed at approved spaceports.

SPACECRAFT CUSTOMIZATION

Spacecraft can be customized to enhance their performance, defense, weapons systems, or utility, depending on the specific needs of the crew or mission. These customizations come in the form of modules—interchangeable systems that can be added to ships to modify or upgrade their capabilities. See the Spacecraft toolkit for more information.

Category

Spacecraft are divided into two primary categories: dropships and spaceships, based on their mode of propulsion and operational environment.

DROPSHIPS: These ships are designed to move safely across planet surfaces, or between the surface of planets and orbital stations or ships. Dropships use air-breathing combined-cycle rocket engines that operate like a jet engine in atmospheric conditions and switch to function as a rocket engine burning liquid oxygen in orbital space. Dropships are used extensively for ferrying passengers, cargo, and equipment, especially in situations requiring regular landings and takeoffs.

SPACESHIPS: Built exclusively for space travel, spaceships use direct fusion drives to traverse the vast distances between planets and stars. These ships are not designed to enter or operate within planetary atmospheres due to the nature of fusion drive propulsion. Spaceships are much more efficient for long-range travel and interstellar missions, but they rely on dropships for planetary landing operations.

Class

A spaceships class is based on their size, which directly impacts their capabilities, crew requirements, and operational range. Understanding the class of a ship is critical for determining the scale and scope of its mission, from small tactical operations to large-scale colonization efforts.

SOLO: These are small ships designed to be operated by a single crew member. Typically used for short-range missions or highly specialized tasks, solo-class ships prioritize ease of control, automation, and efficiency, allowing one person to manage all essential functions. Examples include personal shuttles, racers, and small survey vessels.

SMALL: Ships classified as small are generally built for speed and efficiency, with limited crew capacity and shorter operational ranges. These are typically shuttles used for short missions or in-system transport.

MEDIUM: Medium-class ships offer a balance between size and functionality, with increased cargo capacity, crew accommodations, and mission flexibility. Ships in this category, such as corvettes, survey ships, and exploration vessels, are ideal for longer missions that require both versatility and endurance.

LARGE: Large ships are designed for significant cargo, crew, and long-range missions. Freighters and cruisers fall into this category, emphasizing extended operational capabilities and resource management for interplanetary and interstellar missions.

Type

Spacecraft can also be defined by type based on their intended purpose, with two broad distinctions: civilian and military vessels. Each type has unique designs and features optimized for their respective functions, but all share the advanced technology of fusion drive propulsion.

Civilian vessels are primarily focused on transportation, trade, and exploration. These ships are usually designed with comfort, cargo space, and long-term sustainability in mind, offering various capabilities depending on the specific mission. Civilian ships often feature enhanced life support systems, extensive storage, and navigation systems tuned for efficiency rather than speed or combat readiness.

SHUTTLE: Small transport vessels designed for short trips between orbital stations and other spacecraft. Primarily used for passenger and light cargo transport.

RACER: Built for high-speed travel and competition, racers prioritize speed and agility over practical features, making them common in inter-colony racing circuits.

SURVEY: Equipped with advanced sensors and scientific tools, these ships are essential for exploring new planets, conducting environmental research, and assessing resource viability.

EXPLORATION: Medium to large vessels designed for long-range missions into unexplored regions. They are equipped with laboratories and storage for extended expeditions.

FREIGHTER: Large, cargo-focused vessels used to transport goods and raw materials between colonies. Freighters emphasize cargo capacity and often run on automated systems for efficiency.

TRANSPORT: Medium to large vessels designed for the safe and efficient movement of people or large-scale cargo over longer distances. Unlike freighters, which focus solely on cargo, transports may include passenger accommodations, medical facilities, and additional amenities for long-duration travel.

Military vessels are designed with combat, patrol, and defense missions in mind. These ships are typically faster, more maneuverable, and better armored than their civilian counterparts. They often carry weapons systems designed to disable rather than destroy, as space combat is highly regulated and geared towards maintaining security.

FIGHTER: Small, agile ships designed for short-range combat, typically equipped with laser cannons, EMP devices, and defensive countermeasures.

SHUTTLE: Similar to civilian shuttles, but reinforced for military use, often tasked with troop transport and rapid deployment.

CORVETTE: Light combat vessels built for patrol missions and small-scale skirmishes. Corvettes are versatile, with a balance of firepower and mobility.

FRIGATE: Medium-sized vessels designed for a variety of combat and escort roles. Frigates provide support to larger ships and can perform solo missions.

CRUISER: Large, heavily armed ships used as command vessels or for major combat operations. Cruisers are capable of deploying smaller vessels like fighters or corvettes.