Space Propulsion

[fuckass365]

If we could get a warp drive to work we could cover extremely long distances rather quickly.

Regrettably that is still the stuff of science fiction.

So were airplanes, computers and smartphones :p

[Anomalocaris]

Problem is, I think the laws of physics, the vast (and increasing) distance between us and our stellar neighbours in the cosmos, and our finite lifespans may stump man's attempts at deep space exploration every time.

It maybe a futile venture, but to persist boldly in the face of insurmountable challenges is what makes us human, and how we've achieved anything worthwhile to begin with.

I think the ultimate barrier is socialogical, not technological. If we were to discover that no faster than light travel is ever possible, it is still possible from technological perspective to get to another star, or even another galaxy. It just taqkes a long time. But the time required is not long compare to typical length of a species' existence. So it is well worth doing if species survival requires it.

Humans are conditioned by evolution to focus its world view on five generations, two behind, two ahead, with heavy emphasis in the middle. Geological time is alien to us. This heavy shape our sociology and psychology. Which is why biblical fundamentalists do not feel themselves to be stupid.
The main limitation is whether humanity can adapt its sociological outlook to sponsor projects on the time scale of thousands or tens of thousands of years required, given a undeniable requirement for such projects if our species were to survive.

[SleepingDemon]

It seems unlikely that ftl is impossible, Einstein wasn't the be all end all in physics, and even at this point, I our understanding of the universe is still infantile. I just fear that we are a thousand years or so away, which means I was born a thousand years early. So imaginary spacegod with superpowers, fuck you for that.

[fuckass365]

Some of your atoms might end up in a person 1,000 years from now. So you have that. Lol.

[The Grand Nudger]

Solar Sails, science fact ftw.

(at least until we develop an infinite improbability drive......)

[Minimalist]

I would like to apologize to all Theists on behalf of Minimalist for this deeply offensive statement.

Fuck 'em all.

[fuckass365]

Solar Sails, science fact ftw.

(at least until we develop an infinite improbability drive......)

Aren't Ion Thrusters more efficient?

[libalchris]

I read something about a feasible warp drive that would actually allow you to travel as fast as you needed to. Of course it also said that in order to form this "warp bubble" It would require energy equivalent to turning all of Jupiter into energy via E=mc^2

And then beyond that I also just read something that says that a warp drive would make a better doomsday weapon than engine. It would apparently destroy anybody at the destination.

[The Grand Nudger]

You know something that always struck me about space travel and the hope of moving at ludicrous speed.

What if a pebble hit the windshield? It isn't like the "roads" are clear or anything.

[Ace Otana]

but first we have to figure out a bit more about the structure of the universe itself.

Goddidit....just ask one of our resident nutbags.

Hehe yeah. Just rub out all the mathematical equations, observations and measurements of space and how the fabric of space work and replace it with 'goddidit' and see how far we get with developing warp drives....


Hey! I know....lets get rid of all the medical technology we have....fuck it....get rid of everything that helps advance our species to greater levels and get on our knees, close our eyes and hope our imaginary friend will do it all for us. Yeah! That'll work! [End sarcasm]

But seriously, Its good to see how technology is advancing, hopefully we'll find out how to bend space by producing a warp bubble around a ship and explore strange new worlds where no one has gone before. Might just bump into the Vulcans.