Star Vessels

Star Vessels are massive transport craft used for interstellar travel between systems.

Utility

Star Vessels are the fastest method of interstellar travel available to humans. Capable of reaching large fractions of light-speed thanks to antimatter injected propulsion, vessels can travel to nearby star systems in a relatively reasonable amount of time.

Manufacturing

Segments of star vessels are constructed in orbit of developed planets, inside massive fabrication yards. Upon completion, segments are taken to a designated assembly point for final construction.

Access & Availability

Because of the immense costs of building and maintaining star vessels, only governments and corporations with sizeable wealth are able to afford them. Those without who wish to travel between systems must pay for private transport.

Complexity

Using nuclear fusion exhaust as propellant, star vessels can travel inside a system both efficiently and relatively quickly. Interplanetary travel seldom takes more than a year, as a vessel near Novus could reach Corath in only a few weeks. For interstellar trips, vessels keep a reserve of antimatter, which is magnetically contained in a vaccuum chamber. Only a small amount of antimatter is sent to the ignition cell, which is used to propel the vessel to a large fraction of light-speed. Because of the astronomical cost of antimatter, it is only used when absolutely needed (ie. interstellar voyages).

Discovery

The first interstellar vessel launched in 1050 NE, towards Aventa's closest neighbour, Rvostok; a red dwarf system 3LY away. Accelerating to 50% of light-speed, the journey took over 6 years Novus-time.

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