Spaceship Generations

Throughout the Sol System there are many different vessels and spacecraft, and while all they are varied in design and purpose, they can fall into 5 separate generations. These generations are divided into their generation by the type of engine and the time period in which they constructed. The following is the specifications of each generation:

1. Generation One: The first generation of spacecraft were constructed between 2050 and 2090. These vessels built off of the earliest manned spacecraft constructed by government agencies and private companies in the early 21st century. Their defining traits were the lack of fusion reactors and the use of VASIMR engines. Almost all of the Generation One spacecraft have been phased out, as the newer generations are much more efficient and cost-effective. An example of an early Gen 1 vessel would be original Ares missions to Mars.

 
2. Generation Two: Second generation spacecraft began to be produced around 2090 and continued to be constructed until about 2130. Gen 2 vessels can be easily identified by their large magneto inertial fusion engines, and the minimal care given to crew comforts. Despite being bulky and quite slow by modern standards, Gen 2 spacecraft are still often seen around the Sol System because of their remarkable redundancy and their straightforward maintenance. They are especially popular amongst Belters and those living outside of Jupiter's orbit. An example of a Gen 2 vessel would be the CSS Kiwi.

 
3. Generation Three: Third generation spacecraft are the final spacecraft generation no longer in production, but are still the most common generation throughout the Sol System. Produced from 2130 to 2200, Gen 3 spacecraft were the first generation to be equipped with the Daedalus Pulsed Fusion engines, which allowed them to be extremely efficient and cut travel times around the Sol System in half. Another identifiable feature on Gen 3 vessels, is the onboard inertial confinement fusion reactor. A few common examples of Gen 3 spacecraft would be the UNSF Star-class frigates and most privately-owned corporate vessels.
4. Generation Four: The fourth generation of spacecraft, although starting to get on in age, is still considered the modern standard for interplanetary vessels. Fourth generation spacecraft started production in 2170 and continues today. Known for their large diameter Daedalus engines and the successful incorporation of Tokamak high-yield fusion reactors, Gen 4 spacecraft are substantial even by common standards. With the average length of most Gen 4's coming in around 300 meters. Most fourth generation spacecraft are military vessels or used by large corporations for shipping cargo. UNSF Nation-class destroyers and even the massive MCN Ares-class battleships are Gen 4 spacecraft

 
5. Generation Five: Conceived in the stagnant technological period after the end of the Space War, fifth generation spacecraft are the newest vessels that have entered production, with most engineers agreeing that the transition started around 2250. Most are experimental or do not truly fall into any of the prexisting generations. As of such, there are few good examples of Gen 5 spacecraft. Only one vessel class is widely considered fifth generation, the UNSF Unity-class battleships.