Hello fellow YWSians, I am currently conducting research for a Science-Fiction Novel series involving interstellar travel between two star systems that are approximately four light years apart.
I've been developing the methods for certain scientific aspects of the story itself, like space warfare and interstellar travel. I'd like to make it realistic, but still maintain a grip on the unknowns of space and the majesty of it all.
I plan on using a Bussard Ramjet design for the propulsion system of the starship or starships. I was interested in making the interstellar mission more than just a mission of travel, but also of scientific exploration and research. The mission is essentially the final attempt of mankind to travel to a star system that has a planet capable of supporting human life after the discovery of the impending doom of their own solar system.
My question to any Sci-fi aficionados is, a cost and benefit/pros and cons analysis of making more than one ship that utilizes the same propulsion system. Much like a militant fleet or early pilgrim vessels. For a mission of this scale, would it be more practical and cheaper to build one enormous vessel in orbit to house all of the mission instrumentation including scientific research probes, vessels, human habitats, cryo-chambers for long-term stasis- blah blah blah. Or would it be in better interest to create several medium sized ships that all house different parts of the mission. Of course, all smaller ships would share a similar system, life-support and back up plans, same energy methods and habitats for humans, but each one would serve a different purpose. One would be the scientific vessel housing a scientific crew and probes to explore deep space, another would perhaps be dedicated as a cryo-vessel to house selected human beings that will help in creating the new human society on this distant planet, so on and so forth.
So, I'm searching for opinions and analysis on this matter, uneducated and educated alike are welcome. Tell me which methods you guys think would be better.
Gender:
Points: 341
Reviews: 8