What should spaceships look like?

Gerald · 07-28-11, 07:21 PM

As the next generation of spaceships is being conceived, should shuttle designers take their inspiration from sci-fi illustrators?

Generations of schoolchildren, openly, and many adults, perhaps more guardedly, have delighted in fantastical depictions of space travel.

From Star Wars back to 2001: A Space Odyssey and even further back to comic hero Dan Dare and Victorian illustrations for the stories of Jules Verne and HG Wells, the way spaceships should look has been an important issue - before the first rocket booster ever fired.

But the fanciful reputation of sci-fi novels and films aside, the illustration of spacecraft might actually have a realistic place in the design of future vessels.

The line has often been blurred between the realm of the sci-fi artist and the real spacecraft designers.

Often referred to as the father of modern space art, Chesley Bonestell had a significant impact on not only science fiction illustration, but the whole of the American space programme.

German rocket developer and champion of space exploration Dr Wernher von Braun, who was inspired by the works of Verne and Wells, commissioned Bonestell to illustrate his spaceflight concepts in a 1952 issue of Collier's Weekly magazine.

The epic film 2001: A Space Odyssey influenced Chris Foss and other space artists.

The combination of von Braun's technology and Bonestell's artistic vision made the science come alive for the layman readers. Of course, the tax dollars and votes of those inspired layman readers would be needed to realise ambitious space projects.

The Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists now honours work in the sci-fi and fantasy art industry with its annual Chesley Awards.

Harry Lange was a German artist who got his start in military flight manual illustrations and was appointed to lead the future projects section for Nasa. He and his team found themselves illustrating von Braun's ideas to promote his vision of a US space station. Lange ended up as production designer on Stanley Kubrick's 2001.

On the other hand it's hard to imagine the designs of Chris Foss, the subject of a new retrospective book, Hardware: The Definitive SF Works of Chris Foss, easily crossing the line into the real world of space travel. With Picasso as an inspiration, Foss created book covers that pioneered a new style of space art, featuring prominently placed gigantic colourful craft in swirling spacescapes.

Marked with mysterious symbols and complex patterns, his illustrations have breathed life into sci-fi writings of everyone from Isaac Asimov to EE "Doc" Smith and AE van Vogt. Foss was also commissioned to do work for Alien, Superman and Alejandro Jodorowsky's unmade film version of Dune.

Seeing Kubrick's 2001 made a lasting impression on his work, as did the Cold War years and the bleakness of some of the derelict areas of post-war Britain. "People were really looking for a new kind of explosion," says Foss. "Humans want hope. They want something to believe in."

So is it fanciful to imagine Foss's ships - or those of equally florid artists - being like Bonestell's and infiltrating real design?

Perhaps not if a new age of privately-financed space travel needs to rally support in the same way von Braun and Bonestell did.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14291992

Note: 28 July 2011 Last updated at 07:11 GMT

yubba · 07-28-11, 07:33 PM

Sad, about as close, any of us are going to get to American spaceflight, is playin Orbiter.

Feuer Frei! · 07-28-11, 07:34 PM

Not like the 2 pics in this article, that's for sure

TLAM Strike · 07-28-11, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feuer Frei!

Not like the 2 pics in this article, that's for sure

Whats wrong with the USS Discovery? Its is is one of the most scientifically accurate spacecraft ever to be filmed.

Torplexed · 07-28-11, 07:42 PM

With almost fifty years of development behind it, here's your futuristic space ship. Get in quick, the meter's running.

Blacklight · 07-28-11, 09:40 PM

And it's only something like 15 million for a seat or something like that ! Get them while they're hot !

gimpy117 · 07-28-11, 10:04 PM

Anthony W. · 07-28-11, 10:25 PM

Well, wish me luck getting into the astronaut program. That's my goal.

Platapus · 07-29-11, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

With almost fifty years of development behind it, here's your futuristic space ship. Get in quick, the meter's running.

It is an awesome system. Simple proven design that is reliable.

danlisa · 07-29-11, 05:21 AM

Spaceships can be a cube for all it matters. (no, not the Borg

)

Do they need to conform to a 'design' as it matters little in a vacuum?

Now, launch craft (earth to space) is a different matter. First and foremost, any launch craft should be able to counter the re-entry angle and heat build up by design.

Which brings me to another question, why did NASA decide to develop a 'free fall' re-entry craft. Surely (while costly on fuel) a powered decent minimises the requirement for a fixed re-entry angle and the frictional heat generated on the craft.

Dowly · 07-29-11, 05:25 AM

The Event Horizon of course!

(*Hell gate sold separately)

papa_smurf · 07-29-11, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danlisa

Spaceships can be a cube for all it matters. (no, not the Borg

)

Do they need to conform to a 'design' as it matters little in a vacuum?

Now, launch craft (earth to space) is a different matter. First and foremost, any launch craft should be able to counter the re-entry angle and heat build up by design.

Which brings me to another question, why did NASA decide to develop a 'free fall' re-entry craft. Surely (while costly on fuel) a powered decent minimises the requirement for a fixed re-entry angle and the frictional heat generated on the craft.

Well a earth to space craft can be a simple design that gets crew/etc to a much larger ship thats in orbit, something akin to the shuttles used in babylon5:

Jimbuna · 07-29-11, 05:47 AM

danasan · 07-29-11, 06:07 AM

I bet passengers paying 15 million would prefer a model which provides a better view

The shape of the top could offer some advantages regarding the re-entrance as well...

razark · 07-29-11, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danlisa

Which brings me to another question, why did NASA decide to develop a 'free fall' re-entry craft. Surely (while costly on fuel) a powered decent minimises the requirement for a fixed re-entry angle and the frictional heat generated on the craft.

Using a powered decent system would increase the complexity, size, and weight of the vehicle. The weight is a major factor. Every bit of the spacecraft that comes down must have first been lifted to space. Why go to the effort of lifting a powered decent system if you can get away with not using one? You can use the weight saved for other payload of equipment.

07-28-11, 07:21 PM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	What should spaceships look like? As the next generation of spaceships is being conceived, should shuttle designers take their inspiration from sci-fi illustrators? Generations of schoolchildren, openly, and many adults, perhaps more guardedly, have delighted in fantastical depictions of space travel. From Star Wars back to 2001: A Space Odyssey and even further back to comic hero Dan Dare and Victorian illustrations for the stories of Jules Verne and HG Wells, the way spaceships should look has been an important issue - before the first rocket booster ever fired. But the fanciful reputation of sci-fi novels and films aside, the illustration of spacecraft might actually have a realistic place in the design of future vessels. The line has often been blurred between the realm of the sci-fi artist and the real spacecraft designers. Often referred to as the father of modern space art, Chesley Bonestell had a significant impact on not only science fiction illustration, but the whole of the American space programme. German rocket developer and champion of space exploration Dr Wernher von Braun, who was inspired by the works of Verne and Wells, commissioned Bonestell to illustrate his spaceflight concepts in a 1952 issue of Collier's Weekly magazine. The epic film 2001: A Space Odyssey influenced Chris Foss and other space artists. The combination of von Braun's technology and Bonestell's artistic vision made the science come alive for the layman readers. Of course, the tax dollars and votes of those inspired layman readers would be needed to realise ambitious space projects. The Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists now honours work in the sci-fi and fantasy art industry with its annual Chesley Awards. Harry Lange was a German artist who got his start in military flight manual illustrations and was appointed to lead the future projects section for Nasa. He and his team found themselves illustrating von Braun's ideas to promote his vision of a US space station. Lange ended up as production designer on Stanley Kubrick's 2001. On the other hand it's hard to imagine the designs of Chris Foss, the subject of a new retrospective book, Hardware: The Definitive SF Works of Chris Foss, easily crossing the line into the real world of space travel. With Picasso as an inspiration, Foss created book covers that pioneered a new style of space art, featuring prominently placed gigantic colourful craft in swirling spacescapes. Marked with mysterious symbols and complex patterns, his illustrations have breathed life into sci-fi writings of everyone from Isaac Asimov to EE "Doc" Smith and AE van Vogt. Foss was also commissioned to do work for Alien, Superman and Alejandro Jodorowsky's unmade film version of Dune. Seeing Kubrick's 2001 made a lasting impression on his work, as did the Cold War years and the bleakness of some of the derelict areas of post-war Britain. "People were really looking for a new kind of explosion," says Foss. "Humans want hope. They want something to believe in." So is it fanciful to imagine Foss's ships - or those of equally florid artists - being like Bonestell's and infiltrating real design? Perhaps not if a new age of privately-financed space travel needs to rally support in the same way von Braun and Bonestell did. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14291992 Note: 28 July 2011 Last updated at 07:11 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

07-28-11, 07:34 PM	#3
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	Not like the 2 pics in this article, that's for sure __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

07-28-11, 09:40 PM	#6
Blacklight Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,507 Downloads: 145 Uploads: 0	And it's only something like 15 million for a seat or something like that ! Get them while they're hot ! __________________ Be my friend or be a mushroom cloud. "I am coming at you. You will explode in a couple of minutes !"

07-28-11, 10:04 PM	#7
gimpy117 Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 3,243 Downloads: 108 Uploads: 0	__________________ Member of the Subsim Zombie Army

07-28-11, 10:25 PM	#8
Anthony W. Grey Wolf Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 850 Downloads: 130 Uploads: 0	Well, wish me luck getting into the astronaut program. That's my goal. __________________ Sunken Mustangs Proud Ford Mustang owner "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" - Admiral David Farragut Run silent - run deep - keep the baffles clear - targets front and center. Private pilot and history buff

07-28-11, 07:33 PM	#2
yubba Admiral Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: in a neighborhood near you Posts: 2,478 Downloads: 293 Uploads: 2	Sad, about as close, any of us are going to get to American spaceflight, is playin Orbiter.

07-28-11, 07:42 PM	#5
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	With almost fifty years of development behind it, here's your futuristic space ship. Get in quick, the meter's running.

07-29-11, 05:21 AM	#10
danlisa Navy Seal Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 5,499 Downloads: 45 Uploads: 1	Spaceships can be a cube for all it matters. (no, not the Borg ) Do they need to conform to a 'design' as it matters little in a vacuum? Now, launch craft (earth to space) is a different matter. First and foremost, any launch craft should be able to counter the re-entry angle and heat build up by design. Which brings me to another question, why did NASA decide to develop a 'free fall' re-entry craft. Surely (while costly on fuel) a powered decent minimises the requirement for a fixed re-entry angle and the frictional heat generated on the craft. __________________

07-29-11, 05:25 AM	#11
Dowly Lucky Jack Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 25,052 Downloads: 32 Uploads: 0	The Event Horizon of course! (*Hell gate sold separately)

07-29-11, 05:47 AM	#13
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,461 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	__________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

07-29-11, 06:07 AM	#14
danasan Elite Spam Hunter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Flensburg / Germany Posts: 1,141 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 0	I bet passengers paying 15 million would prefer a model which provides a better view The shape of the top could offer some advantages regarding the re-entrance as well... __________________ "I invite you to go inside this submergible hole in the water where you can nicely hide from destroyers."