Re: SF rocket propulsion?


Nyrath wrote:
Be it resolved that currently feasible rocket propulsion systems
are too pathetically weak for an action-packed pulp-style SF novel,
what is the *minimum* handwaving we can do to rectify the situation?

I do think that people really miss something in the rush to put utterly
unrealistic engines on spacecraft. Most SF, especially military SF,
borrows a paradigm from another mode of transport when it comes to
space travel and combat. So, we have pseudo-aircraft or maybe
pseudo-ships. What about rockets with their own unique characteristics?
Sailing ships were underpowered and combat between them was often
fleeting and dictated by the prevailing wind, but so what? Some
absolutely gripping fiction has been written in the sailing navy genre,
check out the 'Hornblower' series by C. S. Forster. Just because you
can't go at warp speed doesn't mean it can't be exciting.

.