Which Science Fiction Franchises Depict Space Warfare the Most Accurately?

It's all speculative, of course. Humans have never engaged in a space naval battle...that we know about. Star Trek and the like aren't real, but physics is. So Foreign Policy interviewed naval analyst Chris Weuve about the real science behind interplanetary combat in science fiction:

FPWhat about ships turning in space like airplanes?

CW: Babylon 5 was closer in that it understood that there is no air in space and you don't bank. But even on that show, the ships would be under thrust, and then they decide to go back the way they come, they would spin around and almost immediately start going in the opposite direction. That doesn't work. They ignored the fact that acceleration is cumulative. But I do like that they can rotate in flight and fire sideways. Babylon 5 and the new Battlestar Galactica are far and away the best in trying to portray vector physics. There are a lot of problems with the way they do it, but I'm willing to give them an A for effort.

FPWhich are the most realistic sci-fi movies in portraying space warfare?

CW: There isn't any show that does a really good job across the board. Some do better at different parts. For example, the new Battlestar Galactica is probably the best at depicting life on board a ship. That ship is very spacious compared to a U.S. Navy warship, but the inside of it looks correct. One of my all-time favorite TV shows is Star Trek, especially Star Trek: The Next Generation. But one thing that drives me crazy is that on Star Trek, you're either on watch or off duty, when a real naval officer has a whole other job, such as being a department or division head. So he's constantly doing paperwork. Most shows don't get that right at all.

And which science fiction franchise is the worst in terms of the physics of flight? Star Wars. Read why at the link.

Link -via VA Viper | Image: Balsavor


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

I know it's not sci-fi, but 24 also made me wonder. Does Kiefer ever go pee? Eat a meal? In a 24-hour period, I imagine that you'd really feel better after at least one pee and maybe 2 small meals. Unless it was really "real-time" and these things occurred in the commercial time of the 22-minute half-hour (or a 44-minute hour). As you can tell, I did not watch 24.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Which Science Fiction Franchises Depict Space Warfare the Most Accurately?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More