Development Of Hyperspacial Technologies

by Dalton S. Spence

Last Updated: Sun Oct 30 12:12

Table of Contents

• A Whole New Science...
• TL9 Hyperdynamic Aerospace Laser Lifter Mk-I
• TL9 Hyperdynamic Workpod
• The Hypergate Project
• TL9 Hypergate Station
• Exploring Local Hyperspace
• TL9 Escape Capsule
• Flight of the Hyperion
• TL9 Interstellar Hyperspace Vehicle Hyperion
• GURPS Space Modules for Hyperspacial Equipment
• Auxiliary Technology Table
• Things to Come...

A Whole New Science...

In February 2002, the unexpected deceleration of certain deep space probes nearing the edge of the solar system was the first indication of some previously unknown force that could affect interplanetary and interstellar travel. Subsequent investigation discovered that long term exposure to deep space had slightly altered the molecular structure of these craft to allow them to interact with forces that existed in a parallel dimension (quickly dubbed "hyperspace" by the media). Further research found a way to artificially induce these changes in a specially formulated fine wire mesh turning it into a hyperdynamic field grid (VXi28), which when installed on the surface of interplanetary spacecraft allowed them to decelerate and maneuver without using precious reaction mass. In order to take full advantange of this technology spacecraft design took a giant leap backward, incorporating the large stabilizer fins and extreme streamlining made famous by the pulp sci-fi rockets of the 1940s and 50s. Some experiments determined that the "hyper-factor" equals 3×(D×100/(16.32+D))², where D was the distance to the sun in AU.

This resemblance to the scifi rockets of yesteryear became even pronounced when it was reported that two grid-equipped vessels passing close to each other at high relative velocities would generate a transient vibration in each vessel's grids allowing the occupants of each to hear the other craft "whoosh" by. After careful experimentation eliminated the possibility of an electromagnetic effect, the consensus was that some of the kinetic energy that one grid dissipated into hyperspace was being transmitted to and converted by the other grid back into kinetic energy (in this case noise). It was theorized that if sufficient energy could be transmitted into hyperspace within a partially closed internal structure of overlapping grids, the received energy could be polarized into a single direction. A better understanding of "hyperspacial field dynamics" led to the invention of the Hyperdynamic Induction Propulsion System (HIPS) which applied energy against the ship's hyperdynamic field causing an induced acceleration relative to normal space. Early designs (TL/9) were strictly unidirectional, had a 1:1 thrust-to-weight ratio making it unusable by itself as an Earth-to-space launch system and produced a stream of hard radiation directly behind the craft resticting its use in the atmosphere (no traffic permitted in a 1.0×0.25×0.25 mile box behind the craft) and prohibiting its use on the ground; however this "reactionless thruster" (VE38, S118) was well suited for off-Earth operations and quickly replaced conventional reaction drives (and their reaction mass requirements) to usher in a new era in space travel.

One drawback to this system was the hyperspace "noise" that could be heard quite some distance away, rendering all conventional types of emission cloaking totally useless. Military research into the new technology discovered that 10 layers of field grid in a neutral matrix not only baffled and diffused any kinetic vibrations generated by reactionless HIPS thrusters, but also created a hypersink which when activated would shunt all thermal and radiation emissions applied to one side into hyperspace, rendering any ship so equipped "effectively invisible to thermograph, infrared, passive radar, and radscanners as long as the hypersink was operating."(VXi26) [Note: when a hypersink is installed, no separate hyperdynamic field grid is required.]

The Hypergate Project

As with all military secrets, hypersinks found their way into the criminal underground, where they quickly became a favorite of space pirates and smugglers. Since the only way to detect emissions from these ships was to scan hyperspace itself, research into accessing it directly was stepped up. It was calculated that would require at least a million tons of extremely sophisticated equipment drawing 3.6 terawatts of power to open a gate with a maximum diameter of 50 yards that could translate up to 10,000 tons of ship into hyperspace per second. Smaller gates could be formed with less power, but this was the minimum amount of equipment theoretically required to focus the energies required properly.

Constructed in Jupiter's leading trojan cluster to exploit its asteroid resources and higher hyperfactor (1750), the Hypergate Project was a dream taken form; a rotating hollow cylinder hull with a 90 yard × 135 yard cross-section and a 90 yard diameter center hole where the hypergate would form 60 feet above the inner deck. (Note: In the size statistics opposite, L is the mean circumference, W is distance along the axis and H is the distance between the outer and the inner surfaces.) At 2.7 rpm, spin gravity varies from 1/3 G on the inner surface to 1 G on the outer rim. Ships land and take off from a landing string running the length of the inner deck (which has a tangential velocity of 26 mph) using trap wires and arrestor hooks similar to those found on a 20th century aircraft carrier.

Complete sensor coverage is handled by three sets of turrets. Three Rim Sensor turrets are spaced 120 degrees apart along the center of the outer rim, and each contains an enhanced sensor package (S114-5) for long range scanning. Two retractable End Sensor Turrets do mid range scanning along the station's axis. Short range scanning is handled by 100 retractable Defense Grid turrets, each containing a short range sensor package, a 2.5 MJ UV pulse laser (for "meteor protection") with a 100 shot energy bank and a modular socket for a military grade enhancement package. Two are installed in the hub covering the core of the station with the remainder distributed evenly along the rim in 28 rows alternating 3 and 4 turrets each, spaced so that each is 135 feet away fom the nearest one in the same row and 113.2 feet away fom the nearest one in the next. While each station computer has sufficient capacity to run a separate gunner program for each weapon, they are linked together in batteries to use their firepower most efficiently. The hub turrets are linked together as a single battery, while the others are grouped into 7 side and 2 end batteries of 14 turrets each, with those on the edge crosslinked with both side and end batteries. Each battery is controlled by its own gunner program (skill-12, C4), each laser has its own targeting program (C3) and each sensor has its own datalink program (C1).

In the event of a total disaster the crew can use escape capsules to get a safe distance from the station. During a solar flare alert these capsules also double as radiation shelters for those who can't get to the rec center or sickbay (which is also shielded). Each can sustain 10 people for 24 hours, but because only 60 kWh are left over after life support, thrusters, grid, radar and radio can only be used sparingly. Two capsule bays are located near the hub next to the bridge and engineering respectively, while the other 98 are installed on the rim in the habitat ring in an inverse pattern to the Defense Grid.

Internally the station is divided into twelve sectors (each named for a sign of the zodiac), four quadrants (according to the "seasons" of the signs) and thirty decks, numbered from Level 0 on the Rim to Level 29 just below the Core. There are three main sections;

1. the systems section takes up two-thirds the station's length. In addition to the million ton gate apparatus taking up 240,000 spaces1, there are about 5,200 spaces of energy banks, the main fusion reactor that charges them, HIPS thrusters for station keeping (although technically not part of the hypergate system, it draws on the same reactor), primary life support and the secondary fusion reactor that powers it, sensor and communication systems, the defense grid, etc..
2. the habitat section occupys one-third of the station's length. Twelve habitat modules (one per sector) provide a factory for producing new hyperdrive units, a shopping and entertainment plaza, a park, nine housing sectors for both crew and factory workers and a radiation shielded sickbay. Each sector has its own "local" time zone two hours wide reflected by the "external" illumination levels, with the residents of each housing sector starting their shift at the same "local" time. Directly above the habitat section is ...
3. the hub section, which is divided into a three level tall, sixty foot long "vehicle ring" on the "south" end of the station containing six two-sector wide spacedocks, each with a complete workshop and launch catapult, and six 75'x75' "penthouse suites" connected to the systems section on Level 29 overlooking alternate habitat sectors. Three suites contain junior and senior officer quarters (officers for each shift reside over the housing sectors of the crew who work them), two are cargo holds (one over the factory sector, the other over the plaza), and the final one (over the park sector) includes a recreation center that doubles as a radiation shelter, a large rad-shielded bridge with an advanced sensor suite handling traffic control and station operation functions, and backup life support.

Exploring Local Hyperspace

When the first automated probes went through the gate to examine the new universe, they immediately made several startling discoveries.

1. For some odd reason, newtonian reaction drives do not work in hyperspace, leaving reactionless thrusters as the only choice for maneuvering at sub-light speeds. Because of this, the ship's hyperdynamic field grid must remain on at all times to keep the physics of normal space operating within the hull. EVAs are possible in hyperspace, but only in suits equipped with their own field grids and reactionless thrusters.
2. Sensor range in hyperspace is reduced to atmospheric levels; ie. the basic range of all sensors is not multiplied by 10 as it usually is in vacuum. While the range of radio communications were similarly affected, there was no time lag detected even at interplanetary distances; the speed of light in hyperspace was apparently close to infinity.
3. As predicted, passive sensors could detect the shunted emissions from a ship in normal space using a hypersink at the equivalent position in hyperspace. Surprisingly, the reverse also proved to be true. This not only allowed normal space passive sensors to track ships using hypersinks in nearby hyperspace; it paved the way for realtime communication between dimensions. Unfortunately because the content (if not the volume) of the shunted emissions were distorted by the translation process, information had to be transmitted by switching the hypersink (or the emitter) on and off. As each procedure takes a full second to complete due to the physical limitations of the systems, the bandwidth for such communication was extremely low.
4. The gravitational fields of stars generate a natural hypersink that shunts a small portion of their energy into hyperspace. It is this energy that determines the hyperdynamic friction level, so in other solar systems multiply D in the hyper-factor formula by the square root of the star's mass in solar masses. While the range of detection is relatively short (no stars beyond thirty parsecs were detected), this does provide a simple method for hyperspace astrogation.
5. When a sensitive observatory was set up in hyperspace to extend this range, certain odd transitory signals were detected in the neighborhood of several of these stars. At first this puzzled the astronomers, but the mystery was quickly solved when a technician noticed that the profile of these signals exactly matched the one generated by the Hypergate when it opened and closed. Apparently, we were not alone!

When this last discovery was made public, a great deal of pressure was placed on the scientific community to examine hyperspace much more thoroughly. After all, if other worlds were so keen on entering hyperspace there must something of more than "local" interest there. In addition, the fact that the vast majority of these signals were 1 second bursts containing both opening and closing patterns indicated to many that another technology besides a hypergate was being used to send single ships into hyperspace.

Flight of the Hyperion

After a great deal of study it was determined that only 0.01% of the hypergate equipment was used to actually generate the hypershunt pulse, with the remaining 99.99% being needed to project the gate into open space. In theory if the hypershunt pulse was directed into the ship's hyperdynamic field grid, the remaining equipment could be dispensed with, although the energy required to make the hypershunt should be the same. To test this, the research ship Hyperion was refitted with 100 tons (24 spaces1) of hypershunt equipment connected directly to the ship's field grid and sufficient energy banks to provide the 1 gigawatt-hour of energy required to shunt 10,000 tons into hyperspace.

The initial test went brilliantly; a button was pushed, the energy banks discharged, there was brief wrenching sensation and the ship suddenly found itself in hyperspace at the predicted position. It was then that things began to get weird. While the energy banks were being recharged, a team of engineers was supposed to run diagnostic tests on the unit to determine what, if any, damage had been done to it by the hypershunt. Whether it was fate, carelessness or an act of will, the next event is a matter of history: instead of the trickle current that had been expected, somehow the unit was plugged into a 100 MW powerline to one of the 18 main thrusters. To a news team watching the Hyperion from the nearby hyperspace observatory the results were immediate and dramatic; there was a bright flash, an electromagnetic pulse, and suddenly the ship was gone. Frantic calls back to normal space seemed to confirm everyone's worst fear; the Hyperion was in no one's sensor range and appeared to be lost.

It was almost two weeks later that the truth was finally revealed, and tragedy was transformed into triumph. The unexpected surge of power from the mains fused them to the hypershunt unit, and by the the time someone figured out how to shut it down safely it became apparent that the ship was travelling very fast indeed. It didn't take too long to determine just how fast; approximately 237.56 times the speed of light or 0.2 parsecs per day. At that rate they could make it to Alpha Centauri in less than a week and back in the same length of time.

This news stunned the crew, and some doubted they were ready for such an undertaking, but after the captain pointed out that if they returned home most of them would probably be replaced by politically selected appointees for the maximum public relations impact, it was unanimously agreed to continue on this historic flight. Logistically there was no problem; the Hyperion was well equipped for deep space missions where resupply would not be available for months at a time, so a two week mission would be a walk in the park. In fact, the next two weeks were supposed to be filled with tests of the hypershunt unit (by now re-christened a hyperdrive), so the captain argued that this could be considered the ultimate test for the technology. A few of the more enthusiastic scientists suggested that they stay at their destination for a few days to conduct some experiments, but they were voted down by the majority; the two week trip was all they had signed on for, and if they didn't return the ship after that, they could be charged under interplanetary law as space pirates.

It was just as well that they returned on-time, intact and well within the letter of their contracts, for in spite of warm welcomes, the congratulations and the awards ceremonies, the government of the day was quietly furious. Political and sociological surprises of this magnitude just weren't supposed to be possible anymore, and now two of them had occurred in relatively short order. They had just begun to get a handle on the confirmed discovery of technologically advanced extraterrestrials in nearby solar systems, only to learn that they very likely had the ability to show up on their doorstep at any moment. Once the euphoria of the Hyperion's first successful interstellar flight worn off, the public would realize this too and would likely ask their leaders for reassurances that they weren't about to be invaded by aliens. And they had none to give: if we can detect alien hyperspace activity, surely the aliens can detect ours and when they do, what could be more natural than coming to investigate the new players on the block.

Fortunately, humanity still had a few cards to play. Examination of the characteristics of the Hyperion's hyperdrive in flight led to the following conclusions:

1. The drive's hypershunt capacity determined the amount of energy needed to maintain hyperspeed (0.01 MW/ton) or enter and leave hyperspace (360 MW/ton). As the latter is required for only one second at a time, it could be provided by a rechargeable energy bank.
2. While hyperdrives capable of entering and exiting hyperspace on their own (sometimes called "hyperjump engines" because of this ability) have an absolute minimum size requirement of 100 tons and 24 spaces1, the minimum size of a hyperdrive that is used solely to achieve hyperspeed in hyperspace (or for any drive with a hypershunt capacity over 10,000 tons) is dependent only on its hypershunt capacity.
3. While a ship's loaded mass cannot be more than the drive's hypershunt capacity, if it is less than that the ship's true hyperspeed = (hypershunt capacity/loaded mass)×0.2 parsecs/day.
4. Reactionless thrusters cannot be used at the same time as the hyperdrive, so power can be diverted from one to the other. This meant a thruster equipped ship capable of an sAccel of at least 0.01g could potentially install a hyperdrive and immediately become capable of FTL flight. As most thrusters are designed to provide a higher acceleration, energy banks could be fully recharged to jump capacity during FTL flight in 360/(sAccel-0.01) seconds.
5. Ships at hyperspeed cannot adjust their heading directly, so the ship must disengage the hyperdrive, adjust the ship's heading with thrusters, then re-engage the hyperdrive on the new heading to make course corrections.
6. It was noticed that when the ship shunted back to normal space near the then open hypergate, the power requirements of the requirements of each went down for a moment. After several test runs the relationship became clear; for one second (the length of the ship's shunt to normal space) the energy consumed was multiplied by d/(d+r) where d was the distance between the ship and the event horizon of the gate on the hyperspace side, and r was the radius of the gate. This was called the Proximity Effect.
7. A consequence of this is that the closer a ship is to an active Hypergate in normal space (ie. d < 0) when it shunts to hyperspace, the more power it will take. Fortunately this is fairly easy to avoid, as the gate is only active for a few seconds out of every hour. What would happen if a ship tried to shunt in normal space between event horizon and gate radius (ie. -r < d < 0) isn't clear, but best estimates indicate the energy released would destroy both ship and gate ... a real "bonehead maneuver" unless you want to use a "fireship" to destroy an enemy gate.

Things to Come...

Building the Hypergate had made constructing hyperdrive modules a standardized industrial process, and installing them on field grid equipped ships appeared to be equally simple ... if the space and the money were available for it. After a great deal of heated debate behind closed doors, the powers-that-be have decided that rather than wait for the neighbors to come a-calling, it would be better (both politically and tactically) to take the initiative and go to introduce ourselves. To this end, three of the spacedocks on the Hypergate station have been converted into a shipyard to build new starships and add hyperdrives to existing vessels.

Meanwhile, advanced experiments in hyperspacial field dynamics being performed on the far side of the gate have engineers predicting a new more compact HIPS thruster with a 2.5:1 thrust-to-weight ratio which could completely replace conventional reaction drive launch systems within the next decade. Environmentalists are divided, trying to balance the impact of reduced exhaust gases versus the increased radiation hazard.

A proposal has been made to build a matching gate in hyperspace very close the equivalent position of the normal space one so both hypergates can take advantage of the Proximity Effect to reduce power requirements enough to keep the gate open constantly. The biggest problem will be matching the position and spin rate of both gates perfectly.

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