Time to think about Solar Stories again; a discussion of actual spacecraft is long overdue.
The Shape of Interplanetary Flight
The craft in solar stories come from a culture where air and space travel are routine. A spacecraft that lives only in space should look like it does. Simple, strong shapes with no unnecessary complications in physical design. Leading to strong hulls with few complicated bulges, antennae, dishes and other protrusions.
Anything that flies in a sky should look like its built for that sky. Wings should be elegant but not necessary as thousands of years of super strong materials make all manner of lighter than air or neutral buoyancy fuselages possible.
All of this boils down to things that look right for the job they are doing. Designs are never cool for the sake of it, but they always look right.
I suspect this means that a lot of spaceships could be a bit boring to look at. Boring though is not a word to describe any vehicle in this future. Spaceships will not be boring. They will be colourful!
Bright Neon Lights
Neon may sound a bit cyberpunk or retro. Here I’m using it to display very bright illuminated displays. Anything travelling could be become very bright indeed. There are lots of reasons for this – but first remember one thing. The assumption is that anything can have a large, form fitting and bright display wrapped around it.
The Livery
Imagine ships belonging to the same fleet not having just standard colours and flags but powerful moving displays saying who they are and where they come from. Everything gets covered in corporate, fleet or “tribal” colours.
Advertising
Advertising never goes away. It’s like death and taxes. A ship coming into a spaceport, knowing that it’s being observed, may start displaying its wares. In another instance, becoming a billboard may be a nice little side hustle for a cash strapped crew. Anything that can be noticed can become an advert
Personal Expression
So, you’re just this person. But you don’t want to merge into the background. You want everyone to know who you are. Anything you’re travelling in (or wearing for that matter) could become the canvas that shows just how cool you are. Independant operators may become the brightest thing out there.
Direct Communication
Here I’m going to make the assumption that everyone has private communication or can broadcast publicly if that’s desired. Additionally, I’m going with the idea that if everything has bright displays, then then these may get used for communication. Perhaps like in these scenarios.
A group of spacecraft are working together. They start running coloured pattern displays that sync with each other, showing the concert of work. Saying that they are working as one.
A situation is straying towards conflict. Negotiations may be going on in the background, but now the hulls of ships get covered in aggressive coloured patterns. Lights that say I am angry, and I am dangerous. Who wants a fight when a good threat display may just turn the tide.
Can you think of more?
Thats only 2 scenarios. I’m sure you can think of others, but the upshot will come back to this point – spaceships are going to be wonderfully illuminated
Size Matters
I’m going to end here with a thought on size. Nothing will be bigger than it needs. That’s part of the first design point. Though good sizes are likely. These spaceships are homes and workplaces. They go out into the void for months on end, quite possibly years. Carrying all they need with them. Small ships seem less likely than those of considerable size.
Not just Spaceships Will Light Up
I’ve hinted at it, so let’s say it. Just about anything can become a glowing, living display. The limits are not technological. The limits are denoted by culture and taste. In some places appropriate and frowned on in others.
Stream of Consciousness 