The Mechanics of Space Navigation: HH-900013#012
Navigation within space is a vital part of space travel and without it flying would be a dangerous and haphazard affair. Although most of the complexities of navigation have now been handed to onboard control systems, the pilot is ultimately responsible for assigning destinations and free flight control. This document details the fundamentals of hyperspace navigation and has been prepared with much input from the good people at Masamo.
Moving from one planetary system to another is a daunting task. You're about to send your ship and yourself (and maybe some other fools) through a faster than light adventure which will propel you many light years. So? Well, there are many problems with this. What about other ships? planets? stars? in fact, what about ANY space object that we might come across? The plotting of your course is vital if you are to avoid hitting anything and it's a daunting task. The mechanics of astro-navigation are horrendous and far beyond the scope of this document, and for our purposes we'll let the navigation computer worry about such problems (that's what it's for).
Now that we've set aside the problem of getting to where we're going, we now have to decide where we are in fact going. The number of planets and systems within the galaxy makes a single star map impractical and we deal with a two layer model: The System Map and the Local Map.
The System Map
The system map is used for viewing potential destination (at a system level) via the JumpGate network. It can also supply you information on Renari and pirate reports for all systems.
Access the system map by pressing the F1 button. You will see a lateral view of the galaxy, the systems therein, and the JumpGate links between each system. Each system is displayed as a transparent sphere.
A blue sphere denotes your current system.
A red sphere denotes a system which has not been charted.
A green sphere denotes a system which has been charted.
Use the 'A' and 'Z' keys zoom the system map in and out.
When the cursor is over a system, press the right mouse button to bring up information on that system.
By now you should be comfortable with selecting information about systems, and to set a system as your destination, select it using the left mouse button (this will also exit the System Map). And if you don't want to select a destination just yet, hit the F9 key.
The Local Map
The local map is used for targeting destinations within your current system. To access the Local Map, press the F2 button. You will be presented with a top down view of the system
including the planets, their orbital paths, and the ships that are within range of your radar.
The cursor keys moves this view around and the 'A' and 'Z' keys zoom the view in and out.
To the right of this display is the list of planet and ship names, and by left clicking on these, you can set a destination target. This target will appear on your radar map as a white dot, and in the cockpit view as a rotating red and black transparent sphere. Position this sphere at the centre of your crosshair and you will be orientated correctly at your chosen target. Alternatively, if you don't want to select a destination, just hit the F9 key.
NOTE: When a target is set, a readout will be displayed at the bottom left of your
display and this will inform you of your target's name and the distance to it.
Getting To Your Destination
Now that you have selected your destination system (by using the System Map), the process of actually getting there can begin. How you reach your destination depends greatly on the JumpGate network and while you may be able to jump directly to your destination, sometimes you may be forced to make several jumps to reach your goal. Using the JumpGate system is a very easy process and can be thought of a toll gate (and generally, the greater the distance you're travelling, the greater the toll). Approach the JumpGate and hail it using the 'J' key - You will then be presented with a list of possible destinations and their toll values. Select your destination and fly through the centre of the gate!
Once you're in your target SYSTEM, you'll have to reach your final destination PLANET on your own, but it's not all dull and boring. The localised hyperspace jump offers a quick and easy way to travel intrasystem. By opening up a short range hyperspace channel, you'll find yourself hurled forward up to 50,000 clicks but be careful. The system has numerous safety measures and while this makes it very safe (it's impossible to fly through an object for example) pirates have been known to exploit this and bring unsuspecting pilots out of hyperspace slap bang in the middle of an ambush. Engaged via the 'X' key, the system makes use of your fuel supply and therefore pilots should keep an eye on it just in case it's needed in a hurry.
JumpGate and localised hyperspace travel are a complex processes and shouldn't be underestimated, but technology means that pilots no longer have to worry about the complexities and can concentrate on flying. Happy hyperspacing!
Jodahn Borlanisan
For more information please refer to the following:
Drive Technology - An Introduction (Ref. No.: HH-672919#998)
The JumpGate Phenomenon (Ref. No.: HH-091822#082)
The Control Interface (Ref. No.: GC127#689291)
A Beginner's Guide To InterPlanetary Flight (Ref. No.: HH-345972#560)