For simple navigational purposes stars are classified using the Harvard spectral system based on spectral characteristics. Additional coding specific to luminosity (as used by the Morgan-Keenan MK classification system) is not used.
Simulations have provided estimates of the distance to decelerate to all stop from various speeds and at various thrust levels. The results provide a guide for quartermasters.
At impulse speeds Endeavour brakes by redirecting drive plasma forward to counteract the vessel’s momentum. The redirection reduces the efficiency of engine output in terms of applied thrust, meaning it takes longer to slow down than to speed up – about 25% longer.
Meet the flight operations console - more commonly referred to as “the helm”. It’s a multipurpose workstation that will allow a Quartermaster to fly the ship across three navigation modes. The current focus is on the most commonly used mode – impulse navigation.
A held bearing is where a set bearing is automatically executed every maneuvering cycle until stopped. This makes the vessel follow a circular course. This is useful for when a traversal maneuver is required, or when a large heading change needs to be broken down into smaller maneuvers.
The radius of the circular course is determined by the vessel’s speed and the chosen bearing. The Held Bearing Calculator (HBC) on the Impulse Maneuvering panel calculates the required bearing based on the desired course radius and vessel speed.
Trainee quartermasters (helm operators) are now able to experience what it will be like to have a starship under their control. Engine prototyping has provided sufficient data to enable simulations of vessel maneuvering at impulse (sublight) speeds.
“We were anticipating the experience to be more like operating a large submarine,” says Master Chief Sonya Akakios, the ISDC’s most senior quartermaster. “What we’re actually seeing isn’t too far off that, with the most obvious difference being momentum.”
