Guide:Galileo

Galileo
Class Overview
Category	experimental propulsion ship
Operational	2028
Constructed	1
Dimensions
Length	300m
Beam	120.7m
Height	120.7m
Mass	15,000 mt
Performance
Max Speed	0.xxc
Endurance	xx
Complement
Crew	98 ; ;
Canonicity
History	FSC Vol 3 ;

In Guide:Columbus series, the ship is described completely with the statement " the hyperexpensive Galileo laser-fusion/NTR project ended in utter financial and technological disaster." It is referencing an experiment in fusion propulsion that occurred prior to the Guide: AFP-1 disaster.

FSC vol 3 has a brief statement on page 9 indicating the Galileo was a transport class that entered in 2028. Page 14 gives a half-page to the ship indicating the importance of the class both in Sol system exploration and during the Kzin wars, and includes a color image with an asteroid. A brief section on page 32 provides a sketch and some repeated or additional specs.

I agree we should forego the transport aspect and focus on this as an experiment in rapid acceleration via fusion. But because the loss of 14 lives with the AFP-1 seemed to be more notable, it would seem that the failure of the Galileo would have been an entire spacecraft one that was seen as both "financial and technological." I'm thinking the EM emissions of the activated fusion drive probably overwhelmed the shipkeeping systems of the vessel, making the entire endeavor a waste of time and funds. The bulbous front section will probably contain the fuel for the drive (hydrogen?), instead of being a cargo pod. The year 2028 seems to be reasonable.

Gallery