Deep Space Jumps

 [email removed] writes:

 > There is nothing in GDW's current (or past) Traveller series technology
that
 > requires a celestial body for jump.

 and Gerald S Williams <[email removed]|> replied:

> Except the background, that is.  Many of the supposed barriers
> to travel would not exist without this as at least a practical
> requirement (for example, you can do it, but you waste fuel and
> it adds an element of danger).

{specific examples deleted}

The major problem as I see it is the loss of cargo space where you
have to carry the extra fuel.  Any of these deep space refueling
stations would be expensive to operate.  I would guess that a
constant stream of tankers would be necessary to support a busy
deep space station.

The few imperial ships that are meant to function by using a deep
space stopover, usually carry a fuel bladder in their cargo hold,
or would have the extra fuel capacity built in.  The Imperiallines
Type TJ Frontier Transport is a ship that comes to mind with it's
jump 6 capability as opposed to the Type TI Frontier Transport
with its J-2 capablility.  The TJ is meant as a special courier
and is designed as such. The TJ even looks like the TI for
security reasons.

The one problem I have is with the TNE ship designs.  Now that we
are back to somewhat realistic thrusters, I find that I need more
fuel for my M-drives than for the J-drive.  So if you are willing
to sacrifice maneuverablity when you exit from jump, most TNE ship
already have the capability to do a deep space stopover without
carrying extra fuel.

CT and MT ships however would need to carry extra fuel.  I agree
that a deep space stopover is allowable, however it should be a
MAJOR problem to do so.  Either the refueling problem, difficult
piloting (or rather navigation) task, or something.  It is
allowable as it is the way the Aslan bridged the Riftspan Reach
gap (commercial ships are still only J-2 or J-3).  See GDW Alien
Module 1 for details.

I disagree that it creates a big problem with the Virus and the
Regency blockade.  The Virus doesn't have the refueling capability
to move a large fleet by the way of a deep space stop, and knowing
that the regency is watching for them, they wouldn't put
themselves at such a tactical disadvantage. (Less than 20 G-turns
of fuel remaining as opposed to the 40+ G-turns fully fueled)

It makes even less sense for merchantmen to use smaller J-drives
as this increases the travel time and decreases the profit.

One last point, In Arrival Vengence the ship rendevous with a deep
space comet for refueling on the way back to the regency.  This
allowed them to cross the Great Rift through the Gushemege,
Corridor, and Deneb sectors.  But the location and orbit of the
comet was a state secret for such an emergency.

John Bucsek
[email removed]