=/\= Senior Thesis =/\=

[rosetto 0]

Navigating Starfleet

Starfleet Academy, SF, Earth

School of Navigation

Senior Thesis

 

 

14 JUN 2396

Ensign Sal Rosetto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mentors: (NPC) Lieutenant Maria Lopez, Cmdr. Samantha Kent, Admr. Atragon, Cmdr. Jami Farrington, Dr. Sorehl

 

 

 

Abstract

This paper concerns the understanding and operation of the navigational systems of interstellar spacecraft, the importance of accurate and reliable subspace data streams and why following established procedures save time, effort and can save lives.

 

What I have learned is that an even temperament and level head is always required while navigating a space vehicle regardless of the immediate circumstances. There are flight rules and communication protocol so that all concerned are aware of your actions and can compensate their own based on these actions.

 

Table of Contents

Abstract 2

Introduction 3

Methods 4

Results 5

Discussion 6

Conclusions 8

Recommendations 8

References 8

Appendices 9

 

 

 

Introduction

 

This paper discusses my experiences at Starfleet Academy’s School of Navigation in San Francisco, Earth. Its purpose is meant to reflect my personal appreciation to those members of the Academy who saw fit to push me in the direction of this career. I have personally enjoyed almost every class session presented to me and have made many friends in the process. Some I hope to see again later in my career while there are others with which our paths will probably never cross again. This saddens me but also pushes me forward into the Undiscovered Country.

 

Methods

 

It is highly recommended that one has a good sense of spatial displacement in both the 3 and 4 dimensional realms, a clear understanding of basic astronomical phenomenon and the physics defining them, hand-eye coordination and agility, and in good physical and mental health prior to beginning these studies.

 

Much of this can be accomplished even without achieving one’s ‘O’ levels by self-perseverance and focus on the scientific studies provided by most any Federation Scholastic Library. This is the path that I took and this analysis shall prove it a true course.

 

Yes, it is true that I use many of the values handed to me from my father, yet don’t we all. It is what we know and can trust for it is advised given free of judgment or profit. The one thing that we learn is that it’s not the advice at all but how we use it to our own advantage.

 

I have also utilized many of the resources and facilities that are readily available to any aspiring cadet in pursuit of their dream. I have exercised the privileges afforded me to take full advantage of knowledge found on this campus. And that knowledge comes from both tutor and student as it is freely exchanged by all.

 

The flight simulation lab here on site has seemingly limitless possibilities and can be programmed and reconfigured to present and scenario that one can imagine and yet with all things there are limitations. The blade has no edge and so there is no reason to raise concern over blood loss, because there can be none. It is that sharpened edge that we must carry with us. That is what keeps us striving forward to exceed beyond those who passed before us.

 

Complete methods and procedures for the purpose of navigating space may be found in several of the reference documents provided below. These are tried & true methods developed over a millennium or more of historical record where we have ventured beyond the horizon and into the unknown. Yet these tools have kept the wind in our sails so that we can stretch our knowledge and experience further into the future.

 

 

Results

 

Navigation on a starship consists primarily of two major sections, Cartography and Guidance. Put simply, there are a system of maps and tools to use those maps.

 

Cartography pertains to the mapping of space bodies using a universal coordinate system that’s scaling are in parsecs (PC), astronomical units (AU) and kilometers (KM). Because the universe is an active map (always changing), STARDATE was established to provide the fourth term in the location of any space body. Thus, a space body is mapped relative to the center of the Milky Way galaxy at a specific STARDATE. Although the galaxy itself is also moving, it is a negligible amount relative to the stellar motions within the galaxy. The four terms are degrees (0 to 360) about the X-Y plane of the galaxy, mark (-90 to +90) relative to the Z plane, range in parsecs (0 to 50000) from the galactic core and stardate (0 to 750,000,000) which is approximately one revolution of the galaxy (238,311,602 Earth years).

 

Due to internal political configurations, however, the galaxy has also been divided into four quadrants and a number of sectors defined within said quadrant. These quadrants and sectors move along with the galactic spin and so their exact positions change with the passage of time. Further, these borders change in shape as stars have differing velocities and the political boundary definition is one of a sphere of influence more than an exact physical line drawn.

 

The specific details of these dynamic charts and maps are continually updated via sub-space transmission as mapping tasks are completed by various exploratory vessels. At present, the Federation alone has mapped about one sixth of the galaxy. Through treaty agreements they have attained a broader expanse which includes nearly all of alpha quadrant. This mapping includes all natural bodies orbiting a star or star-system. The details of these bodies vary dependent upon their significance in the system. All artificial satellite facilities in fixed orbits as well as permanent civil ports are also charted. Further details may be attained through other services, however, they are not updated at the same frequency.

 

The astrogator is a vital tool for any navigator in space. It provides immediate situation awareness so that specific navigational tasks may be accomplished. The astrogator is provided with data from several key areas of the vessel. The cartographic input is a major one however the ship's sensors as well as the Star Fleet Mission database help to provide those dynamic details such as vessels in the area or uncharted anomalies. The astrogator is used to plot complex course maneuvers through any situation presented. Its real-time display ranks high on ship priority for data stream updates from the computer core as well as the main navigation computer.

 

The majority of the navigational functionality is taken directly from the navigation console. This console is sometimes located directly on the main bridge while is other cases where astrophysics and mapping are supplementary to the main operation of the vessel, these consoles remain on lower decks in departmental laboratories. The definition and customization of orbital maneuvers, stellar system schematic analysis tools, thruster control programs navigational deflector subroutines can all be accessed and managed via these main control consoles.

 

Discussion

 

From the education that I have gathered, the flight school is well organized and provides a good environment from which to explore one’s interests. I found the variety of space craft utilized was very beneficial in determining a career direction.

 

Unlike other schools which I had reviewed, the Academy enabled the cadet to get a feel for multiple classes of vessels. I particularly enjoyed the Search & Rescue mission where I flew a Class-J Merchantman vessel. It was the largest to date that I had flown and I felt at home behind the controls.

 

As an ensign pilot one must realize that they may be tasked with many such diverse situations. What I have found is that preparation is a must. On every flight, study the vehicle and determine all of its uniqueness. Where possible, the traditional ‘walk about’ is also a good rule of thumb. There may be things overlooked in briefings and flight-prep procedures. None of this is valuable, however, unless the cadet has a clear understanding of their surroundings, situation awareness, meaning that the navigational knowledge-base plays a key role in one’s ability to perform as a Starfleet pilot. By no means was my education taken lightly even though my spirit and flamboyancy has raised a few eyebrows of those in command. But I had always proven to them that behind the laughter were a wealth of knowledge and a will to work within a team.

 

As my major study was navigation, I guess I should touch on this subject a bit. Although there are many similarities between navigating a vessel on surface water and in deep space, there are as many differences as well. The currents and undertows one’s experiences in space are invisible to the naked eye and some don’t even have physical form in our 3D existence. So to master a vessel in space one must have full understanding of what’s out there and all of the systems involved in displaying that information to the navigator.

 

On that note, there’s sub-space. This is a term that so often gets misused and misunderstood. Sub-space is not a ‘place’ perse’. It is a dimension; a physical dimension that is not visible any more than a shadow on the pavement could have depth. It is by utilizing this dimension however, that warp coils can place vessels at super-luminal velocities. This dimension is not restricted by the laws of the Einsteinian Space/Time. By travelling in this direction one can actually shorten the interval between two points of Space/Time. So, every object has this ‘extra’ dimension and can be affected by it. Sub-space distortions appear like (I’ll reused the analogy) stretched out shadows in three dimensions. Extreme distortions, one’s visible to the naked eye, are quite rare as they only occur at the threshold boundaries of warp bubbles as particles exist simultaneously on both sides.

 

 

 

 

Conclusions

 

To anyone considering Starfleet as a possible career choice all I can say is it’s definitely a military intelligence and one must learn to work within a team. Given that, Starfleet can provide a wealth of resources to advance one’s personal knowledge and abilities. Sounds like a recruiter, huh?

 

The School of Navigation is probably one of the most challenging career moves that I have made however it has given me much pride and many rewards. The only persons who know more about a vessel are the engineers who build and maintain them. Sure, there are rigorous procedures and ‘red-tape’ that must be memorized but these type items exist in any field of study. I must say, though, that was the toughest part for me to complete. Usually these items are not considered ‘fun’ and there can be no deviation from the ‘right’ answer.

 

Recommendations

 

I would strongly recommend that any person pursuing a career in navigation that they do plenty of research to determine what Navigation is all about. If you are simply wanting to fly then there are many programs in the Star Fleet Marine Corps that could provide you with wings. This is not meant as a mar on the Corps or its schools. Just that the School of Navigation is focused on physics and science and not necessarily on tactics and weapons systems.

 

References

 

TO BE ADDED LATER.

Edited June 16, 2010 by rosetto

[Cmdr JFarrington 0]

Hello rosetto,

 

Though I appreciate your thoughts on the Tuesday academy and how it helped you graduate, listing "mentors" for a thesis generally implies that they collaborated in its writing. I would like it to be clear that there was no such collaboration on my part.

 

That having been said, enjoy your time on Qob - a good ship, a good crew.