01
Role in the story
Death’s End
Encountered by Part 1 · Crisis EraNuclear-pulse interstellar mission
It attempts to accelerate a minimal human payload toward the enemy across a chain of precisely placed detonations.
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What this entity helps us see
Launch a consequence into the future
Intergenerational governance
The mission creates obligations and possibilities that outlive its planners and their political era.
Open concept articleSend a minimal human presence between stars
Interstellar travel
The mission treats interstellar distance as a payload and timing problem even after its planned interception fails.
Open concept articleTrade payload for acceleration
Spacecraft propulsion
A lighter sail can gain more speed from each external pulse, making every gram a mission-level decision.
Open concept articleStage explosions into a drive
Nuclear-pulse propulsion
Precisely placed detonations transfer momentum in sequence rather than requiring the payload to carry all of its propulsion energy.
Open concept article