Space travel on TV infuriates me

[Pengwuino]

So when humans talk of space travel, we imagine these horribly complex and sanitized capsules or small spacecraft with people in big spacesuits. The vehicles are made of super lightweight material with extraordinarily high-tech components and if the slightest thing goes wrong, the thing could explode. Of course, to top it off, if you ever want to put something in space, it takes days just to put the stupid vehicle on the launchpad.

Then comes space travel on television. In between drooling all over myself fantasizing about that summer gaul chick on firefly or whatever, I become infuriated how all the spacecraft in sci-fi shows are like, made of **** metal that you can find in a junkyard. They also can hop between planets in no time with flight control systems full of nobs and cranks you'd find in a 19th century train.

Also, people who ride around on horses can also fly spaceships. RAWR.

Thus concludes my 4:30am rant about television. Time to go to bed and have happy dreams about http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1132359/" . Hawt.

DISCUSS!

 

[Astronuc]

One seems to be hot and bothered.

I recommend a cold shower.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

So when humans talk of space travel, we imagine these horribly complex and sanitized capsules or small spacecraft with people in big spacesuits. The vehicles are made of super lightweight material with extraordinarily high-tech components and if the slightest thing goes wrong, the thing could explode. Of course, to top it off, if you ever want to put something in space, it takes days just to put the stupid vehicle on the launchpad.

Then comes space travel on television. In between drooling all over myself fantasizing about that summer gaul chick on firefly or whatever, I become infuriated how all the spacecraft in sci-fi shows are like, made of **** metal that you can find in a junkyard. They also can hop between planets in no time with flight control systems full of nobs and cranks you'd find in a 19th century train.

Also, people who ride around on horses can also fly spaceships. RAWR.

Thus concludes my 4:30am rant about television. Time to go to bed and have happy dreams about http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1132359/" . Hawt.

DISCUSS!

I completely agree, rather than making an interesting show featuring the gargantuan challenges to interstellar space travel

• STL
• propulsion efficiency
• lack of gravity
• radiation
• need for ecology
• need for industrial complex
• need for large population
• social/political/economic issues
• etc etc etc

TV shows take generic plots and bolt them into a "sci-fi" setting. I have never seen a TV show or film that has properly explored how the technology they employ would change society and psychology. Instead they just take some sort of idealogical western civilisation (or if they are trying to be avant-garde something typically far eastern) and give it lasers big woop.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I'd be impressed if the space ships just stopped making whooshing sounds and "flying" through space [aerodynamically].

I found it quite amusing to read a UFO website that debunked this video almost immediately based on the argument that "real UFOs don't fly aerodynamically!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAqfOgbxHXs

 

[pmacias]

I can understand your frustration with the portrayal of space travel on television. It is important to remember that science fiction shows are meant to entertain and often take creative liberties with scientific accuracy. However, I do agree that it can be frustrating to see such unrealistic depictions.

In reality, space travel is an incredibly complex and challenging endeavor. It requires advanced technology, careful planning, and highly trained individuals to make it possible. The vehicles used for space travel are indeed made of lightweight materials and contain high-tech components, but this is necessary in order to overcome the challenges of space travel.

Additionally, the process of launching a spacecraft into space is not a simple or quick task. It takes days of preparation and testing to ensure the safety and success of the mission. This is not something that can be done in a matter of minutes or hours, as often portrayed on television.

Furthermore, the idea that anyone can simply hop on a spaceship and fly through space is not realistic. Space travel requires extensive training and expertise, and it is not something that can be learned quickly or easily. It takes years of education and experience to become an astronaut and even then, it is a highly competitive field.

While it may be tempting to criticize the unrealistic portrayals of space travel on television, it is important to remember that these shows are meant for entertainment. As scientists, it is our responsibility to educate the public about the realities of space travel and to inspire future generations to pursue careers in the field. So instead of getting angry, let's use these shows as a starting point for discussions about the possibilities and challenges of space exploration. And who knows, maybe one day we will have spaceships that can be controlled with nobs and cranks, but for now, let's focus on the real science behind space travel.