So Tl14-16 seems to be the range for most of the big powers in charted space. Which brings the question--what is the largest space-based megastructure they could build? Clearly full-sized ringworlds or dyson spheres are out, but what about smaller structures? What do you think the limits of 1. practical and 2. theoretical (as in, cost and need are no object) would be?
Largest megastructure a TL14-16 culture could make?
- Thread starter Morgoth99
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Geir
Emperor Mongoose
Well, rings seem to be possible, at least around small worlds: Hliyh (Size 2) has an orbital ring.
There are also the tent worlds (paraterraformed Size 1) in the Solomani Rim, so that's a world with a tent to hold the atmosphere on.
There is potentially a tiered world (like in Bank's Matter) in Core , but I don't think that adventure got written.
I put some artificial world types in the World Builders Handbook (p232) that covers that sort of thing, but not in any detail.
There are also the tent worlds (paraterraformed Size 1) in the Solomani Rim, so that's a world with a tent to hold the atmosphere on.
There is potentially a tiered world (like in Bank's Matter) in Core , but I don't think that adventure got written.
I put some artificial world types in the World Builders Handbook (p232) that covers that sort of thing, but not in any detail.
agentwigggles
Cosmic Mongoose
The largest spacestation in the Spinward Marches is Marchkeep in orbit of Mora. The defacto sector capital. Tl15. Its around 5 miles long and around 3/4 mile wide, at its widest. Billions of dtons.
Though the real question that isnt often explored with sci fi about really big structure, is if its worthwhile. Could Mora build a Marchkeep that is 10x the size. Probably. Just more expensive and take longer to build.
At some point the size isnt doing anything except be more expensive. Multiple city sized power gerators, requiring thousands of refine fuel a day. Multiple city sized fire stations and police depts. And multiple Command Officers that are in charge of chunks of a mega structure.
Though the real question that isnt often explored with sci fi about really big structure, is if its worthwhile. Could Mora build a Marchkeep that is 10x the size. Probably. Just more expensive and take longer to build.
At some point the size isnt doing anything except be more expensive. Multiple city sized power gerators, requiring thousands of refine fuel a day. Multiple city sized fire stations and police depts. And multiple Command Officers that are in charge of chunks of a mega structure.
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CordwainerFish
Emperor Mongoose
Space elevators aren't exactly practical since a culture becomes able to build them a few weeks before it typically gets contragravity, but I think a world or two has one just as a prestige item.
Sigtrygg
Emperor Mongoose
This is a good place to get an idea of the megastructures a high TL culture can build
www.youtube.com
Megastructures
A video series looking at concepts for truly huge structures that we might see in the future. We begin with ground-based and Low Orbit structures to help us ...
www.youtube.com
Condottiere
Emperor Mongoose
If you have plenty of time and material, a Dyson spheroid should certainly be possible.
Especially, if it's just a series of blocks.
Especially, if it's just a series of blocks.
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