Orbitting

[AdrianH]

If a ship starts in position to orbit a planet, can it use part of its move to orbit, then continue out of orbit into normal movement during the same turn? For example, can an Omega start parallel to the surface of a planet, move 6" around the planet in orbit, 1" further in a straight line, then turn 45 degrees?

I know it can't do it the other way round, i.e. move into position and then orbit during the same turn; it must start the turn already in position to orbit.

 

[Burger]

No, the rules for orbitting say you must stay the same distance from the planet as you started. Any "normal" movement after doing half an orbit would retroactively break this.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't turn at the end of the orbit, though (even lumbering ships).

 

[AdrianH]

The rule says "So long as the ship stays at the same distance from the planet as it started, it may be moved forward around the planet, with the distance moved equal to the arc travelled". Would this not mean that the orbit can't be retroactively broken? Once the ship has broken orbit with a straight move, it can't go back into orbit this turn of course, but "So long as..." would seem to imply that the orbit rule applies up until that point.

 

[Burger]

Well I guess it could be read both ways, but I would say no; when you begin an orbit, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of using that manouver, one of which is that you stay the same distance form the planet.

But, the rules (as often happens) aren't really clear...