Space Combat - Did I miss something?

[MarcusIII]

Passive EM has more range than passive radar/lidar but not as much as active radar/lidar.

Which of course is beyond broken. So active radar has a range of hundreds of light years? Passive sensors detect distant stars and planets.

 

[shirgall]

Which of course is beyond broken. So active radar has a range of hundreds of light years? Passive sensors detect distant stars and planets.

My interpretation of this has always been about detecting *enough* for a sensor lock that can provide actionable data (as in, apply a task chain DM) to the gunner.

 

[MarcusIII]

My interpretation of this has always been about detecting *enough* for a sensor lock that can provide actionable data (as in, apply a task chain DM) to the gunner.

Passive by its nature doesn't provide enough for a sensor lock unless extremely close. But a passive sensor WILL detect a 4 watt radio transmitting out past Pluto's orbit. Or something the size of the space shuttle using its maneuvering rockets. Giving its bearing. Well that's 2000 A.D. TL. By TL 12 much further.

 

[shirgall]

Passive by its nature doesn't provide enough for a sensor lock unless extremely close. But a passive sensor WILL detect a 4 watt radio transmitting out past Pluto's orbit. Or something the size of the space shuttle using its maneuvering rockets. Giving its bearing. Well that's 2000 A.D. TL. By TL 12 much further.

Sure, at TL7 that's the situation...

 

[MarcusIII]

Sure, at TL7 that's the situation...

correct