Impulse Deceleration

Simulations have provided estimates of the distance to decelerate to all stop from various speeds  and at various thrust levels. The results provide a guide for quartermasters.

At impulse speeds Endeavour brakes by redirecting drive plasma forward to counteract the vessel’s momentum. The redirection reduces the efficiency of engine output in terms of applied thrust, meaning it takes longer to slow down than to speed up – about 25% longer.

When coupled with the effects of relativistic drag, increases in vessel speed have a substantial impact on how much thrust and/or distance is needed to stop.

Table: Distance in GU to All Stop

 

Speed

Thrust

.05C

.08C

.1C

.12C

.15C

.18C

40%

357

1288

2386

4327

-

-

50%

225

792

1534

2679

5933

-

60%

139

470

881

1548

3546

-

70%

93

325

630

1097

2491

6077

80%

86

295

539

964

2153

5312

90%

81

269

507

902

2021

4981

100%

74

265

492

881

1967

4806