Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Flight pod

2007-10-25T01:01:30Z

Rapturous: /* ''Galactica'' */

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explanation appears more likely, because in late Season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

From comparing various graphics, it can be seen that the length of one of ''Galactica'' 's flight pods is around 660 metres long, 60 metres tall and 46 metres wide. Most of the internal space is taken up by the pod's enormous [[landing bay]], giving it similar dimensions.{{fact}}

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus'' 's drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

Several of ''Pegasus'' ' main guns are instead located along the flight pods instead of on the dorsal hull (like ''Galactica'' 's are).

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Action stations

2007-10-23T23:22:47Z

Rapturous: /* Notes */

Ship alerts on Colonial warships are known as '''action stations''' and are given to prepare the crews for battle. The alerts are typically by voice as well as by a klaxon in the following format:

:''"Action stations, action stations. Set condition one throughout the ship. This is not a drill."''{{audio|Condition1.mp3|listen}}

The three states of readiness are:

:'''''Condition One''''': Attack is present, or imminent. This alert places the ship at its highest state of readiness. All crews go to their combat posts. Bulkhead doors are closed in case of decompression. Additional [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] pilots are scrambled to supplement the [[Combat Air Patrol]] and flight support crews man their stations. The [[CIC]] is locked down and the ship's commander is on station.

:'''''Condition Two''''': Threat probable, but not present. Crew readiness is somewhat more relaxed than full readiness. This is usually ordered directly after the end of a Condition One alert.

:'''''Condition Three''''': This is the "all clear" alert, returning crews to their normal, day-to-day non-combat duties after Conditions One or Two. This is normal cruising during wartime. Weapons are partially manned, but the ship is at less than full readiness.

== Notes ==

*'''Condition One''' and '''Two''' are similar to the famous "Red Alert" and "Yellow Alert" used throughout the ''[[w:Star Trek|Star Trek]]'' television series.
*The three known conditions seem to follow the same condition template that the [[w:United States Navy|US Navy]] (USN) does for '''Conditions One''' to '''Three'''. [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron D. Moore]] has been known to base much of the terminology in the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] on real-world terminology from the USN. If the Action Station system is the same in both, '''"Condition Four"''' would be normal peacetime cruising (which we may never see because they have been living "in wartime" since the [[Miniseries]]), and '''"Condition Five"''' would be normal peacetime condition while in port.
*The term "action stations", a term from the [[w:Royal Navy|Royal Navy]], is equivalent to "general quarters" in the USN. Both replace the outdated "battle stations".
*In various scenes (specifically during [[Exodus, Part II]]), text referring to each of the known conditions can be observed on the tactical station's displays in the [[CIC]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Flight pod

2007-10-23T23:19:34Z

Rapturous: /* ''Galactica'' */

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explanation appears more likely, because in late Season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

The length of one of ''Galactica'' 's flight pods is around 660 metres long, 60 metres tall and 46 metres wide. Most of the internal space is taken up by the pod's enormous [[landing bay]] giving it similar dimensions.

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus'' 's drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

Several of ''Pegasus'' ' main guns are instead located along the flight pods instead of on the dorsal hull (like ''Galactica'' 's are).

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Flight pod

2007-10-23T23:19:13Z

Rapturous: /* ''Pegasus'' */

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explanation appears more likely, because in late Season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

The length of one of Galactica's flight pods is around 660 metres long, 60 metres tall and 46 metres wide. Most of the internal space is taken up by the pod's enormous [[landing bay]] giving it similar dimensions.

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus'' 's drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

Several of ''Pegasus'' ' main guns are instead located along the flight pods instead of on the dorsal hull (like ''Galactica'' 's are).

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Flight pod

2007-10-23T23:18:32Z

Rapturous: /* ''Pegasus'' */

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explanation appears more likely, because in late Season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

The length of one of Galactica's flight pods is around 660 metres long, 60 metres tall and 46 metres wide. Most of the internal space is taken up by the pod's enormous [[landing bay]] giving it similar dimensions.

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus's'' drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

Several of ''Pegasus'' ' main guns are instead located along the flight pods instead of on the dorsal hull (like ''Galactica'' 's are).

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Flight pod

2007-10-23T23:17:00Z

Rapturous:

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explanation appears more likely, because in late Season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

The length of one of Galactica's flight pods is around 660 metres long, 60 metres tall and 46 metres wide. Most of the internal space is taken up by the pod's enormous [[landing bay]] giving it similar dimensions.

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus's'' drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Galactica type battlestar

2007-10-23T23:12:25Z

Rapturous: /* Dimensions */

:''This article discusses the [[Re-imagined Series]] battlestar class. For other meanings of '''''Galactica''''', see [[Galactica (disambiguation)]].''
{{Ship Data
| image= Bsg-bsg-1.jpg
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes (at least 2 drives<ref name="ftl">'''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])</ref>)
| propol = 6 sublight engines (4 in outboard engine pods, 2 on main hull between engine pods), 40 maneuvering engines (in 10 clusters of 4)<ref name="zoic">Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.</ref>
| crew= Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 <ref name="crew">See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].</ref>
| role= Capital battleship/carrier
| weapons= Primary and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], [[Raptor|Raptors]]
| status= Active (following heavy refits, with one exception)
| length= {{Meters2Feet|1414}}
| width= {{Meters2Feet|555}}<ref name="podtopod">This is from flight pod to flight pod while they are extended.</ref>
| height= {{Meters2Feet|177}}
| otherdi = '''Flight Pod'''<br />'''Length''': {{Meters2Feet|615}}<ref name="pod">Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.</ref><br/>'''Width''': {{Meters2Feet|110}}<br/>'''Height''': {{Meters2Feet|64}}
}}

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|left|A [[destroyed battlestar|destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar]] ([[Miniseries]])]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar'''<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> is a Colonial capital ship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship.

The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]]. Each of these twelve battlestars represented one of the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]] ([[Miniseries]]).

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,414m) in length, housing at least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters apiece and nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack and engaging an enemy at close quarters.

Of these ships, only three have been shown: ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', ''[[Columbia (RDM)|Columbia]]'' ([[Razor Flashbacks]], Episode 3) and what appears to be a destroyed ship of the same class during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] over [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]].

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury class battlestar|''Mercury'' class]] represented the top of the line. Ships such as the [[Mercury class battlestar]]s and ''[[Valkyrie]]'' have replaced the original battlestars, making ''Galactica'' the last of this unnamed class.<ref>Although not strictly official and not yet shown or confirmed in the series itself, the September 2006 [http://www.maximonline.com/index.aspx Maxim] issue contained a photoshoot, including [[:image:GalacticaClass.jpg|this]] picture showing the weapons control room in the CIC. A printout on the table reads "Galactica class battlestar".</ref><ref>While the destroyed ship over Caprica appears to be a Galactica type battlestar, [[Aaron Doral]]'s comments at the start of the Miniseries suggest that the destroyed battlestar was [[CNP|upgraded to similar flight software]] as her doomed sister ships.</ref>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar and can itself be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains water storage tanks ([[Water]]) and the [[CIC]].

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms and crossways linking the hangar decks for the transfer of equipment and personnel ([[Miniseries]]).

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drives, etc. Four of the sublight engines are in engine pods, and two more are between the pods.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

=== Flight Pods ===

:''Main article: [[Flight pod]]''

The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]] and [[Raptor|Raptors]]. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During [[FTL]] jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull, concealing their open ends and making launches and landings impossible. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod, and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

Landing approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area ([[Act of Contrition]]). However, in emergencies, [[Combat landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a craft approaches and lands at high speed on its landing skids ([[Miniseries]]).

The [[hangar deck]] is used for maintenance, repair, refueling, rearming, and launch operations and runs the length of the flight pod.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|thumb|right|Comparison of a battlestar and ''Nimitz'']]

An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from a comparison to current Earth craft. A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'']] class nuclear carrier of the US Navy at 1414m. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of ''Nimitz'' (at around 660m), is some 150ft (46m) wider, and is approximately as tall as the ''Nimitz'' is from its waterline to the top of the tower (aproximately 60m). An original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as the flight deck of ''Nimitz'' is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to contain ''Nimitz''.

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]

:''Main article: [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series]]''

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]) and can survive a jump and subsequent freefall into the atmosphere of a habitable planet ([[Exodus, Part II]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of accurate jumps, able to place them in synchronous orbit above a relatively close planet and of placing them safely in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]), a dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), or a planetary atmosphere. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in terms of [[Red Line|safe range]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], "[[Water]]"). They have ammunition assembly capabilities in the armory ([[Epiphanies]]) and may have small general fabrication facilities ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===

:''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]''

The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked primary computer systems during the [[Cylon War]], as [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] forces were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

On ''Galactica'', in the post-Cylon War era, these primary [[computers]] remained isolated by practice on order of its last pre-Holocaust commanding officer, [[William Adama]]. This no-networks practice saved ''Galactica'' from the fate of its sister battlestars in the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] as ''Galactica's'' no-network order meant that the [[CNP]], installed in almost all [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] vessels at the time, could not be used aboard ''Galactica'' as the CNP was designed for use with a computer network.

In one dire instance in the early months of their exodus, ''Galactica'' networks its primary computers temporarily to aid in computation speeds for [[FTL|jump]] calculations needed to find the missing civilian Fleet ([[Scattered]]), but it is not without consequence. One or more computers are cracked during a Cylon attack with a Cylon [[Cylon computer virus|virus]], which proves resistant to removal and (weeks later) threatens the operation of the battlestar until the computers' hard drives are erased and restored from pre-Fall backup sets ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|The flak field from ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]

:''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]''

*24 large antiship [[Battery|gun turrets]] (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="flak">These are '''not''' [[w:Railgun|"railguns"]]. No [[BW:CJ|official sources]] use this term to describe these weapons.</ref>
:These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret fire in tandem. They have been shown to be quite effective against targets like [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]). These large guns are able to use both flak ammunition and high-explosive anti-capital ship shells. Additionally, the guns are able to engage in coordinated barrage strategies, such as salvo (and presumably, volley) fire.

[[Image:Pointdefence2 101 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|Some of ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> point defense turrets]]
*Numerous smaller point-defense turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="small">Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504. </ref>
:These are mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts.
*Multiple nuclear warheads<ref name="nukes">As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).</ref>
:Deployed from 12 vertical-launch tubes mounted in the main hull ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
*At least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters<ref name="vipers">After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.</ref>
:Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.
*Numerous [[Raptor]] multi-role vehicles<ref name="raptors">At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Raptor tally]] for a running count.</ref>

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800.<ref name="crew"/> This figure is likely higher for a fully staffed, operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Battlestars|*]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Kampfstern, Galactica-Typ]]

Galactica type battlestar

2007-10-23T23:11:19Z

Rapturous: /* Dimensions */

:''This article discusses the [[Re-imagined Series]] battlestar class. For other meanings of '''''Galactica''''', see [[Galactica (disambiguation)]].''
{{Ship Data
| image= Bsg-bsg-1.jpg
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes (at least 2 drives<ref name="ftl">'''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])</ref>)
| propol = 6 sublight engines (4 in outboard engine pods, 2 on main hull between engine pods), 40 maneuvering engines (in 10 clusters of 4)<ref name="zoic">Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.</ref>
| crew= Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 <ref name="crew">See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].</ref>
| role= Capital battleship/carrier
| weapons= Primary and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], [[Raptor|Raptors]]
| status= Active (following heavy refits, with one exception)
| length= {{Meters2Feet|1414}}
| width= {{Meters2Feet|555}}<ref name="podtopod">This is from flight pod to flight pod while they are extended.</ref>
| height= {{Meters2Feet|177}}
| otherdi = '''Flight Pod'''<br />'''Length''': {{Meters2Feet|615}}<ref name="pod">Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.</ref><br/>'''Width''': {{Meters2Feet|110}}<br/>'''Height''': {{Meters2Feet|64}}
}}

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|left|A [[destroyed battlestar|destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar]] ([[Miniseries]])]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar'''<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> is a Colonial capital ship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship.

The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]]. Each of these twelve battlestars represented one of the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]] ([[Miniseries]]).

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,414m) in length, housing at least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters apiece and nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack and engaging an enemy at close quarters.

Of these ships, only three have been shown: ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', ''[[Columbia (RDM)|Columbia]]'' ([[Razor Flashbacks]], Episode 3) and what appears to be a destroyed ship of the same class during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] over [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]].

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury class battlestar|''Mercury'' class]] represented the top of the line. Ships such as the [[Mercury class battlestar]]s and ''[[Valkyrie]]'' have replaced the original battlestars, making ''Galactica'' the last of this unnamed class.<ref>Although not strictly official and not yet shown or confirmed in the series itself, the September 2006 [http://www.maximonline.com/index.aspx Maxim] issue contained a photoshoot, including [[:image:GalacticaClass.jpg|this]] picture showing the weapons control room in the CIC. A printout on the table reads "Galactica class battlestar".</ref><ref>While the destroyed ship over Caprica appears to be a Galactica type battlestar, [[Aaron Doral]]'s comments at the start of the Miniseries suggest that the destroyed battlestar was [[CNP|upgraded to similar flight software]] as her doomed sister ships.</ref>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar and can itself be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains water storage tanks ([[Water]]) and the [[CIC]].

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms and crossways linking the hangar decks for the transfer of equipment and personnel ([[Miniseries]]).

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drives, etc. Four of the sublight engines are in engine pods, and two more are between the pods.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

=== Flight Pods ===

:''Main article: [[Flight pod]]''

The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]] and [[Raptor|Raptors]]. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During [[FTL]] jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull, concealing their open ends and making launches and landings impossible. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod, and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

Landing approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area ([[Act of Contrition]]). However, in emergencies, [[Combat landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a craft approaches and lands at high speed on its landing skids ([[Miniseries]]).

The [[hangar deck]] is used for maintenance, repair, refueling, rearming, and launch operations and runs the length of the flight pod.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|thumb|right|Comparison of a battlestar and ''Nimitz'']]

An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from a comparison to current Earth craft. A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'']] class nuclear carrier of the US Navy at 1414m. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of ''Nimitz'' (at around 660m), is some 150ft (46m) wider, and is approximately as tall as the ''Nimitz'' is from bottom to top (aproximately 60m). An original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as the flight deck of ''Nimitz'' is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to contain ''Nimitz''.

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]

:''Main article: [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series]]''

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]) and can survive a jump and subsequent freefall into the atmosphere of a habitable planet ([[Exodus, Part II]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of accurate jumps, able to place them in synchronous orbit above a relatively close planet and of placing them safely in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]), a dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), or a planetary atmosphere. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in terms of [[Red Line|safe range]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], "[[Water]]"). They have ammunition assembly capabilities in the armory ([[Epiphanies]]) and may have small general fabrication facilities ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===

:''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]''

The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked primary computer systems during the [[Cylon War]], as [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] forces were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

On ''Galactica'', in the post-Cylon War era, these primary [[computers]] remained isolated by practice on order of its last pre-Holocaust commanding officer, [[William Adama]]. This no-networks practice saved ''Galactica'' from the fate of its sister battlestars in the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] as ''Galactica's'' no-network order meant that the [[CNP]], installed in almost all [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] vessels at the time, could not be used aboard ''Galactica'' as the CNP was designed for use with a computer network.

In one dire instance in the early months of their exodus, ''Galactica'' networks its primary computers temporarily to aid in computation speeds for [[FTL|jump]] calculations needed to find the missing civilian Fleet ([[Scattered]]), but it is not without consequence. One or more computers are cracked during a Cylon attack with a Cylon [[Cylon computer virus|virus]], which proves resistant to removal and (weeks later) threatens the operation of the battlestar until the computers' hard drives are erased and restored from pre-Fall backup sets ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|The flak field from ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]

:''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]''

*24 large antiship [[Battery|gun turrets]] (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="flak">These are '''not''' [[w:Railgun|"railguns"]]. No [[BW:CJ|official sources]] use this term to describe these weapons.</ref>
:These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret fire in tandem. They have been shown to be quite effective against targets like [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]). These large guns are able to use both flak ammunition and high-explosive anti-capital ship shells. Additionally, the guns are able to engage in coordinated barrage strategies, such as salvo (and presumably, volley) fire.

[[Image:Pointdefence2 101 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|Some of ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> point defense turrets]]
*Numerous smaller point-defense turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="small">Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504. </ref>
:These are mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts.
*Multiple nuclear warheads<ref name="nukes">As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).</ref>
:Deployed from 12 vertical-launch tubes mounted in the main hull ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
*At least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters<ref name="vipers">After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.</ref>
:Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.
*Numerous [[Raptor]] multi-role vehicles<ref name="raptors">At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Raptor tally]] for a running count.</ref>

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800.<ref name="crew"/> This figure is likely higher for a fully staffed, operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Battlestars|*]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Kampfstern, Galactica-Typ]]

Galactica type battlestar

2007-10-22T21:31:41Z

Rapturous: /* Main Hull */

:''This article discusses the [[Re-imagined Series]] battlestar class. For other meanings of '''''Galactica''''', see [[Galactica (disambiguation)]].''
{{Ship Data
| image= Bsg-bsg-1.jpg
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes (at least 2 drives<ref name="ftl">'''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])</ref>)
| propol = 6 sublight engines (4 in outboard engine pods, 2 on main hull between engine pods), 40 maneuvering engines (in 10 clusters of 4)<ref name="zoic">Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.</ref>
| crew= Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 <ref name="crew">See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].</ref>
| role= Capital battleship/carrier
| weapons= Primary and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], [[Raptor|Raptors]]
| status= Active (following heavy refits, with one exception)
| length= {{Meters2Feet|1414}}
| width= {{Meters2Feet|555}}<ref name="podtopod">This is from flight pod to flight pod while they are extended.</ref>
| height= {{Meters2Feet|177}}
| otherdi = '''Flight Pod'''<br />'''Length''': {{Meters2Feet|615}}<ref name="pod">Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.</ref><br/>'''Width''': {{Meters2Feet|110}}<br/>'''Height''': {{Meters2Feet|64}}
}}

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|left|A [[destroyed battlestar|destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar]] ([[Miniseries]])]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar'''<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> is a Colonial capital ship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship.

The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]]. Each of these twelve battlestars represented one of the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]] ([[Miniseries]]).

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,414m) in length, housing at least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters apiece and nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack and engaging an enemy at close quarters.

Of these ships, only three have been shown: ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', ''[[Columbia (RDM)|Columbia]]'' ([[Razor Flashbacks]], Episode 3) and what appears to be a destroyed ship of the same class during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] over [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]].

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury class battlestar|''Mercury'' class]] represented the top of the line. Ships such as the [[Mercury class battlestar]]s and ''[[Valkyrie]]'' have replaced the original battlestars, making ''Galactica'' the last of this unnamed class.<ref>Although not strictly official and not yet shown or confirmed in the series itself, the September 2006 [http://www.maximonline.com/index.aspx Maxim] issue contained a photoshoot, including [[:image:GalacticaClass.jpg|this]] picture showing the weapons control room in the CIC. A printout on the table reads "Galactica class battlestar".</ref><ref>While the destroyed ship over Caprica appears to be a Galactica type battlestar, [[Aaron Doral]]'s comments at the start of the Miniseries suggest that the destroyed battlestar was [[CNP|upgraded to similar flight software]] as her doomed sister ships.</ref>
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==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar and can itself be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains water storage tanks ([[Water]]) and the [[CIC]].

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms and crossways linking the hangar decks for the transfer of equipment and personnel ([[Miniseries]]).

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drives, etc. Four of the sublight engines are in engine pods, and two more are between the pods.
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=== Flight Pods ===

:''Main article: [[Flight pod]]''

The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]] and [[Raptor|Raptors]]. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During [[FTL]] jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull, concealing their open ends and making launches and landings impossible. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod, and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

Landing approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area ([[Act of Contrition]]). However, in emergencies, [[Combat landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a craft approaches and lands at high speed on its landing skids ([[Miniseries]]).

The [[hangar deck]] is used for maintenance, repair, refueling, rearming, and launch operations and runs the length of the flight pod.
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==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|thumb|right|Comparison of a battlestar and ''Nimitz'']]

An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from a comparison to current Earth craft. A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:Nimitz class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz'']] class nuclear carrier of the US Navy. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of ''Nimitz'', is some 150ft (46m) wider, and is approximately as tall as the ''Nimitz'' is from waterline to the top of the tower. An original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as the flight deck of ''Nimitz'' is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to contain ''Nimitz''.

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]

:''Main article: [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series]]''

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]) and can survive a jump and subsequent freefall into the atmosphere of a habitable planet ([[Exodus, Part II]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of accurate jumps, able to place them in synchronous orbit above a relatively close planet and of placing them safely in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]), a dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), or a planetary atmosphere. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in terms of [[Red Line|safe range]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], "[[Water]]"). They have ammunition assembly capabilities in the armory ([[Epiphanies]]) and may have small general fabrication facilities ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===

:''Main article: [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series]]''

The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked primary computer systems during the [[Cylon War]], as [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] forces were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

On ''Galactica'', in the post-Cylon War era, these primary [[computers]] remained isolated by practice on order of its last pre-Holocaust commanding officer, [[William Adama]]. This no-networks practice saved ''Galactica'' from the fate of its sister battlestars in the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] as ''Galactica's'' no-network order meant that the [[CNP]], installed in almost all [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] vessels at the time, could not be used aboard ''Galactica'' as the CNP was designed for use with a computer network.

In one dire instance in the early months of their exodus, ''Galactica'' networks its primary computers temporarily to aid in computation speeds for [[FTL|jump]] calculations needed to find the missing civilian Fleet ([[Scattered]]), but it is not without consequence. One or more computers are cracked during a Cylon attack with a Cylon [[Cylon computer virus|virus]], which proves resistant to removal and (weeks later) threatens the operation of the battlestar until the computers' hard drives are erased and restored from pre-Fall backup sets ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|The flak field from ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]

:''Main article: [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series]]''

*24 large antiship [[Battery|gun turrets]] (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="flak">These are '''not''' [[w:Railgun|"railguns"]]. No [[BW:CJ|official sources]] use this term to describe these weapons.</ref>
:These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret fire in tandem. They have been shown to be quite effective against targets like [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]). These large guns are able to use both flak ammunition and high-explosive anti-capital ship shells. Additionally, the guns are able to engage in coordinated barrage strategies, such as salvo (and presumably, volley) fire.

[[Image:Pointdefence2 101 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|Some of ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> point defense turrets]]
*Numerous smaller point-defense turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)<ref name="small">Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504. </ref>
:These are mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts.
*Multiple nuclear warheads<ref name="nukes">As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).</ref>
:Deployed from 12 vertical-launch tubes mounted in the main hull ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
*At least 4 squadrons of 20 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters<ref name="vipers">After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.</ref>
:Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.
*Numerous [[Raptor]] multi-role vehicles<ref name="raptors">At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Raptor tally]] for a running count.</ref>

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800.<ref name="crew"/> This figure is likely higher for a fully staffed, operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

== References ==
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[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Battlestars|*]]
[[Category:Technology]]
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[[de:Kampfstern, Galactica-Typ]]

Eversun

2007-10-22T13:58:15Z

Rapturous:

[[Image:BSG-Colonial-One.jpg|thumb|200px|The Intersun logo on ''Colonial One'']]

'''Intersun''' is the name of a starline company in operation throughout the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]].

Intersun apparently offered many flights to and from cities scattered about the Twelve Colonies. Almost all of their passenger liners were likely [[FTL]]-capable to handle the distances between each colony, but there were likely [[sublight]] passenger shuttles to move supersonically or hypersonically across a Colonial world from city to city.

''[[Colonial One]]'' was operated by Intersun as ''Colonianl Heavy 798'' and operated under [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprican registry]]. Before the Cylon attack it was chartered by the Colonial Government (thus its flight designation) to ferry [[Laura Roslin]], other minor officials, and the [[Fleet News Service|members of the Colonial press]] to ''[[Galactica]]'' for its decommissioning ceremony. ''Colonial Heavy 798'' is re-designated ''Colonial One'' by its pilot after Laura Roslin is sworn-in as President of the Twelve Colonies after the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attacks]]. This starliner becomes President Roslin's principal residence and office.

== Notes ==

* Starlines are analogous to airlines such as [[w:Northwest Airlines|Northwest Airlines]] or [[w:American Airlines|American Airlines]] of the real-world [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]].
* The uniform of ''Colonial One'''s [[Colonial One captain|captain]] reads "Eversun". This is probably a mixup between the special effects and costuming departments.
* The vessel known as ''Space Park'' also carries the Intersun logo on its rotating ring section.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft (RDM)]]
[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Ships (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Intersun]]

Navigation in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-22T13:51:21Z

Rapturous: /* Distances and speeds in the Miniseries */

{{RDM science series}}
In the Re-imagined Series, the principles of spaceflight are taken seriously, in that all ships have a logical a process to move in all three axes of movement, and travel at reasonable speeds with methods that don't necessarily duplicate the fantasy flight principles seen in space fantasy, such as ''Star Wars''.

==Reaction Control Systems==

In addition to their [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series#Sublight propulsion|sublight engines]] used for interplanetary travel within a solar system, all ships have a centralized way to move the ship to port or starboard, and to yaw and rotate the ship. This requires the use of an RCS, a reaction control system<ref>In the movie, ''Apollo 13'', the Apollo command/service module's reaction control jets are violently activating to control the spacecraft after the famous oxygen tank explosion, which creates an uncontrolled jet for which the RCS tries to compensate.</ref>.

The reaction control system is designed to provide a spacecraft with guidance and steering. It has two main functions:

* Delivering small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions
* Providing torque to allow control of rotation (pitch, yaw, and roll).

Reaction control systems are typically used for:

* Attitude control during entry into an atmosphere until such time as conventional aerodynamic surfaces can be used
* Station keeping in orbit
* Close maneuvering and/or docking
* Orientation control (pointing the nose of the vehicle).

All Colonial vessels utilize RCS for maneuvering and station keeping, although the scale of the systems varies widely.

* [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], [[Raptor]]s and all smaller craft use "cold" RCS systems, most likely utilizing either an inert gas or possibly a high specific-impulse [[Wikipedia:Hypergolic fuel|hypergolic fuel]] mixture
* Very large vessels such as [[battlestar]]s use strategically-mounted sets of very large fuel-burning thrusters, relying on the brute force of such systems to overcome inertia during maneuvers.

Like many other technologies, Cylon attitude control for small craft like [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Raiders]] is similar or even identical to the Colonials ([[Scar]]).

[[Basestar (RDM)|Basestars]] don't appear to have ''any'' RCS features. This may be an inherent design, as its Raiders and missile systems can be deployed in a 360-degree arc--that is, the basestar can deploy its offensive elements from any direction of the ship.

While basestars have no visible RCS, orientation can be achieved through other means. For examples, reaction wheels use a spinning mass on a spacecraft axis to control attitude. By spinning the reaction wheel in one direction, torque is generated and the spacecraft will rotate in the opposite direction, in accordance with Newton's laws of motion. This system is used on real space platforms, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. However, such systems generate relatively small amounts of torque and they tend to be used in situations where precise orientation takes priority over the need to change orientation rapidly.

Basestars however, have a sublight propulsion system in addition to FTL drives. Basestars can be seen approaching the [[algae planet]] in the episode "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]". This capability can also be inferred from episodes like "[[The Captain's Hand]]" where a basestar is said to be retreating. Its nature however is unknown, as like with the RCS system, no engines are visible on the vessels.

==Distances and speeds in the Miniseries==

* '''''Galactica'' was approximately 335,540,340 miles from one of the Colonies, ostensibly [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]], at the start of the [[Miniseries]].'''

To reach this number, clues are taken from [[Billy Keikeya]], on ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'', enroute to the battlestar for its decommissioning ceremony. Keikeya tells [[Laura Roslin]] that he had sent a copy of her ceremony speech to President [[Richard Adar|Adar]] for review, but warns that there is a time delay of 30 minutes between ''Galactica'' and Adar's actual location, which is [[Epiphanies|confirmed]] as Caprica City, the seat of the Colonial [[Government]] <ref name="jack">President Adar's office on Caprica is confirmed in the second Season episode, "[[Epiphanies]]". Reinforcing this information, Roslin speaks by [[wireless]] to "[[Jack]]", a fellow secretary or government official. Jack tells Roslin of the devastation near his location and Adar's speculated whereabouts and actions. Given that wireless transmission ranges in real-time conversation would limit Roslin to be able to speak only with Caprica (the nearest colony), Jack must be on Caprica, and likely in Caprica City to give him any ability to discuss the president's whereabouts.</ref>.

The speed of light in vacuum (and wireless transmissions) is 186,282 miles per second. If President Adar sent a [[wireless]] message from Caprica to ''Galactica'' in an attempt to correct Roslin's speech, how long would it take the message to get there? Keikeya gives this answer: 30 minutes. This makes it possible to determine the distance using the equation: ''d = s(t)'' (or, ''distance=speed x time'')

::(3 x 10^8 m/s) ''(the speed of light)'' x 1800 s ''(30 minutes * 60 seconds/minute)'' = 5.4 x 10^11 meters ''or'' '''335, 500, 000 miles'''

Simplified, the wireless message travels over 335.5 million miles in 30 minutes to ''Galactica''. This is approximately 3.5 astronomical units, or three times the distance between Earth and our sun.

* '''''Colonial Heavy 798'' is traveling at a sublight speed of over 61,000,000 miles per hour to get to ''Galactica'' for the decommissioning ceremony.'''

Right after Billy Keikeya's conversation with Laura Roslin on her speech, the captain of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' speaks on the public address intercom of the [[Intersun|starliner]], telling the passengers how long their trip to ''Galactica'' will take: 5.5 hours. Assuming that the starliner has just left the neighboring space of Caprica and has reached its cruising speed, and given that we know ''Galactica's'' distance from Caprica, we can determine ''Colonial Heavy 798's'' cruising speed with the same formula as above, now adjusted to calculate speed:

:5.4 x 10^11 meters ''(the distance in meters)'' / 19800 ''(5.5 hours x 3600 seconds/hour)'' =
:2.7 x 10^7 meters/sec, ''or'' '''61, 000, 000 MPH'''

While ''Colonial Heavy 798'' is moving very fast across space at 61,000,000 miles per hour on its [[sublight]] engines, this is only approximately 11 percent of the speed of light, so passenger liners do well in getting from place to place, or colony to colony. To give a real-world comparison, ''Colonial Heavy 798'' could fly from our sun to Earth in about 90 minutes. The light from the sun takes only 8 minutes to arrive on the Earth's surface.

Given the velocities involved, extremely high accelerations must be used to attain them in reasonable (usable) time frames involved for in-system transportation. Such G forces would kill any humans involved unless some means of dampening them were employed. Given that the technology to perform "space-folding"<ref>This nature of the jump technology is confirmed in the Miniseries podcast</ref> FTL jumps is also available, the technology to manipulate gravity would lie in the same area.

* '''''Colonial Heavy 798'' and it's passengers would ''lose'' about 1 minute and 19 seconds during their trip to Caprica (relative to the time observed on Caprica), if they had completed their trip as planned, due to [[Wikipedia:Time dilation|time dilation]].'''
:T = T0 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2)
::*T0 = 5.5 hours. (as observed by ''Colonial Heavy 798'')
::*d = 335,540,340 miles.
::*v = d/T (as observed by Caprica)
::*c = 670,616,624.4 mph
::*'''T = 5.52 hours. (1:19 longer observed on Caprica)'''

Of course, this assumes that ''Colonial Heavy 798'' took the same path to Caprica that its transmission would take. This isn't likely, for various reasons, so the distance is probably off a little.

==Alternate calculations for distances and speeds in the Miniseries==

This is an alternative to the above which assumes a thirty light minute distance.
A time lag <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lag_time|title =time lag defintion on wikipedia}}</ref> or delay , in the case of a communication signal is both ways. A thirty minute time lag in
communication implies that the signal would take fifteen minutes to travel between the two creating a total lag of thirty minutes. In short: It takes thirty minutes for person one to send a message and get a reply
back. This would alter the calculations made to the following.

-''Galactica's'' distance from Caprica would be: 167,500,000 miles

(3 x 10^8 m/s) (the speed of light) x 1800 s (15 minutes * 60 seconds/minute) = 2.7 x 10^11 meters or 167,500,000 miles

-The speed of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' would be 305057.07 mph

2.7x 10^11 meters (the distance in meters) / 19800 (5.5 hours x 3600 seconds/hour) =
13,636,363.64 meters/sec, or 305057.07 mph

-This makes the same assumptions as to the route of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' as the initial proposal.

==FTL jump calculations==

Based on deduction from information gleaned in "[[Scattered]]", a set of jump coordinates could either be given in [[w:Cartesian coordinate system|cartesian]] or [[w:Spherical coordinate system|spherical]] coordinates to specify a point in three-dimensional space.

A possible algorithm for jump calculations would therefore necessitate first and foremost the determination of the exact location of the ship, relative to its intended point of arrival after the jump. This is done by identifying, fixing and triangulating several stars <ref name="tighquote"/>. Next, the ship's position relative to the intended point of arrival would be [[w:Point plotting|plotted]] on a three-dimensional coordinate system, using the ship as its [[w:Origin (mathematics)|point of origin]], i.e. (0/0/0).

Then, the positions of any known stellar bodies and other obstacles would have to be plotted on that coordinate system as well, in order to establish where to jump and where ''not'' to jump.

Finally, the point of arrival would likewise be plotted. The hard part in making a single jump over long distances, like to [[Ragnar Anchorage|Ragnar]] in the Miniseries, would therefore lie not so much in getting the jump drive to manipulate space properly, as in correctly figuring out where possible obstacles, such as stars, black hole or planetary bodies are located and then adjusting the direction of the jump accordingly, so as to land the ship in a clear volume of space.

== Astrometrics ==

{{mainarticle|Astrometrics}}

''Galactica'' has an astrometrics lab with optical and x-ray telescopes, that is used to acquire fixes on surrounding stars, which are then used in FTL jump calculations.

==Triangulating the Colonies' "Actual Location" ==

[[Image:Lagoonnebula.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Lagoon Nebula]]
In "[[Home, Part II]]", the [[Wikipedia:Lagoon Nebula|Lagoon Nebula]] appears in a holographic map in the constellation of Scorpio<ref>In the show, the nebula is placed in the wrong constellation. On Earth, the nebula actually appears in the constellation Sagittarius. The production team has acknowledged this as an error.</ref> in the [[Tomb of Athena]].

''Galactica's'' location and the rough location of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol can be deduced with simple logic:
[[Image:Locations in BSG galaxy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Possible locations]]
The nebula is shown from the same vantage point as it would appear to an observer on Earth, yet the characters are able to recognize it. This suggests that the Colonies are on a line of sight "behind" Earth's solar system. Otherwise, the nebula would appear in a different shape and size as it is not a symmetrical object.

If one were to follow a straight line from the Lagoon Nebula to Earth, continuing the line through space would place ''Galactica'', and likely the Colonies, somewhere in the [[Wikipedia:Cygnus Arm|Cygnus Arm]] of the Milky Way galaxy.

To calculate the approximate distance between the Colonies and Earth, using the map to the left, one must first get the distance between the Lagoon Nebula and Earth, 4,100 light-years. One must then determine the distance between the point labeled 'Earth' and the point labeled 'Lagoon Nebula.' Then, one must use this scale and measure the distance between the Colonies and Earth. Then convert it to light years. The approximate distance using this method is 10,250 light-years.
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==What happened in "Scattered"?==

[[Image:jump calculations.jpg|thumb|left|Schematic Diagram showing the three different sets of jump coordinates]]
In "[[Scattered]]", [[Galactica (RDM)|''Galactica'']] and the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] execute FTL jumps according to different sets of coordinates. As a consequence, ''Galactica'' has to jump back along its original jump vector, to the former point of origin of the two jumps, re-acquire new starfixes and calculate the Fleet's current position.

At first glance, this seems counter-intuitive. Since presumably both sets of jump coordinates are known to ''Galactica'', a simple triangulation of the two jump vectors would produce an alternative third set of jump-coordinates which would allow ''Galactica'' to jump to the Fleet directly. A possible explanation is as follows:

The [[emergency jump coordinates]] given to the civilian fleet aren't just an older set of correct coordinates. According to Colonel Tigh, in a conversation with his wife, jump calculations need to be regularly updated to compensate for stellar drift and the movement of the ships themselves. Lieutenant Gaeta was supposed to send the updated jump plots to the other ships but forgot to. <ref name="tighquote">Tigh: "Every watch we update our emergency jump calculations with new star fixes to compensate for inertial drift, and then we transmit them to the rest of the Fleet. This time ours were updated, but theirs weren't. Gaeta was supposed to transmit them to the rest of the Fleet." ([[Scattered]])</ref> As a result, the Fleet jumped with a set of coordinates that didn't fit the local space-time conditions. The concept of a [[blind jump]] is introduced in the episode "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]". While jumping with a wrong sets of coordinates probably isn't as risky as jumping with no calculations at all, the destination would still be unpredictable.

''Galactica'' has the coordinates that the civilian ships used to make their jumps, but not their actual position. However, in a process that is largely unexplained, ''Galactica'' is then able to calculate their real location from the Fleet's emergency jump coordinates, as well as the newly acquired starfixes. This unusual procedure can also explain the abnormally long duration (several hours) of the calculations on the initially un-networked computers, compared to the relatively short amount of time jump calculations usually take.

==References==
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[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
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[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
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SU

2007-10-22T13:48:43Z

Rapturous:

An SU (standing for Solar Unit) is a Colonial unit of measurement in the Re-Imagined Series. In [[The Captain's Hand]], Lee Adama reports the distance of the missing [[raptors]] from [[Pegasus]] in SUs.

It may be comparable to a real-world Astronomical Unit (AU), although this is speculation.

List of terms (RDM)

2007-10-22T13:47:38Z

Rapturous: /* Acronyms */

This is a listing of terms in [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|the Re-imagined Series]]. For terms used in [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]], see [[List of terms (TOS)]].

==Acronyms==

*{{inlineref|AAU}}: Anti-aircraft Unit, a weapon emplacement used to destroy aerial units ([[Fragged]])
*{{inlineref|BSG}}: [[Battlestar Group]] ([[Water]])
*'''[[CAG]]''': Commander Air Group, i.e. the senior pilot
*'''[[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]]''': Combat Air Patrol
*'''[[CBDR]]''': Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range, i.e. a collision course ("[[Final Cut]]", "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]")
*{{inlineref|CF}}: [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] ([[Final Cut]])
*{{inlineref|CFR}}: Colonial Fleet Reserve ([[Final Cut]])
*'''[[CIC]]''': Combat Information Center
*{{inlineref|CMC}}: [[Colonial Marine Corps]] ([[Final Cut]])
*{{inlineref|CMCR}}: Colonial Marine Corps Reserve ([[Final Cut]])
*{{inlineref|CMO}}: Chief Medical Officer
*'''[[CNP]]''': Command Navigation Program. Central computer program used on Colonial Fleet vessels ([[Miniseries]])
*{{inlineref|CO}}: Commanding Officer
*{{inlineref|DC}}: Damage Control
*'''[[DRADIS]]''': "'''D'''irection, '''Ra'''nge, and '''Dis'''tance". Colonial equivalent of radar.
*'''[[ECO]]''': Electronic Countermeasures Officer
*{{inlineref|EMI}}: Electro-Magnetic Interference; high-energy electromagnetic radiation from binary stars is known to interfere with [[DRADIS]] ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*'''[[EMP]]''': Electro-Magnetic Pulse; typically accompanies a nuclear explosion
*'''[[FTL]]''': Faster Than Light
*'''[[IFF]]''': Identification Friend Foe ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]])
*{{inlineref|KIA}}: Killed in Action ([[Sacrifice]])
*'''[[LSO]]''': Landing Signal Officer
*'''[[OOD]]''': Officer of the Deck ([[Scattered]])
*'''[[Frak|RFN]]''': Right [[Frak]]king Now ("[[Scattered]]", "[[Valley of Darkness]]")
*'''[[SAR]]''': Search and Rescue ([[Fragged]])
*{{inlineref|[[SU]]}}: Solar Unit. Distance measurement similar to "astronomical unit" ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*'''[[XO]]''': Executive Officer

==Military Jargon==

*'''[[Actual]]''': the commanding officer. Used in wireless transmissions
*'''[[Hands-on Approach|ball]]''': visual indicator used in a battlestar's Instrument Landing System ([[Miniseries]], "[[Act of Contrition]]", "[[Final Cut]]", "[[Black Market]]")
*{{inlineref|bandit}}: confirmed hostile contact. Usually in reference to fighter and shuttle sized craft ([[Final Cut]])
*'''[[bingo fuel]]''': having no fuel left or just enough fuel to return to the mothership ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]", "[[Scar]]")
*{{inlineref|bird farm}}: Colonial pilot jargon for a [[battlestar]] ([[Final Cut]])
*'''[[code blue]]''': an internal security term used by an officer requesting assistance, after said officer identifies a possible [[Cylon agent]] ("[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]", [[Podcast:Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]])
*{{inlineref|command authority}}: the senior person/persons in command of a military unit, such as an [[William Adama|Admiral]] ("[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", "[[Precipice]]")
*'''[[conn]]''': literally the navigation controls, but also used to refer to command in general ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*"{{inlineref|dress and cover}}": military term for personnel to form an ordered rank-and-file formation during ceremonies. Derived from "dress right" and "cover down" ([[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]])
*{{inlineref|ell-tee}}: phonetic pronunciation of "Lt.", i.e. Lieutenant. Used as a nickname by junior personnel, but still retaining military protocol and respect. ("[[Valley of Darkness]]", "[[Fragged]]")
*'''[[w:fireteam|fire team]]''': a small unit of military personnel, typically Marines or soldiers ([[Valley of Darkness]])
*{{inlineref|five-'graph order}}: five paragraph operation order. A basic command tool taught to officer candidates ([[Fragged]])
*{{inlineref|genny}}: power generator. Tyrol asked Cally to "find the genny" to power up the lights on [[Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]])
*{{inlineref|hack}}: the [[brig]]
*{{inlineref|klick}}: one kilometer
*{{inlineref|knuckle dragger}}: inoffensive slang for a mechanic
*'''[[nugget]]''': a pilot in training ("[[Act of Contrition]]", "[[Scar]]")
*'''[[Mark One Eyeball]]''': the unaided eye ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]", "[[Scar]]")
*{{inlineref|no joy}}: no success in establishing visual contact with the target. Opposite of "tally". Can also mean no success in general ("[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]", "[[Maelstrom]]")
*'''[[Old Man]]''': slang for Commander [[William Adama]] ([[33]])
*{{inlineref|press}}: directive to continue the attack ([[Maelstrom]])
*{{inlineref|recovery line}}: the point at which it becomes unlikely that a fighter will be able to safely return to base ([[33]])
*'''[[rook]]''': "rookie" ([[Miniseries]])
*{{inlineref|Sierra Alpha}}: "suspicious activity" ([[Scattered]])
*{{inlineref|sitrep}}: "situation report"
*{{inlineref|skids up}}: "take off" or "launch". Often used by the [[CAG]] to end a mission briefing.
*{{inlineref|skosh}} '''(ammo)''': radio code meaning "out of ammunition", analagous to modern-day NATO brevity code "winchester". Skosh is also a real NATO brevity term meaning "Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles" ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*{{inlineref|sparrow}}: slang for a Cylon Raider ([[Maelstrom]])
*{{inlineref|spinner}}: engineering component of a battlestar's [[FTL]] drive ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*'''[[swallow]]''': decoy drone deployed by Raptors ([[Miniseries]])
*'''[[snipe]]''': engineer ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*{{inlineref|spooch}}: Contraction of "screwed the pooch," describing a serious pilot error ([[Scar]])
*{{inlineref|tally}}: the sighting of a target, non-friendly craft, landmark, or enemy position ("[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]", "[[Scattered]]", "[[Maelstrom]]")
*{{inlineref|trap}}: mechanism in a battlestar's landing bay which arrests the forward motion of either a Viper, Raptor or other small craft ([[Final Cut]])
*{{inlineref|Two Alpha}}: designation for an extremely risky and voluntary mission ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]])
*{{inlineref|turkey}}: slang for a Cylon Heavy Raider ([[Maelstrom]])
*{{inlineref|unrep}}: short for Underway Replenishment. In today's navies, the act of resupplying military vessels at sea, usually from dedicated ships while in motion ("[[Water]]", "[[Maelstrom]]")
*'''[[weapons free]]''': weapon control order indicating weapons systems may be fired at any target not positively recognized as friendly ([[Resurrection Ship, Part I]])
*{{inlineref|weapons hot}}: weapons status indicating that safeties are off and weapons systems are armed ([[Final Cut]])
*{{inlineref|wilco}}: "will comply"

==Other Colloquialisms==

*'''[[The Beast]]''': nickname for ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' given by ''Galactica's'' crew ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*'''[[Big G]]''': nickname for ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''
*'''[[The Bucket]]''': nickname for ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' given by ''Pegasus's'' crew ([[The Captain's Hand]])
*'''[[bullet-head]]''': slang for a Cylon Centurion ([[Downloaded]])
*'''[[clanker]]''': slang for a Cylon Centurion
*'''[[chrome job]]''': slang for a Cylon Centurion ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance]])
*'''Download City''': a term used by [[Seelix]] to describe the unknown or figurative place where humanoid Cylons are resurrected on [[New Caprica]] ([[Exodus, Part I]]). <ref>Whether the Cylons have a download facility on the planet or in orbit, Seelix uses "Download City" as a figure of speech, which is confirmed by [[Bradley Thompson]] on the [[BW:OC|Official Communiques page]].</ref>
*'''[[frak]]''': Colonial version of "fuck"
*{{inlineref|freight monkey}}: term for crewmen on Colonial freighters ([[Scattered]], [[List of Deleted Scenes|deleted scene]])
*{{inlineref|hard six}}: taking large risks; literally, rolling 2 threes with a pair of dice
*{{inlineref|Heavy}}: used to signify a civilian transport vessel over a certain gross weight/mass, i.e. ''[[Colonial One|Colonial Heavy 798]]''
*'''[[Humanoid Cylon|skin job]]''': derogatory term for humanoid Cylons. Homage to the movie ''[[w:Blade Runner|Blade Runner]]'' ([[Downloaded]])
*{{inlineref|stump}}: derogatory term for a prisoner in a labor camp ([[Bastille Day]])
*'''[[toaster]]''': derogatory term for Cylons in general
*{{inlineref|toaster shopping}}: searching and destroying Cylons ([[Valley of Darkness]])
*"{{inlineref|Go [[Picon Panthers|Panthers]]!}}" and "{{inlineref|[[Caprica Buccaneers|C-Bucs]] Rule}}": Used as a passphrase between [[Sharon Agathon]] and [[Samuel Anders]] respectively ([[Exodus, Part I]])

==''Battlestar Galactica'' Specific Terms==

*'''[[ambrosia]]''': a type of alcoholic beverage
*'''[[carom]]''': term used in conjunction with a [[Dradis Contact]] read; analogous to the term "mark"
*'''[[chamalla]]''': hallucinogenic plant used in religious ceremonies and medical treatments
*'''[[cubit]]''': unit of currency
*'''[[Dradis]]''': Colonial equivalent of radar. Technically an acronym for "'''D'''irection, '''Ra'''nge, and '''D'''istance"
*'''[[fumarella leaf]]''': tobacco or a type of tobacco ([[Water]])
*'''[[G-4]]''': a type of explosive similar to modern [[w:C-4|C-4]] ([[Water]])
*'''[[JP]]''': a unit of measure for liquid, approximately 1 pint ([[Water]])
*'''[[krypter]]''': Colonial version of "mayday" ([[Miniseries]], "[[Hero]]")
*'''[[morpha]]''': Colonial equivalent of morphine ("[[Valley of Darkness]]", "[[Epiphanies]]")
*'''[[Pyramid (RDM)|Pyramid]]''': popular Colonial ball game
*'''[[Red Line]]''': a point in space behind which an accumulative error creeps into [[FTL]] jump calculations ([[Miniseries]], "[[Pegasus (Extended Version)]]")
*'''[[stims]]''': stimulants or a type of stimulants ("[[33]]", "[[Final Cut]]")
*'''[[Triad (RDM)|Triad]]''': card game similar to Poker
*'''[[tylium]]''': mineral that can be refined to a powerful fuel
*'''[[wireless]]''': Colonial equivalent of radio

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial Society]]
[[Category:Colonial Society (RDM)]]
[[Category:Figures of Speech]]
[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[zh:术语列表 (RDM)]]

SU

2007-10-22T13:44:45Z

Rapturous:

An SU is a Colonial unit of measurement in the Re-Imagined Series. In [[The Captain's Hand]], Lee Adama reports the distance of the missing [[raptors]] from [[Pegasus]] in SUs.

It may be comparable to a real-world Astronomical Unit (AU), although this is speculation.

SU

2007-10-22T13:43:50Z

Rapturous: New page: An SU is a Colonial unit of measurement in the Re-Imagined Series. In The Hand of God, Lee Adama reports the distance of the missing raptors from Pegasus in SUs. It may be com...

An SU is a Colonial unit of measurement in the Re-Imagined Series. In [[The Hand of God]], Lee Adama reports the distance of the missing [[raptors]] from [[Pegasus]] in SUs.

It may be comparable to a real-world Astronomical Unit (AU), although this is speculation.

Flight pod

2007-10-22T13:30:14Z

Rapturous: /* ''Galactica'' */

Also known simply as "pods", the '''flight pods''' contain the [[Landing bay|landing bays]] within the top and the [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] below, along with the [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] within the bottom half, adjacent to the hangar deck. Normally these two pods are extended so that the landing bays are open to space, but in order to perform an [[FTL]] jump the pods must be retracted on a [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar class]] such as ''Galactica's''.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar.<ref name="docking">''Colonial Heavy 798'' is seen landing within ''Galactica's'' flight pod in the [[Miniseries]], where a docking ring is shown approaching the ship. As it left Caprica, a similar docking ring is shown detaching from ''798'' as the ship lifts off. This has a logical counterpart to the JetWay retractable tunnels at airports on the real-world Earth, and would be reasonable given that civilian passengers would expect to walk to and from the ship without spacesuits or in hazardous conditions.</ref> The flight pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

Compartments within a flight pod can be sealed off [[frame]] by frame and vented to space to kill fires and prevent possible complete decompression and structural buckling. This occurred to the port flight pod after it was struck with a Cylon kiloton nuclear missile and was subjected to internal fires that threatened to ignite the ship fuel lines and destroy the ship. The use of the busy port hangar deck as a morgue would be rather morbid, so Commander Adama orders [[Galen Tyrol]] to set up a temporary morgue be in "hangar bay B" after the loss of 85 crewmembers from the strike ([[Miniseries]]). Since the port hangar deck (bay) is very busy with retrieving Vipers, and we see Captain [[Aaron Kelly|Kelly]] with the bodies in what
appears otherwise as an empty hangar deck, it is likely the unused hangar deck of the starboard flight pod.

== ''Galactica'' ==

[[Image:Hanger.JPG|right|thumb|200px|''Galactica's'' port flight pod.]]

''[[Galactica]]'', as with other battlestars, has one flight pod on each side of the ship.
The port flight pod was the only flight pod on ''Galactica'' currently in use at the time of the [[Cylon Attack]]. The starboard flight pod's landing bay was converted into a [[Galactica Museum|pressurized museum]] of artifacts of the first [[Cylon War]], including with a gift shop in the former launch bay. Crewman [[Socinus]] complains of the problems in keeping the landing bay's external windows sealed from leaks at the start of the [[Miniseries]].

The starboard landing bay remains closed off from space until a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] later crashes through one of the windows, depressurizing the landing bay ([[Scattered]]). After the Battle of New Caprica, the starboard flight pod appears to have been returned to partial working order as Lee Adama announces that his Raptor approaches the starboard landing bay in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]". However, this could be explained by special circumstances, as the boarding team is supposed to undergo quarantine procedures and might thus land in a more isolated place. The second explation appears more likely, because in late season 3 episodes the window covering the rear opening of the pod is still visible.

Since the escape from New Caprica, ''Galactica'''s flight pods have been put to use increasingly in other roles than just housing Vipers and Raptors. The hangar deck is used as the site of a [[Camp Oil Slick|refugee camp]] ([[Torn]]), as the scene of a sanctioned boxing tournament known as "the dance" ([[Unfinished Business]]), as a temporary shelter for the civilian population of the Fleet while navigating a radiation-dense star cluster ([[The Passage]]) and a full-time [[Joe's bar|bar]] has been set up on an unused stretch of the hangar deck ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). This most likely all happened in the relatively unused starboard flight pod.

== ''Pegasus'' ==

[[Image:Pegasusflightpod.jpg|thumb|left|''Pegasus's'' drifting flight pod before colliding with a basestar.]]
The [[Mercury class battlestar|Mercury class battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' also has flight pods, but they differ greatly from ''Galactica's'' in that these larger pods are fixed and not retracted before a jump, with each pod transversely split into two landing bays to allow four distinct landing areas for fighters.

The lower landing bay is placed upside down in relation to the upper bay, with ships also landing "upside down" relative to the battlestar main interior. Since ''Galactica'''s landing bays don't seem to use [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series|artificial gravity]], this could also be the case with ''Pegasus''. The internal arrangement of the hangar decks is unknown, but some mechanism could exist to flip Vipers during transport to the internal hangars.

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], the abandoned and unmanned ''Pegasus'' collides with and destroys one of the four basestars that attack ''Galactica''. One of its flight pods breaks off the destroyed battlestar and tumbles away to collide with and destroy yet another basestar ([[Exodus, Part II]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== See Also ==

* [[landing bay]]
* [[launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]]
* [[hangar deck]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Galactica Museum

2007-10-22T13:28:18Z

Rapturous:

[[Image:Basestarinmuseum.jpg|thumb|right|A model of a [[Cylon War]]-era Cylon [[Basestar (TOS)|Basestar]] on display in the defunct museum.]]

As part of ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'s'' decommissioning, a museum was installed in the starboard [[flight pod]]. Massive windows were installed in the openings on each end of the pod. The museum contained a number of vehicles and displays relating to the [[Cylon War]], including a [[Viper (TOS)|Viper Mk. I]], an [[Raider (TOS)|old "flying wing" Raider]], a [[landram]], a [[Colonial Shuttle (TOS)|shuttle]], a [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]], and a 40-ship squadron of [[Viper (RDM)|Viper Mk. II fighters]].

In the process of the starboard flight pod's conversion into the museum, its [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tubes]] and launching console were converted into a gift shop, rendering it unusable for flight operations.

The decommissioning ceremony and a ceremonial flyby by ''Galactica's'' last remaining operational Viper squadron are held here just prior to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies]] ([[Miniseries]]).

''Galactica'' has returned some of the items of the museum to active use in their exodus from the Colonies. The first items salvaged are the Viper Mark II squadrons to defend the battlestar in their first Cylon sortie during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], since ''Galactica'' has no ordnance for her guns and very few Mark VII Vipers available (her last squadron [[Jackson Spencer|departs for Caprica]] and is subsequently destroyed).

The remains of the museum are heavily damaged when a Cylon [[Heavy Raider]] rams into it the starboard landing bay and depressurizes the area ([[Scattered]]).

Later, a squadron of [[Raptor]]s with possibly [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|infected]] crew members lands in this flight pod ([[A Measure of Salvation]]). However, the flight pod cannot have resumed normal operations because even late in season three the window over it's aft opening is still visible.

==Notes==
*The replicas of the [[Original Series]] [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]], [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]], [[landram]], [[Colonial Shuttle (TOS)|shuttle]], and [[Centurion (TOS)|Centurion]] are believed to be primarily homages to the Original Series. A piece of artwork in Commander Adama's quarters show a stylized battle in the Cylon War where Original Series-style Cylons are seen.
*A functional landram briefly appears in "[[Scar]]", making this vehicle more than an homage.
*Because the Original Series and Re-imagined Series use highly different types of weapons and procedures, readers should not assume that these Original Series-style replicas in the museum infer that their Cylon War counterparts used the same Original Series technology.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
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Talk:Miniseries, Night 2/Archive 1

2007-10-22T12:53:57Z

Rapturous: New section: "12 Models" note

==Major Revision Complete==

In keeping the miniseries to fit the episode summaries, I have revised this article with the larger details of the episodes, breaking it down by the events from each night as it was aired in the U.S. The analysis has been removed from both, as most of it has been answered or discussed in the series article, [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]]. Any links to [[Miniseries]] will redirect to [[Miniseries, Night 1]]. The questions section is shortened to the central questions generated by the miniseries only, and minimizes discussion of regular series names and events to keep the article from becoming confusing to new viewers (although most links are updated to their current article). --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 15:30, 25 October 2006 (CDT)

== Opening or closing credits ==

I recently moved a few names in the cast section based on the opening credits. But then I took noticed of the closing credits and noticed that this is where the original order came from. I'm not reverting because I'm still not sure which is right (or rather, less wrong). However, I'd assume that the opening credits, per most films, would consist of the stars, which makes my edit the best option. But of course, there are other forces working, so what's the concensus? --[[User:Mars|Mars]] 22:03, 19 December 2006 (CST)

== "12 Models" note ==

Do we know (or have any theories) as to who placed the note saying there are only 12 cylon models in Adama's quarters? --[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 07:53, 22 October 2007 (CDT)

The Captain's Hand

2007-10-22T12:09:52Z

Rapturous: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data
| image = Adamas.jpg
| title= The Captain's Hand
| season= 2
| episode= 17
| guests= [[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| writer= [[Jeff Vlaming]]
| story=
| director= [[Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
| production=
| rating= [[List of Nielsen ratings (RDM)|1.7]]
| US airdate= 2006-02-17
| UK airdate= 2006-04-25
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49584
| oldpopulation= 49590
| prev= [[Sacrifice]]
| next= [[Downloaded]]
| podcast= Y
| itunes=http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=VWbyALbmqZY&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewTVSeason%253Fi%253D119951242%2526id%253D102808898%2526s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30
| unbox=http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000V20PCU&tag=battlestarwik-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
}}

== Overview ==

:''When two Raptors go missing after a training mission, new ''Pegasus'' commander [[Barry Garner]] challenges Admiral [[William Adama|Adama]]'s orders by sending his battlestar directly into the rescue zone — and a trap.''

== Summary ==
*Two [[Raptor]]s begin a training mission outside ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', which is near a [[Wikipedia:Binary star system|binary star]] that causes [[Dradis|DRADIS]] and communications interference. Shortly after contact with the Raptors is lost.

*On ''[[Galactica]]'', [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] and the deck crew are in the process of unloading containers, Chief Tyrol finds a pregnant teenager inside who asks for [[Cottle|Dr. Cottle]].

*[[Lee Adama]], now promoted to Major, arrives as acting [[Executive officer|XO]] on the [[Mercury class battlestar|battlestar]] ''Pegasus'', where he runs into [[Kara Thrace]]. Both report to Commander Garner in ''Pegasus''' [[CIC]]. Garner argues with now-Captain Thrace over the disappearance of the Raptors.

*[[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]] and Major Adama talk in private about the discipline on ''Pegasus''. Garner thinks that [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] is a huge part of the problem and that the virtues learned in his experience as an engineer would do the ship some good.

*On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura_Roslin|President Roslin]] is hounded by her new aide, [[Tory Foster]], about preparing for the coming election. Elsewhere, [[Tom Zarek]] discusses the idea of presidency. He concedes he's not able to garner support, but is willing to support someone more popular: [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar]].

*Back on ''Galactica'', Dr. [[Cottle]] and Admiral Adama discuss the fate of the young woman found in the container, [[Rya Kibby]]. Kibby mentions the fact that she doesn't want to keep the baby, but Admiral Adama (on request from the Gemenese delegate) is intent on sending her back to her family. Dr. Cottle semi-sarcastically suggests that she request asylum aboard ''Galactica'', a suggestion that she takes seriously.

*News of Rya Kibby's asylum request raises a stir throughout the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] discusses the issue with Admiral Adama, Tory Foster, and Delegate [[Sarah_Porter|Sarah Porter]] from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemonon|Gemenon]]. Delegate Porter states that abortion is an obscenity and demands that the girl be returned to her parents. Afterwards, President Roslin mentions she's not willing to even consider the idea of abortion in general, having fought for a woman's right to control her body for her entire career, but Admiral Adama quotes her own words back to her, reminding her that their population must increase in order to survive.

*While reviewing the last transmissions from the Raptors, [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] discovers the reason for the missing Raptors may be that they responded to a distress call. She attempts to bring this up with Commander Garner, who flatly rejects the theory and orders Thrace confined to quarters.

*Shortly thereafter additional search parties learn of the distress call that lured the first Raptors away. Commander Garner decides to start preparing the ''Pegasus'' for a jump.

*Over [[wireless]], Commander Garner, Major Adama, and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] discuss the missing Raptor situation. Commander Garner feels that ''Pegasus'' should [[FTL|jump]] to bring home the missing crews and ships, while the Admiral and Major believe it may be a trap and orders a 5-Raptor recon mission to ascertain the training mission's fate.

*Garner orders a [[Combat Jump|combat jump]] despite Admiral Adama's orders. After discovering this Major Adama confronts Garner and attempts to relieve him of duty, however the Marines take Garner`s side instead and start to escort the Major back to his quarters.

*[[SAR]] Raptors at the rescue site find both Raptors, but the crews are dead. At that moment, three [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ambush ''Pegasus'' with conventional and nuclear missile barrages seconds after their arrival.

*''Pegasus'''s FTL drive is disabled. Garner attempts to determine the FTL failure's cause from CIC, but the engineering crew are confused from the attack. Commander Garner heads down to Engineering to assess the damage himself, and transfers command of ''Pegasus'' to Major Adama who is briefly in shock over his new responsibility. Adama then orders ''Pegasus'' to a more defensive orientation and to target one of the basestars with its forward batteries, severely damaging the basestar and buying them more time.

*Garner's successful repair of their FTL system allows ''Pegasus'' to escape. Commander Garner, however, dies in the process due to vacuum exposure.

*In Admiral Adama's quarters, the Admiral and Lee Adama review the reports from the incident on ''Pegasus''. After discussing the late ''Pegasus'' commander, the Admiral offers his son the job of commanding ''Pegasus'', along with a promotion to Commander.

*[[Gaius Baltar]] proclaims his candidacy for President of the Colonies in the Presidential election in the midst of a press conference called by [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] regarding abortion in the Fleet.

== Notes ==
*Timeline-wise, Baltar says that he made an initial projection of the Fleet's population "over seven months ago". This would have been before the arrival of ''Pegasus'', since he said he factored in the arrival of her crew subsequently.
*Baltar states that he added the crew of the ''Pegasus'' into his calculations, with the result of the end of the human race within 18 years at current attrition rates.
*It has been "almost a month" since Apollo was shot in "[[Sacrifice]]".
*The recap at the beginning of this episode includes two scenes that did not actually appear in any previous episode, but were constructed by redubbing existing footage.
**The scene where Colonel Tigh and Admiral Adama discuss Garner's promotion is constructed from the scene in "Black Market" when Adama and Tigh are telling Apollo to go to ''Pegasus'' on the hangar deck. The scene has been cleverly redubbed, so that Adama is saying entirely new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Tigh'' (not at Adama's face), and then Tigh says new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Adama''.
**The same technique is used when Baltar is talking to Gina: when the camera is pointed at Baltar, [[Gina]] says "You must betray Roslin and run for President in the upcoming election", but this never occurs in the aired version of "[[Epiphanies]]".
*From the podcast, it seems that the "previously" scene (above) was actually meant for "[[Black Market]]", but the original hangar deck scene had to be heavily edited due to the legal complications surrounding Commander Barry Garner's name. The character was originally named "Barry Trammel", but at the last minute it had to be changed for legal reasons when the production team found that there was a real person with that name.
*Captain [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] is still on ''Pegasus'', mentioned by Kara Thrace as being in the brig for insubordination. The actor, [[John Pyper-Ferguson]], was unavailable for the episode, and the character was ultimately dropped to due difficulties in booking Ferguson.
*The adjectival form of "Gemenon" is "Gemenese".
*Under Gemenese law, minors are the "property" of their parents.
*[[Mercury class battlestar]]s do not need to retract their flight pods prior to a jump, unlike the [[Galactica type battlestar|Galactica type]].
*The coolant pressure gauges on ''Pegasus'' measure in PSI, presumably [[w:Pound-force per square inch|Pound-force per square inch]]. This is consistent with the use of customary units on the Viper Mk. II's altimeter, seen in "[[Act of Contrition]]".
*This is the fourth episode of the season in which [[Grace Park]] does appear as [[Sharon Valerii]].
*Writer Jeff Vlaming references [[w:William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s "[[w:The Merchant of Venice|The Merchant of Venice]]" when he has [[Laura Roslin]] tell [[Quorum of Twelve]] delegate [[Sarah Porter]], "you have your pound of flesh".
*Sharon warned Admiral Adama in the previous episode, "[[Sacrifice]]", that the Cylons might try to lay ambushes near some pulsar stars ahead of their position, due to DRADIS interference.
*A promotional images for the episode is from a deleted scene, in which Rya tries to kill herself by overdosing on pills when she is told that she can't have an abortion, and she has to be resuscitated. See ''[[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)#The Captain's Hand|List of Deleted Scenes]]'' for the summary.
*This episode had the lowest [[List of Nielsen ratings (RDM)|Nielsen ratings]] figure that an episode of the Re-Imagined Series received up to that point, although the episode was well-received by critics and fans. This is possibly the backlash from what Ron Moore himself feels were the less desirable episodes "Black Market" and "Sacrifice" (Reference: [[Podcast:Sacrifice#Teaser]]).
*Several fans thought that in the final scene with Apollo and Starbuck embracing, Apollo whispers "forever" into Starbuck's ear (after his last line that "we're okay", etc.). However on repeat viewing it's just Starbuck sighing three short times in a row, which vaguely sounds like three syllables. When actor Jamie Bamber was [http://mboard.scifi.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1833539&page=0&fpart=86&vc=1 asked] about this, he confirmed that he did ''not'' whisper "forever".
*Visual effects gaffe: In the shot where the pressure gauge is showing zero the pressure hand is on the wrong side of the zero-stop pin, actually indicating a severe over-pressure instead of vacuum.

== Analysis ==
*The distance between ''Pegasus'' and the lost Raptors is reported in "SU"s. This may be the Colonials' equivalent of the [[Wikipedia:Astronomical unit|astronomical unit]] (AU); an AU is based on the distance between Earth and the Sun, so it would seem illogical for the planets of the Twelve Colonies to share this exact measurement. SU might stand for "Solar Unit".
*When Baltar announces his candidacy for the Presidency, Number Six applauds with a slow clap. This action runs in parallel to how then-Commander William Adama led the entire crew in a long, drawn-out slow clap in respect of President Roslin when she was re-instated to her office in "[[Home, Part II]]".
*The survivor count is decremented by six from "[[Sacrifice]]", but seven people died in that episode - terrorists [[Sesha Abinell]], [[Vinson]], [[Page]] and [[Chu]], two unnamed Marines, and civilian [[Billy Keikeya]]. At least one birth must have taken place to offset the population count between the two episodes.
*Based on the ''[[Colonial One]]'' whiteboard seen toward the end of the episode, only five people died as a result of the ambush on ''Pegasus'': [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]], [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]], the unnamed crew of [[Raptor 314]], and Commander [[Barry Garner]].
**This casualty figure is conspicuously low, considering that ''Galactica'' lost 85 crewmen as the result of a hit by a single nuclear missile in the [[Miniseries]], while ''Pegasus'' is hit with no less than three in this episode.
**On the other hand, it is consistent with the also surprisingly low number of casualties incurred in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]], and may indicate that the hull armor on ''Pegasus'' is significantly stronger than on ''Galactica'', which has many conspicuously bare structural ribs.
**A large number of the casualties ''Galactica'' incurred were due to the firefighting crews failure to use breathing gear when Tigh ordered the flight pod vented. However, based on dialogue in this episode, it appears that the ''Pegasus'' firefighting teams did take this precaution.
* It seems clear now that the Cylons are again shadowing the Fleet. They are doing so accurately enough to vector three basestars onto ''Pegasus''. However, as explained in "[[Scar]]", they are afraid to engage the Fleet directly because the Resurrection Ship was destroyed. In the past, one basestar was willing to simply wade into ''Galactica'' and its Vipers, but now they resort to both a sneak attack/trap, and ganging up on a battlestar using superior numbers. The Cylons set up the trap, so they knew where to jump and that's why it was so accurate. In no way does this support a theory that the Cylons want the Fleet to survive, and further, [[Ron Moore]] has repeatedly stated that the Cylons are not doing that and truly want to destroy the Fleet (at least, before the Season 2 finale).
*In the course of this episode, Lee Adama rises from the rank of Captain (CAG of ''Galactica'') to Major (No details are given on that posting except Adama was assigned to ''Pegasus''), to Commander and CO of ''Pegasus'' in the wake of Commander Garner's death saving his ship.
**Major Adama's duty was intended as a temporary stint as ''Pegasus'' acting XO, in order to support Garner and evaluate the performance of the ''Pegasus'' crew. In the opening scene, he tells [[Anastasia Dualla]] that he expects to return to ''Galactica'' "in a couple of weeks".
**The aired episode leaves the nature of Apollo's assignment somewhat open. One could think that he is officially ''Pegasus'''s XO. However, Garner doesn't consider him part of the crew. Moreover, according to a [[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)#The Captain's Hand|deleted scene]], his father sends him there over concerns about Garner and the performance of the crew, while being undecided on whether to make him the ship's XO or not.
*Garner's decision to mount a rescue operation in contravention of his commanding officer's orders is an explicit parallel to "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", down to the choice of words:
:'''Adama:''' "I'm getting my men."
:'''Garner:''' "I'm going to get our men."
*Kara Thrace's posting is finally clarified in this episode: she is now serving as CAG on ''Galactica''.
**She was transferred to ''Pegasus'' in "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and then promoted to that ship's CAG over [[Cole Taylor]] in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]". In "[[Epiphanies]]", it is made clear that Lee Adama regained his posting as ''Galactica's'' CAG. In the same episode Thrace is piloting one of ''Galactica's'' Mk. II Vipers with Kat; in "[[Scar]]" she is serving on ''Galactica'', and appears to have assumed the majority of Adama's responsibilities as CAG, although she still takes orders from him.
**During this episode it is mentioned that she has only been on ''Pegasus'' for four days before getting thrown in the brig, possibly referring to the time she spent away on ''Galactica'' in "Scar" and in the Fleet on leave in "Sacrifice".
*Although there is no clear evidence of this, it's nice to imagine that when Admiral Adama promotes his son to Commander, he gives Lee his old Commander rank insignia.
**This is actually quite likely. the decision to bump Lee to Commander seems to have been made immediately following Garner's debacle, and given that Billy Keikeya had to search extensively for a jeweler to get Adama his Admiral's insignia, giving Lee his old rank insignia was probably as much practicality as it was sentiment.
*There are several factual errors in the scenes where Garner opens the valves to restore the FTL drive coolant pressure:
**Garner should not be able to open the hatch to gain access to the FTL auxiliary controls since the inside of the compartment is losing pressure and the hatch opened outwards. Assuming the breach had formed during the attack the air pressure outside of the compartment would have made it nearly impossible to open the hatch.
**A rupture of that size would not cause a wind-blown effect; otherwise the entire cabin would have had its atmosphere vacated in a shorter amount of time.
**As the atmosphere escapes the air pressure would decrease slower over time, however in this case it clearly decreases faster over time.
*This is the first time that the ''Pegasus'' [[flight pods]] are closely seen in operation. As indicated before, the lower landing bay is upside down. Vipers also land upside down are likely kept in place by magnetism. To create this effect, Starbuck's cockpit scene was flipped in editing. See [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series#What about the flight pods on Pegasus?|Gravity in the Re-imagined Series]] for more details.
*Major Adama orders the battlestar "left" instead of "port" or give a more accurate bearing. This was normal on British and US naval ships during World War II - even though the officers commanding would know "port" and "starboard" there was no guarantee that the draftee actually steering would know the difference, or be expect not to get confused in the heat and stress of battle.

== Questions ==
*Why is [[Rya Kibby]] seeking an abortion? Who is the biological father to Rya's unborn child? Is this of any consequence?
*Would Adama allow Dr. Cottle to be arrested, give that he is one of the few remaining Doctors? From the episode, he is of the opinion that he would do what is necessary.
*Is Baltar's report real, or just invented to produce the opportunity to drive his wedge?
*Will Roslin replace Baltar as Vice President? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
**Can Roslin actually pick another Vice President, under Colonial law, if Baltar refuses to resign? (One of the reporters at the end actually directly asks if Baltar would remain as Vice President.)
*How will Zarek position himself in the Baltar campaign? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I|Answer]])
*Will Tigh accept (or even care) that Lee Adama now outranks him and has command of a ship?
*What will happen to Rya now that she has been granted asylum on ''Galactica''?
*Had Garner been serving as XO to ''Pegasus's'' previous commander, the late [[Jack Fisk]]?
*Does the fact that the Cylons have such a large force waiting to ambush ''Pegasus'' indicate that they have a new [[Resurrection Ship]] in place? (See #Analysis)
*Why is abortion legal and established throughout the Colonies despite being against the religious views of at least one planet? Does this indicate a strong central government, that can dictate laws against the wishes of large population groups, instead of a federal system with the planets having more autonomy?
*Now that Lee Adama is commanding ''Pegasus'', who does he have for an XO since it is apparent both battlestars are short field grade officers? ([[Razor|Answer 1]], [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer 2, Post-LDYB, Part I]])
*What kind of equipment is available to fix small breaches such as the one in the ''Pegasus'''s engine room? [[Helo]] uses a hand-held pressure pad to seal a minor breach in the damaged Raptor during the [[Miniseries]] right after he receives his leg wound. Kara Thrace uses her [[flight suit]] to seal a fist-sized hole in her recovered Raider in "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]". Considering the importance of gaining access to that compartment why is no attempt made to seal the breach? ([[A Day in the Life|Answer]])

== Official Statements ==

* ''[[Rekha Sharma]] discusses [[Tory Foster]]'s replacing [[Billy Keikeya]] ([[Paul Campbell]]):''
: '''Rekha Sharma:''' Actually, I hadn't seen the show at all until after I had shot the first episode .... but once I got all caught up, I thought - uh oh - people are gonna hate me... (ha ha !) what can I say ? - Billy was pretty sweet and unoffensive, and Tory's gotta whole different thing goin on.... but I'm glad I had no idea in the beginning. I'm always wary of preconceived notions getting in the way of the work.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.thescifiworld.net/interviews/rekha_sharma_01.htm|title=Rekha Sharma interview by The Scifi World|date=May 16, 2007|accessdate=26 May 2007|last=Nuytens|first=Gilles|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*{{audio|The Captain's Hand - Lee's promotion.mp3|''Following the Cylon ambush of ''Pegasus'' and the death of Commander Garner.''}}
:'''Admiral Adama''': In your opinion, off the record, what was [[Barry Garner|Garner]]'s flaw?
:'''Major Lee Adama''': He was used to working with machines. Command is about people.
:'''Admiral Adama''': Remember that, as you take command of "The Beast" (''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''). Garner was my decision; his failures, my responsibility. Don't let me fail a second time. Congratulations, Commander.

*{{audio|The Captain's Hand - Baltar's announcement.mp3|''Responding to President Roslin's decision to criminalize abortion.''}}
:'''Vice-President Baltar''': It is true in the light of recent events, the President may have lost support in some quarters. I would ask the people to understand that if this is an extreme decision, we live in extreme times. The decision has been made with good faith. I, however, cannot with good conscience support it. I am so sorry, Madame President, but the Cylon have no understanding the meaning of the word "freedom". How could they? They're programmed...machines. Every time you take away one of our freedoms, every time we restrict or curtail one of our rights, we become one step closer to being like them. As the Vice-President, I am bound to follow the administration's lead; as President, I should have no such strictures. Given the current situation, I'm afraid that I have no alternative but to announce that I am, as of now, a candidate for the Presidency.

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lt. [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally Tyrol|Cally Henderson]]
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lt. [[Felix Gaeta]]
*[[Kandyse McClure]] as Petty Officer [[Anastasia Dualla]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[John Heard]] as Commander [[Barry Garner]]
*[[Christian Tessier]] as [[Tucker Clellan|Tucker "Duck" Clellan]]
*[[Stephanie von Pfetten]] as Cpt. [[Marcia Case|Marcia "Showboat" Case]]
*[[Kavan Smith]] as Lt. [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]]
*[[Amber Rothwell]] as [[Rya Kibby]]
*[[Patricia Idlette]] as [[Sarah Porter]]
*[[Rekha Sharma]] as [[Tory Foster]]
*[[Brad Dryborough]] as [[Hoshi]]
*[[Aaron Pearl]] as Ensign [[Abel Thornton]]
*[[Christina Schild]] as [[Playa Palacios]]
*[[Tammy Hui]] as ECO [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]]
*[[James Bell]] as Lt. [[Steve Fleer|Steve "Red Devil" Fleer]]
*[[Kimani Ray Smith]] as ''Pegasus'' Sergeant
*[[Kurt Max Runte]] as Ensign [[Charles Bellamy]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Captain's Hand, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Captain's Hand, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Jeff Vlaming]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Mensch und Maschine]]

The Captain's Hand

2007-10-22T12:09:34Z

Rapturous: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data
| image = Adamas.jpg
| title= The Captain's Hand
| season= 2
| episode= 17
| guests= [[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| writer= [[Jeff Vlaming]]
| story=
| director= [[Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
| production=
| rating= [[List of Nielsen ratings (RDM)|1.7]]
| US airdate= 2006-02-17
| UK airdate= 2006-04-25
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49584
| oldpopulation= 49590
| prev= [[Sacrifice]]
| next= [[Downloaded]]
| podcast= Y
| itunes=http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=VWbyALbmqZY&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewTVSeason%253Fi%253D119951242%2526id%253D102808898%2526s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30
| unbox=http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000V20PCU&tag=battlestarwik-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
}}

== Overview ==

:''When two Raptors go missing after a training mission, new ''Pegasus'' commander [[Barry Garner]] challenges Admiral [[William Adama|Adama]]'s orders by sending his battlestar directly into the rescue zone — and a trap.''

== Summary ==
*Two [[Raptor]]s begin a training mission outside ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', which is near a [[Wikipedia:Binary star system|binary star]] that causes [[Dradis|DRADIS]] and communications interference. Shortly after contact with the Raptors is lost.

*On ''[[Galactica]]'', [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] and the deck crew are in the process of unloading containers, Chief Tyrol finds a pregnant teenager inside who asks for [[Cottle|Dr. Cottle]].

*[[Lee Adama]], now promoted to Major, arrives as acting [[Executive officer|XO]] on the [[Mercury class battlestar|battlestar]] ''Pegasus'', where he runs into [[Kara Thrace]]. Both report to Commander Garner in ''Pegasus''' [[CIC]]. Garner argues with now-Captain Thrace over the disappearance of the Raptors.

*[[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]] and Major Adama talk in private about the discipline on ''Pegasus''. Garner thinks that [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] is a huge part of the problem and that the virtues learned in his experience as an engineer would do the ship some good.

*On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura_Roslin|President Roslin]] is hounded by her new aide, [[Tory Foster]], about preparing for the coming election. Elsewhere, [[Tom Zarek]] discusses the idea of presidency. He concedes he's not able to garner support, but is willing to support someone more popular: [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar]].

*Back on ''Galactica'', Dr. [[Cottle]] and Admiral Adama discuss the fate of the young woman found in the container, [[Rya Kibby]]. Kibby mentions the fact that she doesn't want to keep the baby, but Admiral Adama (on request from the Gemenese delegate) is intent on sending her back to her family. Dr. Cottle semi-sarcastically suggests that she request asylum aboard ''Galactica'', a suggestion that she takes seriously.

*News of Rya Kibby's asylum request raises a stir throughout the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] discusses the issue with Admiral Adama, Tory Foster, and Delegate [[Sarah_Porter|Sarah Porter]] from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemonon|Gemenon]]. Delegate Porter states that abortion is an obscenity and demands that the girl be returned to her parents. Afterwards, President Roslin mentions she's not willing to even consider the idea of abortion in general, having fought for a woman's right to control her body for her entire career, but Admiral Adama quotes her own words back to her, reminding her that their population must increase in order to survive.

*While reviewing the last transmissions from the Raptors, [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] discovers the reason for the missing Raptors may be that they responded to a distress call. She attempts to bring this up with Commander Garner, who flatly rejects the theory and orders Thrace confined to quarters.

*Shortly thereafter additional search parties learn of the distress call that lured the first Raptors away. Commander Garner decides to start preparing the ''Pegasus'' for a jump.

*Over [[wireless]], Commander Garner, Major Adama, and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] discuss the missing Raptor situation. Commander Garner feels that ''Pegasus'' should [[FTL|jump]] to bring home the missing crews and ships, while the Admiral and Major believe it may be a trap and orders a 5-Raptor recon mission to ascertain the training mission's fate.

*Garner orders a [[Combat Jump|combat jump]] despite Admiral Adama's orders. After discovering this Major Adama confronts Garner and attempts to relieve him of duty, however the Marines take Garner`s side instead and start to escort the Major back to his quarters.

*[[SAR]] Raptors at the rescue site find both Raptors, but the crews are dead. At that moment, three [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ambush ''Pegasus'' with conventional and nuclear missile barrages seconds after their arrival.

*''Pegasus'''s FTL drive is disabled. Garner attempts to determine the FTL failure's cause from CIC, but the engineering crew are confused from the attack. Commander Garner heads down to Engineering to assess the damage himself, and transfers command of ''Pegasus'' to Major Adama who is briefly in shock over his new responsibility. Adama then orders ''Pegasus'' to a more defensive orientation and to target one of the basestars with its forward batteries, severely damaging the basestar and buying them more time.

*Garner's successful repair of their FTL system allows ''Pegasus'' to escape. Commander Garner, however, dies in the process due to vacuum exposure.

*In Admiral Adama's quarters, the Admiral and Lee Adama review the reports from the incident on ''Pegasus''. After discussing the late ''Pegasus'' commander, the Admiral offers his son the job of commanding ''Pegasus'', along with a promotion to Commander.

*[[Gaius Baltar]] proclaims his candidacy for President of the Colonies in the Presidential election in the midst of a press conference called by [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] regarding abortion in the Fleet.

== Notes ==
*Timeline-wise, Baltar says that he made an initial projection of the Fleet's population "over seven months ago". This would have been before the arrival of ''Pegasus'', since he said he factored in the arrival of her crew subsequently.
*Baltar states that he added the crew of the ''Pegasus'' into his calculations, with the result of the end of the human race within 18 years at current attrition rates.
*It has been "almost a month" since Apollo was shot in "[[Sacrifice]]".
*The recap at the beginning of this episode includes two scenes that did not actually appear in any previous episode, but were constructed by redubbing existing footage.
**The scene where Colonel Tigh and Admiral Adama discuss Garner's promotion is constructed from the scene in "Black Market" when Adama and Tigh are telling Apollo to go to ''Pegasus'' on the hangar deck. The scene has been cleverly redubbed, so that Adama is saying entirely new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Tigh'' (not at Adama's face), and then Tigh says new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Adama''.
**The same technique is used when Baltar is talking to Gina: when the camera is pointed at Baltar, [[Gina]] says "You must betray Roslin and run for President in the upcoming election", but this never occurs in the aired version of "[[Epiphanies]]".
*From the podcast, it seems that the "previously" scene (above) was actually meant for "[[Black Market]]", but the original hangar deck scene had to be heavily edited due to the legal complications surrounding Commander Barry Garner's name. The character was originally named "Barry Trammel", but at the last minute it had to be changed for legal reasons when the production team found that there was a real person with that name.
*Captain [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] is still on ''Pegasus'', mentioned by Kara Thrace as being in the brig for insubordination. The actor, [[John Pyper-Ferguson]], was unavailable for the episode, and the character was ultimately dropped to due difficulties in booking Ferguson.
*The adjectival form of "Gemenon" is "Gemenese".
*Under Gemenese law, minors are the "property" of their parents.
*[[Mercury class battlestar]]s do not need to retract their flight pods prior to a jump, unlike the [[Galactica type battlestar|Galactica type]].
*The coolant pressure gauges on ''Pegasus'' measure in PSI, presumably [[w:Pound-force per square inch|Pound-force per square inch]]. This is consistent with the use of customary units on the Viper Mk. II's altimeter, seen in "[[Act of Contrition]]".
*This is the fourth episode of the season in which [[Grace Park]] does appear as [[Sharon Valerii]].
*Writer Jeff Vlaming references [[w:William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s "[[w:The Merchant of Venice|The Merchant of Venice]]" when he has [[Laura Roslin]] tell [[Quorum of Twelve]] delegate [[Sarah Porter]], "you have your pound of flesh".
*Sharon warned Admiral Adama in the previous episode, "[[Sacrifice]]", that the Cylons might try to lay ambushes near some pulsar stars ahead of their position, due to DRADIS interference.
*A promotional images for the episode is from a deleted scene, in which Rya tries to kill herself by overdosing on pills when she is told that she can't have an abortion, and she has to be resuscitated. See ''[[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)#The Captain's Hand|List of Deleted Scenes]]'' for the summary.
*This episode had the lowest [[List of Nielsen ratings (RDM)|Nielsen ratings]] figure that an episode of the Re-Imagined Series received up to that point, although the episode was well-received by critics and fans. This is possibly the backlash from what Ron Moore himself feels were the less desirable episodes "Black Market" and "Sacrifice" (Reference: [[Podcast:Sacrifice#Teaser]]).
*Several fans thought that in the final scene with Apollo and Starbuck embracing, Apollo whispers "forever" into Starbuck's ear (after his last line that "we're okay", etc.). However on repeat viewing it's just Starbuck sighing three short times in a row, which vaguely sounds like three syllables. When actor Jamie Bamber was [http://mboard.scifi.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1833539&page=0&fpart=86&vc=1 asked] about this, he confirmed that he did ''not'' whisper "forever".
*Visual effects gaffe: In the shot where the pressure gauge is showing zero the pressure hand is on the wrong side of the zero-stop pin, actually indicating a severe over-pressure instead of vacuum.

== Analysis ==
*The distance between ''Pegasus'' and the lost Raptors is reported in "SU"s. This may be the Colonials' equivalent of the [[Wikipedia:Astronomical unit|astronomical unit]] (AU); an AU is based on the distance between Earth and the Sun, so it would seem illogical for the planets of the Twelve Colonies to share this exact measurement. SU might stand for "Solar Unit".
*When Baltar announces his candidacy for the Presidency, Number Six applauds with a slow clap. This action runs in parallel to how then-Commander William Adama led the entire crew in a long, drawn-out slow clap in respect of President Roslin when she was re-instated to her office in "[[Home, Part II]]".
*The survivor count is decremented by six from "[[Sacrifice]]", but seven people died in that episode - terrorists [[Sesha Abinell]], [[Vinson]], [[Page]] and [[Chu]], two unnamed Marines, and civilian [[Billy Keikeya]]. At least one birth must have taken place to offset the population count between the two episodes.
*Based on the ''[[Colonial One]]'' whiteboard seen toward the end of the episode, only five people died as a result of the ambush on ''Pegasus'': [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]], [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]], the unnamed crew of [[Raptor 314]], and Commander [[Barry Garner]].
**This casualty figure is conspicuously low, considering that ''Galactica'' lost 85 crewmen as the result of a hit by a single nuclear missile in the [[Miniseries]], while ''Pegasus'' is hit with no less than three in this episode.
**On the other hand, it is consistent with the also surprisingly low number of casualties incurred in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]], and may indicate that the hull armor on ''Pegasus'' is significantly stronger than on ''Galactica'', which has many conspicuously bare structural ribs.
**A large number of the casualties ''Galactica'' incurred were due to the firefighting crews failure to use breathing gear when Tigh ordered the flight pod vented. However, based on dialogue in this episode, it appears that the ''Pegasus'' firefighting teams did take this precaution.
* It seems clear now that the Cylons are again shadowing the Fleet. They are doing so accurately enough to vector three basestars onto ''Pegasus''. However, as explained in "[[Scar]]", they are afraid to engage the Fleet directly because the Resurrection Ship was destroyed. In the past, one basestar was willing to simply wade into ''Galactica'' and its Vipers, but now they resort to both a sneak attack/trap, and ganging up on a battlestar using superior numbers. The Cylons set up the trap, so they knew where to jump and that's why it was so accurate. In no way does this support a theory that the Cylons want the Fleet to survive, and further, [[Ron Moore]] has repeatedly stated that the Cylons are not doing that and truly want to destroy the Fleet (at least, before the Season 2 finale).
*In the course of this episode, Lee Adama rises from the rank of Captain (CAG of ''Galactica'') to Major (No details are given on that posting except Adama was assigned to ''Pegasus''), to Commander and CO of ''Pegasus'' in the wake of Commander Garner's death saving his ship.
**Major Adama's duty was intended as a temporary stint as ''Pegasus'' acting XO, in order to support Garner and evaluate the performance of the ''Pegasus'' crew. In the opening scene, he tells [[Anastasia Dualla]] that he expects to return to ''Galactica'' "in a couple of weeks".
**The aired episode leaves the nature of Apollo's assignment somewhat open. One could think that he is officially ''Pegasus'''s XO. However, Garner doesn't consider him part of the crew. Moreover, according to a [[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)#The Captain's Hand|deleted scene]], his father sends him there over concerns about Garner and the performance of the crew, while being undecided on whether to make him the ship's XO or not.
*Garner's decision to mount a rescue operation in contravention of his commanding officer's orders is an explicit parallel to "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", down to the choice of words:
:'''Adama:''' "I'm getting my men."
:'''Garner:''' "I'm going to get our men."
*Kara Thrace's posting is finally clarified in this episode: she is now serving as CAG on ''Galactica''.
**She was transferred to ''Pegasus'' in "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and then promoted to that ship's CAG over [[Cole Taylor]] in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]". In "[[Epiphanies]]", it is made clear that Lee Adama regained his posting as ''Galactica's'' CAG. In the same episode Thrace is piloting one of ''Galactica's'' Mk. II Vipers with Kat; in "[[Scar]]" she is serving on ''Galactica'', and appears to have assumed the majority of Adama's responsibilities as CAG, although she still takes orders from him.
**During this episode it is mentioned that she has only been on ''Pegasus'' for four days before getting thrown in the brig, possibly referring to the time she spent away on ''Galactica'' in "Scar" and in the Fleet on leave in "Sacrifice".
*Although there is no clear evidence of this, it's nice to imagine that when Admiral Adama promotes his son to Commander, he gives Lee his old Commander rank insignia.
**This is actually quite likely. the decision to bump Lee to Commander seems to have been made immediately following Garner's debacle, and given that Billy Keikeya had to search extensively for a jeweler to get Adama his Admiral's insignia, giving Lee his old rank insignia was probably as much practicality as it was sentiment.
*There are several factual errors in the scenes where Garner opens the valves to restore the FTL drive coolant pressure:
**Garner should not be able to open the hatch to gain access to the FTL auxiliary controls since the inside of the compartment is losing pressure and the hatch opened outwards. Assuming the breach had formed during the attack the air pressure outside of the compartment would have made it nearly impossible to open the hatch.
**A rupture of that size would not cause a wind-blown effect; otherwise the entire cabin would have had its atmosphere vacated in a shorter amount of time.
**As the atmosphere escapes the air pressure would decrease slower over time, however in this case it clearly decreases faster over time.
*This is the first time that the ''Pegasus'' [[flight pods]] are closely seen in operation. As indicated before, the lower landing bay is upside down. Vipers also land upside down are likely kept in place by magnetism. To create this effect, Starbuck's cockpit scene was flipped in editing. See [[Gravity in the Re-imagined Series#What about the flight pods on Pegasus?|Gravity in the Re-imagined Series]] for more details.
*Major Adama orders the battlestar "left" instead of "port" or give a more accurate bearing. This was normal on British and US naval ships during World War II - even though the officers commanding would know "port" and "starboard" there was no guarantee that the draftee actually steering would know the difference, or be expect not to get confused in the heat and stress of battle.

== Questions ==
*Why is [[Rya Kibby]] seeking an abortion? Who is the biological father to Rya's unborn child? Is this of any consequence?
*Would Adama allow Dr. Cottle to be arrested, give that he is one of the few remaining Doctors? From the episode, he is of the opinion that he would do what is necessary.
*Is Baltar's report real, or just invented to produce the opportunity to drive his wedge?
*Will Roslin replace Baltar as Vice President? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
**Can Roslin actually pick another Vice President, under Colonial law, if Baltar refuses to resign? (One of the reporters at the end actually directly asks if Baltar would remain as Vice President.)
*How will Zarek position himself in the Baltar campaign? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I|Answer]])
*Will Tigh accept (or even care) that Lee Adama now outranks him and has command of a ship?
*What will happen to Rya now that she has been granted asylum on ''Galactica''?
*Had Garner been serving as XO to ''Pegasus's'' previous commander, the late [[Jack Fisk]]?
*Does the fact that the Cylons have such a large force waiting to ambush ''Pegasus'' indicate that they have a new [[Resurrection Ship]] in place? (See #Analysis)
*Why is abortion legal and established throughout the Colonies despite being against the religious views of at least one planet? Does this indicate a strong central government, that can dictate laws against the wishes of large population groups, instead of a federal system with the planets having more autonomy?
*Now that Lee Adama is commanding ''Pegasus'', who does he have for an XO since it is apparent both battlestars are short field grade officers? ([[Razor|Answer 1]], [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer 2, Post-LDYB, Part I]])
*What kind of equipment is available to fix small breaches such as the one in the ''Pegasus'''s engine room? [[Helo]] uses a hand-held pressure pad to seal a minor breach in the damaged Raptor during the [[Miniseries]] right after he receives his leg wound. Kara Thrace uses her [[flight suit]] to seal a fist-sized hole in her recovered Raider in "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]". Considering the importance of gaining access to that compartment why is no attempt made to seal the breach? (([[A Day in the Life|Answer]]))

== Official Statements ==

* ''[[Rekha Sharma]] discusses [[Tory Foster]]'s replacing [[Billy Keikeya]] ([[Paul Campbell]]):''
: '''Rekha Sharma:''' Actually, I hadn't seen the show at all until after I had shot the first episode .... but once I got all caught up, I thought - uh oh - people are gonna hate me... (ha ha !) what can I say ? - Billy was pretty sweet and unoffensive, and Tory's gotta whole different thing goin on.... but I'm glad I had no idea in the beginning. I'm always wary of preconceived notions getting in the way of the work.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.thescifiworld.net/interviews/rekha_sharma_01.htm|title=Rekha Sharma interview by The Scifi World|date=May 16, 2007|accessdate=26 May 2007|last=Nuytens|first=Gilles|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*{{audio|The Captain's Hand - Lee's promotion.mp3|''Following the Cylon ambush of ''Pegasus'' and the death of Commander Garner.''}}
:'''Admiral Adama''': In your opinion, off the record, what was [[Barry Garner|Garner]]'s flaw?
:'''Major Lee Adama''': He was used to working with machines. Command is about people.
:'''Admiral Adama''': Remember that, as you take command of "The Beast" (''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''). Garner was my decision; his failures, my responsibility. Don't let me fail a second time. Congratulations, Commander.

*{{audio|The Captain's Hand - Baltar's announcement.mp3|''Responding to President Roslin's decision to criminalize abortion.''}}
:'''Vice-President Baltar''': It is true in the light of recent events, the President may have lost support in some quarters. I would ask the people to understand that if this is an extreme decision, we live in extreme times. The decision has been made with good faith. I, however, cannot with good conscience support it. I am so sorry, Madame President, but the Cylon have no understanding the meaning of the word "freedom". How could they? They're programmed...machines. Every time you take away one of our freedoms, every time we restrict or curtail one of our rights, we become one step closer to being like them. As the Vice-President, I am bound to follow the administration's lead; as President, I should have no such strictures. Given the current situation, I'm afraid that I have no alternative but to announce that I am, as of now, a candidate for the Presidency.

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lt. [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally Tyrol|Cally Henderson]]
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lt. [[Felix Gaeta]]
*[[Kandyse McClure]] as Petty Officer [[Anastasia Dualla]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[John Heard]] as Commander [[Barry Garner]]
*[[Christian Tessier]] as [[Tucker Clellan|Tucker "Duck" Clellan]]
*[[Stephanie von Pfetten]] as Cpt. [[Marcia Case|Marcia "Showboat" Case]]
*[[Kavan Smith]] as Lt. [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]]
*[[Amber Rothwell]] as [[Rya Kibby]]
*[[Patricia Idlette]] as [[Sarah Porter]]
*[[Rekha Sharma]] as [[Tory Foster]]
*[[Brad Dryborough]] as [[Hoshi]]
*[[Aaron Pearl]] as Ensign [[Abel Thornton]]
*[[Christina Schild]] as [[Playa Palacios]]
*[[Tammy Hui]] as ECO [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]]
*[[James Bell]] as Lt. [[Steve Fleer|Steve "Red Devil" Fleer]]
*[[Kimani Ray Smith]] as ''Pegasus'' Sergeant
*[[Kurt Max Runte]] as Ensign [[Charles Bellamy]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Captain's Hand, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Captain's Hand, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Jeff Vlaming]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Mensch und Maschine]]

Columbia (TRS)

2007-10-22T11:10:10Z

Rapturous: /* First ''Columbia'' */

:''For information on an [[Original Series]] [[Battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] of the same name, see [[Columbia (TOS)]].''

There have been at least two [[Battlestar (RDM)|battlestar]]s to bear the name '''''Columbia''''' in the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]].

== First ''Columbia'' ==
{{Ship Data
| image= Col1.jpg
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| role= Carrier / battleship hybrid
| weapons= Primary and point-defense [[KEW|Kinetic Energy Weapons]], conventional missiles, nuclear warheads, Vipers, Raptors
| status= Destroyed during [[Operation Raptor Talon]]
}}
''Columbia'' is one of the [[Galactica type battlestar|original twelve]]<ref>In the [[Miniseries, Night 1|first night of the Miniseries]], [[Aaron Doral]] mentions that there were twelve [[Galactica type battlestar|''Galactica'' type battlestars]] created during the Cylon War. ''Columbia'' is clearly of the same class as ''Galactica'', and thus belongs to this type.</ref> battlestars created during the [[Cylon War]]. During [[Operation Raptor Talon]], ''Columbia'' is destroyed with all hands by the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] ([[Razor Flashback]], Episode 3). It has more armour plating than ''Galactica'', much of which is concentrated over the flight pods, but the structural ribbing is still visible.

<br clear="both" />

== Second ''Columbia'' ==
{{Ship Data
| image=
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| role= Carrier / battleship hybrid
| weapons=
| status= Destroyed in [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon Attack]]
}}
The second ''Columbia'' is of a newer type, featuring integrated command and control systems and Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Command Navigation Program]] (CNP). It is reported as lost, along with ''[[Solaria]]'' and ''[[Triton (RDM)|Triton]]'', during the initial moments of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Second Cylon War]].

Adama once served as [[executive officer]] on ''Columbia'' ([[Hero]]). [[Galen Tyrol]] also served on this ship at some point in his long career as an NCO ([[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]).

<br clear="both" />

==Notes==

* The name ''Columbia'' (derived from the Latin ''columba'', meaning "dove" or "pigeon") is a derivation of the 15th Century Genoan explorer [[Wikipedia:Christopher Columbus|Christopher Columbus]]. While at first glance such an Earth-based name seems an unlikely choice for an "alien" culture, it might be a hint towards a [[Sacred Scrolls#Earth as the true origin of the human species|different version]] of the Twelve Colonies' ancient history.

* In fan fiction, ''Columbia'' is considered the class name of the [[Original Series]] [[Battlestar (TOS)|battlestars]]. This is not substantiated by any [[BW:CJ|official sources]]. Battlestar Wiki does not support this or any other [[fan fiction]].

== References ==

<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{Ships}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Battlestars]]
[[Category:Battlestars (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Military]]
[[Category:Colonial Military (RDM)]]
[[Category:Mentioned-Only]]
[[Category:Mentioned-Only (RDM)]]
[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Ships (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Columbia (RDM)]]

Talk:Navigation in the Re-imagined Series/Archive 1

2007-10-21T23:14:26Z

Rapturous: /* RCS */

This article comprises the topics on navigation from a past larger article version of [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]], broken out for later expansion and page size considerations. The Reaction Control System article and parts of the FTL article are also included. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:13, 11 October 2006 (CDT)

There may be a significant error in the section on distances. The 30 minute communications delay between Adar and Roslin is most likely a total round trip delay -- 15 minutes each way, not 30. This would mean that all distances, times, and speeds derived from this number should be halved. --[[User:Girckin|Girckin]] 21:22, 7 November 2006 (CST)
:When Roslin later speaks to 'Jack' over the wireless, there is no such delay whatsoever. Billy may have meant the time it takes to get Roslin's speech from the plane to the President's eyes, or some delay in that process. --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 10:07, 2 January 2007 (CST)

== Cleanup ==

I've tagged this for clean-up, it is a mess, for example it has self references, assumptions and original research, which are not encyclopaedic. [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 15:44, 30 December 2006 (CST)

:Keep in mind, before you make changes, that ''Battlestar Galactica'' is a work of fiction. The information in this encyclopedia is self-referencing sometimes because it is it's own universe. Much of the research involves [[BW:CJ#Derived content|derived content]], which is allowable if it is based on information provided by official information in the show. Be careful not to apply the original research processes os Wikipedia here; they do not fully apply. Please note what items you consider original research so all can review them and determine if the items are derived content or ''unsourced original research'', also known as [[BW:FANW|fanwanking]], which is not allowable here. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 23:53, 30 December 2006 (CST)
::"We know that Battlestar Galactica's universe sticks to the same speed of light constant as real-world Earth (and the universe, of course): 186,282 miles per second." - Who is we? Is we me and the wiki, if so how do I know, how does we know? - Basically you should never use the word "we" here -- Self-referencing isn't just writing down text, an example of self-referencing would be an episode page.
:::"Given the velocities involved, extremely high accelerations must be used to attain them in reasonable (useable [''sic'']) time frames involved for in-system transportation. Such G forces would kill any humans involved unless some means of dampening them were employed. Given that the technology to perform "space-folding" FTL Jumps is also available, the technology to manipulate gravity would lie in the same area." - space-folding, when has space-folding been mentioned in the series?
::::Just two things that immediately jump out at me. This page reads like an essay to me at least. [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 17:34, 1 January 2007 (CST)

:::I agree, Matthew. We can neutralize the writing to make it leas like an essay. If you don't get to it, I'll make the changes. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 20:37, 1 January 2007 (CST)

:::: About space-folding: While it hasn't been stated on screen, I recall an interview with Moore and/or Eick, where they said that they wanted to actually show the spacefolding effect in more detail, but couldn't get it to look good. So at the end they settled for the current effect. Or it might even be in "33" or "Miniseries" podcast. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 05:39, 2 January 2007 (CST)

:::::It was from the miniseries DVD commentary, I believe. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:00, 2 January 2007 (CST)

== 'What happened in "Scattered"' section ==

I've just deleted the entire "What happened in Scattered" section, as it was [[BW:FANW|fanwanking]]. [[User:Whalepelt|Whalepelt]] 20:14, 28 February 2007 (CST)
:I disagree. I think this still falls under derived content. It's more speculative than most articles, but in line with some others, especially in the science section. But it's not made-up outright, nor does it try to explain away inexplicable plotholes (which is what fanwanking is for me). Most it was deduction from a few lines in the episode (like needing to make new starfixes, and the relaying of the jump coordinates), together with some other FTL facts we know, like the need for computations and the concept of a [[blind jump]]. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:30, 1 March 2007 (CST)
::I {{support}} the deletion. I'm a big proponent of the science pages (having authored most of them), but as I re-read this section, I realized that there isn't any episode sourcing for the piece, however well-thought out. This section is truly fanwank; to be derived content, it has to know the procedures (not just supposed technical mechanics) of FTL navigation as explained in the show, and that hasn't been detailed in any episode at this time. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:10, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::There are snippets of dialogue to back it up. There is the conversation between Saul and Ellen Tigh (referenced in the text), where he explains the basics. And there it's also said that jump plots are continually updated and that Gaeta forgot to send the new ones. So what happened? Something like a blind jump. They had a jump plot, but a wrong one and ended up in a random place unknown to ''Galactica''. We know that such jumps are possible, but they are unpredictable; exactly what happened here. Yeah, it could be sourced better, but the explanation doesn't come out of thin air. The last paragraph is pure speculation and not explained in the episode either, but it's the only possible explanation for what happened. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 10:30, 1 March 2007 (CST)
::::I see your point, although I don't think I can quantify it. Could you readd the relevant parts with supporting sources? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:45, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::::Done, and it's better than before. I put the Tigh quote in a footnote, and made a clearer reference to blind jumps. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 13:37, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::::I'm cool with it. Nice work! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:02, 1 March 2007 (CST)

== FTL jump calculations ==
*Elevation
*Rotation
*Distance

"Here, the dimension of distance would represent more than just a straight line, plotted through three-dimensional space but the amount of space curvature that the jump drive would have to fold."

Not true, they can just be [[w:Spherical_coordinate_system|Spherical coordinates]], which draws a line of length r (note the similar notation to radius), but with a specific orientation in space depending the angles θ and φ. No special space-folding math here.--[[User:DuMan|DuMan]] 16:28, 30 June 2007 (CDT)
:Mhh, true. Guess we can just change this to general coordinates, and say that they could be either cartesian or spherical. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 16:41, 30 June 2007 (CDT)

== No credit! ==

I went to ''all that trouble'' of witing about and calculating the time dilation, an addition that I originally made at [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]] over a year ago, but now I find it on this page, and I am not in either page's edit history! What's up with that? I thought this was cc-''by''-sa. Where is my frakkin' credit?!! --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 05:26, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

:Oh, I guess I am still in the edit history at [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]]. I missed it. Anyway, wasn't really mad about it; just was looking for the time dilation info and couldn't find it on that page. --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 05:30, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

::Your contributions were probably moved over to this article when the original science article was split over several pages because it became too long and about too many topics (at least I think that's what happened). But technically we don't have page ownership here ;( --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 05:38, 26 August 2007 (CDT)
::Right, no page ownership, but attribution is required by the license. An editor's work is released to BSG wiki under the cc license, and BSG wiki releases it to others in the same way. But it doesn't matter, I was just making a big deal about it because I couldn't find the text when I wanted to. --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 07:03, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

== Triangulation ==

You say, "To calculate the approximate distance between the Colonies and Earth, using the map to the left, one must first get the distance between the Lagoon Nebula and Earth, 4,100 light-years. One must then determine the distance between the point labeled 'Earth' and the point labeled 'Lagoon Nebula.'" Well, that would be 4,100 light-years. You meant 'Colonies' and 'Lagoon Nebula' or 'Colonies' and 'Earth'. However, these distances are unknown, and so I don't see where the 10,250 light year estimate came from. --[[User:MHall|MHall]] 01:43, 13 October 2007 (CDT)

== RCS ==

In Roslin's press conference in The Hand of God, Playa Palacios states that the fleet would be unable to perform basic combat manouveres without fuel. Since reaction control thrusters are used for ships to manouvere, and she is obviously referring to tylium by "fuel" (because tylium is the only thing the fleet salvages from the asteroid), does this mean that we can add that Colonial RCS systems are also fueled by refined tylium?--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 18:14, 21 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Navigation in the Re-imagined Series/Archive 1

2007-10-21T23:13:42Z

Rapturous: New section: RCS

This article comprises the topics on navigation from a past larger article version of [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]], broken out for later expansion and page size considerations. The Reaction Control System article and parts of the FTL article are also included. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:13, 11 October 2006 (CDT)

There may be a significant error in the section on distances. The 30 minute communications delay between Adar and Roslin is most likely a total round trip delay -- 15 minutes each way, not 30. This would mean that all distances, times, and speeds derived from this number should be halved. --[[User:Girckin|Girckin]] 21:22, 7 November 2006 (CST)
:When Roslin later speaks to 'Jack' over the wireless, there is no such delay whatsoever. Billy may have meant the time it takes to get Roslin's speech from the plane to the President's eyes, or some delay in that process. --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 10:07, 2 January 2007 (CST)

== Cleanup ==

I've tagged this for clean-up, it is a mess, for example it has self references, assumptions and original research, which are not encyclopaedic. [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 15:44, 30 December 2006 (CST)

:Keep in mind, before you make changes, that ''Battlestar Galactica'' is a work of fiction. The information in this encyclopedia is self-referencing sometimes because it is it's own universe. Much of the research involves [[BW:CJ#Derived content|derived content]], which is allowable if it is based on information provided by official information in the show. Be careful not to apply the original research processes os Wikipedia here; they do not fully apply. Please note what items you consider original research so all can review them and determine if the items are derived content or ''unsourced original research'', also known as [[BW:FANW|fanwanking]], which is not allowable here. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 23:53, 30 December 2006 (CST)
::"We know that Battlestar Galactica's universe sticks to the same speed of light constant as real-world Earth (and the universe, of course): 186,282 miles per second." - Who is we? Is we me and the wiki, if so how do I know, how does we know? - Basically you should never use the word "we" here -- Self-referencing isn't just writing down text, an example of self-referencing would be an episode page.
:::"Given the velocities involved, extremely high accelerations must be used to attain them in reasonable (useable [''sic'']) time frames involved for in-system transportation. Such G forces would kill any humans involved unless some means of dampening them were employed. Given that the technology to perform "space-folding" FTL Jumps is also available, the technology to manipulate gravity would lie in the same area." - space-folding, when has space-folding been mentioned in the series?
::::Just two things that immediately jump out at me. This page reads like an essay to me at least. [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 17:34, 1 January 2007 (CST)

:::I agree, Matthew. We can neutralize the writing to make it leas like an essay. If you don't get to it, I'll make the changes. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 20:37, 1 January 2007 (CST)

:::: About space-folding: While it hasn't been stated on screen, I recall an interview with Moore and/or Eick, where they said that they wanted to actually show the spacefolding effect in more detail, but couldn't get it to look good. So at the end they settled for the current effect. Or it might even be in "33" or "Miniseries" podcast. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 05:39, 2 January 2007 (CST)

:::::It was from the miniseries DVD commentary, I believe. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:00, 2 January 2007 (CST)

== 'What happened in "Scattered"' section ==

I've just deleted the entire "What happened in Scattered" section, as it was [[BW:FANW|fanwanking]]. [[User:Whalepelt|Whalepelt]] 20:14, 28 February 2007 (CST)
:I disagree. I think this still falls under derived content. It's more speculative than most articles, but in line with some others, especially in the science section. But it's not made-up outright, nor does it try to explain away inexplicable plotholes (which is what fanwanking is for me). Most it was deduction from a few lines in the episode (like needing to make new starfixes, and the relaying of the jump coordinates), together with some other FTL facts we know, like the need for computations and the concept of a [[blind jump]]. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:30, 1 March 2007 (CST)
::I {{support}} the deletion. I'm a big proponent of the science pages (having authored most of them), but as I re-read this section, I realized that there isn't any episode sourcing for the piece, however well-thought out. This section is truly fanwank; to be derived content, it has to know the procedures (not just supposed technical mechanics) of FTL navigation as explained in the show, and that hasn't been detailed in any episode at this time. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:10, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::There are snippets of dialogue to back it up. There is the conversation between Saul and Ellen Tigh (referenced in the text), where he explains the basics. And there it's also said that jump plots are continually updated and that Gaeta forgot to send the new ones. So what happened? Something like a blind jump. They had a jump plot, but a wrong one and ended up in a random place unknown to ''Galactica''. We know that such jumps are possible, but they are unpredictable; exactly what happened here. Yeah, it could be sourced better, but the explanation doesn't come out of thin air. The last paragraph is pure speculation and not explained in the episode either, but it's the only possible explanation for what happened. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 10:30, 1 March 2007 (CST)
::::I see your point, although I don't think I can quantify it. Could you readd the relevant parts with supporting sources? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:45, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::::Done, and it's better than before. I put the Tigh quote in a footnote, and made a clearer reference to blind jumps. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 13:37, 1 March 2007 (CST)
:::::I'm cool with it. Nice work! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:02, 1 March 2007 (CST)

== FTL jump calculations ==
*Elevation
*Rotation
*Distance

"Here, the dimension of distance would represent more than just a straight line, plotted through three-dimensional space but the amount of space curvature that the jump drive would have to fold."

Not true, they can just be [[w:Spherical_coordinate_system|Spherical coordinates]], which draws a line of length r (note the similar notation to radius), but with a specific orientation in space depending the angles θ and φ. No special space-folding math here.--[[User:DuMan|DuMan]] 16:28, 30 June 2007 (CDT)
:Mhh, true. Guess we can just change this to general coordinates, and say that they could be either cartesian or spherical. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 16:41, 30 June 2007 (CDT)

== No credit! ==

I went to ''all that trouble'' of witing about and calculating the time dilation, an addition that I originally made at [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]] over a year ago, but now I find it on this page, and I am not in either page's edit history! What's up with that? I thought this was cc-''by''-sa. Where is my frakkin' credit?!! --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 05:26, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

:Oh, I guess I am still in the edit history at [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]]. I missed it. Anyway, wasn't really mad about it; just was looking for the time dilation info and couldn't find it on that page. --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 05:30, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

::Your contributions were probably moved over to this article when the original science article was split over several pages because it became too long and about too many topics (at least I think that's what happened). But technically we don't have page ownership here ;( --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 05:38, 26 August 2007 (CDT)
::Right, no page ownership, but attribution is required by the license. An editor's work is released to BSG wiki under the cc license, and BSG wiki releases it to others in the same way. But it doesn't matter, I was just making a big deal about it because I couldn't find the text when I wanted to. --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 07:03, 26 August 2007 (CDT)

== Triangulation ==

You say, "To calculate the approximate distance between the Colonies and Earth, using the map to the left, one must first get the distance between the Lagoon Nebula and Earth, 4,100 light-years. One must then determine the distance between the point labeled 'Earth' and the point labeled 'Lagoon Nebula.'" Well, that would be 4,100 light-years. You meant 'Colonies' and 'Lagoon Nebula' or 'Colonies' and 'Earth'. However, these distances are unknown, and so I don't see where the 10,250 light year estimate came from. --[[User:MHall|MHall]] 01:43, 13 October 2007 (CDT)

== RCS ==

In Roslin's press conference in The Hand of God, Playa Palacios states that the fleet would be unable to perform basic combat manouveres without fuel. Since reaction control thrusters are used for ships to manouvere, and she is obviously referring to tylium by "fuel" (because tylium is what the fleet salvages from the asteroid), does this mean that we can add that Colonial RCS systems are also fueled by refined tylium?

Talk:Command Navigation Program/Archive 1

2007-10-18T05:43:13Z

Rapturous: /* Means of Transmission */

==How CNP Infiltration Differs from Infection==

My understanding is that, while the CNP is obviously functional and works as designed, the CNP's backdoors was what made it dangerous. Whether the CNP's backdoors allowed activation of a virus, Trojan, or system command access seems consistent now with our viewing the behavior of a Cylon virus on ''Galactica'' in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", although the CNP was never loaded on their computers.

It's reasonable to assume that post-war (modern) Colonial ships were still not easily hackable despite their advancements, so it took the CNP backdoors to make that happen. As far as ''Galactica'' was concerned, it's relatively primitive computers were not as advanced as those used on other Battlestars and were more likely to be directly infected, as done in "[[Scattered]]""--IF they were accessible by [[wireless]]. Obviously the computers were never available for infection until the events of "Scattered".

It's likely that the process of networking ''Galactica's'' computers with hard lines at Gaeta's console (Gaeta mentions in "Scattered" that he would network the FTL computer with the Navigation, Damage Control, and Fire Control computers) also interfaced them to the comm channels of the ship and to ship's wireless by default. Otherwise, Gaeta would not be fearful of simply creating a closed network to make the calculations. Networking any computers on ''Galactica'' would automatically create a wireless portal to them. Interesting Colonial technology in that way; it's like two laptops that automatically form a wireless connection when they want to share data.

So the Raider's programming may be two-fold. Option one: Attempt access to an enemy ship via a CNP backdoor, where it may activate a Trojan Horse program in the CNP or directly command the CNP to stop operation of the ship. Option two: Use First War tactics and attempt to hack and infect a computer that's available by wireless. Just my take on it, but it's consistent with show events. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 15:46, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

:Strictly speaking, [[Wikipedia:Computer virus|Computer virus]]es and [[Wikipedia:Computer worm|worms]] are defined by their ability to ''proliferate''. It would be most proper to state that the CNP (or part of it) was a Cylon-designed [[Wikipedia:Trojan horse (computing)|Trojan horse]].

:The Logic Bomb that infected Galactica's systems was obviously very different - either a remote [[Wikipedia:exploit (computer security)|exploit]] or the work of a Cylon agent onboard ''Galactica'', as I speculated on the "[[Scattered]]" page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:53, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

:: A Trojan Horse is typically a malevalent application disguised as a benevolent one, with no "good" code within. Trojans generally do not activate themselves (as viruses do) or proliferate themselves (as worms do). The CNP was a functional program with backdoors that allowed commands, of which shut down commands, commands to activate a hidden virus or worm inside the CNP code, or copy commands to receive and activate a new virus would work. In "Scattered", ''Galactica'' becomes infected by the Cylon virus transmitted by the attacking fleet using old-school War I tactics--that I'm pretty certain of at this point since we have no other data to support otherwise, and fits ''Galactica's'' technology base. Doesn't mean there wasn't someone on the inside that copied back the virus code on a low-level system into ''Galactica'' after the initial purge in "Scattered." We already know of one or two Cylon infiltrators (Godfrey, Biers), and at least 6 others remain at large. The virus created the Logic Bomb...or the Logic Bomb was implanted by an infiltrator, yes, but we have no way of knowing just yet.[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:25, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

==CNP on Civilian Ships==

In the miniseries, Doral approaches Baltar with a report he requested: "You asked for a report on how many civilian ships had your CNP program?" Seems pretty clear to me. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 12:43, 3 January 2006 (EST)

==Still need clarification==

Okay, my thinking was that the CNP backdoors allowed a virus to enter which in turn shut down their systems; I mean when we hear about windows having a flaw, it's "a flaw that a virus could exploit". Of course I'm not a computer expert, but it seems like a virus exploiting the CNP flaws.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 14:03, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:Well, when you're not inside the castle (like most viruses), your only options are to enter by whatever means are available. But when you have a bad guy who helps '''design and build the castle''', you have the potential not only for intentional design flaws that might be exploited, but also the opportunity to have people inside the castle before the fighting begins. They see the signal flare and they can open the gates (allowing more viruses entry) and/or cause damage of their own. Baltar's Caprica-Six might have inserted hidden commands that shut things down, or that opened up exploits for outsiders to take advantage of, or possibly both. Real-life viruses tend to do the same, opening holes for other viruses even as they are doing damage themselves. Whether or not the hidden programming inside the CNP did the damage itself, or opened up the exploits for the outside viruses to take advantage of, credit for the kill would still likely fall to the CNP programming, for making it all possible. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:14, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

::I thought it was like programmed in that would do the same thing. I think Six said, I rewrote half your algorthims. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 16:34, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:::Six was referring to Baltar's programming of the CNP itself, of which he wasn't doing a very good job at perfecting. Six made it work, but she also added a bit of extras. If the CNP was a castle, Six added a special magician that, on the Cylon's command, turned its "king" (commander/pilot) into a jester and surrendered the castle instantly. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:43, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:We've had this conclusion several times, so I'm being forced to use bold text here to make sure my point is clear: '''There was. no. virus.''' The CNP included a backdoor which allowed the cylons to dial in and shut down their systems at will. Classic trojan horse. No virus involved. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:19, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::I didn't know that's what a Trojan did. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 21:31, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
:::Don't worry; I'm sure under some yet newer taxonomy it's, e.g., a "hedgehog" or a "plaguecarrier." At least some of the experts on computer security truly enjoy inventing new terminology; years ago, all would have been called a virus, and implementation idiosyncracies would be left to the specific name. For future reference, one can usually get away with being accurate, if highly broad, by calling the item "malware." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 22:07, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I think the reason you have that impression was that viruses actually were the most common type of malware back in the floppy disk era. Most e-mail "viruses" are actually worms, distinguished by their ability to replicate on their own, without piggybacking on another executable which they must "infect". The definition of a trojan horse is essentially something installed in good faith with a hidden malevolent purpose. This sort of, but does not quite perfectly include the idea of a "backdoor", which is really the best possible term to describe the CNP. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 22:37, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
:::::I'm well aware of the distinctions, and I think that the simple fact that boot-sector-overriding programs, including some with beneficial purposes like real-time encryption of disk access, and corruptions of normal user programs use the same term is a clear indication that initially they were made in far less detail. For the most part, jargon exists to identify a community and mystify victi\b\b\b\b\bcustomers. Originally, malware lacked the frequency, variety, or crystalization of attack patterns necessary for the irksome, mostly useless nit-picking of current terminology. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 23:34, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::::Still, I think it behooves us not to misuse that terminology, nit-picking as it may be. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:45, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::: A really good term is ''worm''. :) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 22:47, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::A worm has to be self-propagating. The CNP isn't. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:05, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

== What did it actually do? ==

What was the CNP designed to do, excatly? What were the advantages over the previous system? {{unsigned|Spidersense215}} --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 22:59, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:I'd surmise that it plotted courses (minimally according to some metric like distance or fuel, given a database of the known contents of charted space and their properties) and executed autopilot burns of the engines to follow those courses, watching for obstructions and issuing a warning should one block the course. The word "Command" suggests it might allow remote overrides of destination, etc.; this would likely be the functionality abused by the Cylons. The previous system probably did all but the remoting, since a navigation program is a rather obvious thing to put in a spaceship and the software was likely quite refined by the time of the CNP.
:To be clear, "I'd surmise" means I '''made that up'''. It's a guess, and that's why it's not on the page itself. [[Wikipedia:The Powers That Be (television)|They]]'ve never told us a real answer. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 15:17, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

::I don't know, that seems pretty rudimentary for something that required "OMG teh Forbidden AI technologies", if you will. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:02, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:::The plotting of an optimal course in space (relatively) near objects seems to me like a [[Wikipedia:Calculus of variations|variational]] problem desiring a function f(t) giving a vector of the thrusts from each engine at time ''t'' such that C(f) the cost in fuel or time is minimal and the intial position plus the integral of f(t) modified by the forces exerted by the nearby objects over the time used is the destination. This seems related to the [[Wikipedia:N-body problem|''n''-body system]], but I admit my familiarity with the topic is limited. A cursory glance at Google returns gives a [http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/project/scandal/public/papers/dimacs-nbody.html source] stating good approximation of the solution to a ''n''-body problem is possible in O(n) for each time step (with a complicated algorithm by the standards of someone implementing parallel algorithms for solutions to integral equations). This makes the problem seem tough but trivial compared to an AI. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 22:14, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:Frankly, the CNP was a super-avionics package, nothing more. It also appeared to combine many tactical advantages in fleet combat with improved DRADIS, navigation and battle plans (possibly, fighters or battlestars could coordinate their maneuvers better under a single set of commands) and the like. For the older stuff, see the innards of the Viper Mark II (Miniseries) where we see Starbuck fly the first time. Worked fine. Not flashy, but also it couldn't be hacked--then, or "now." --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:05, 28 April 2006 (CDT)

== Means of Transmission ==

How would the Cylons actually transmit the signals to override the CNP on the target ship? Would it be recieved via the ship's wireless system?--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 00:42, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Command Navigation Program/Archive 1

2007-10-18T05:42:42Z

Rapturous: New section: Means of Transmission

==How CNP Infiltration Differs from Infection==

My understanding is that, while the CNP is obviously functional and works as designed, the CNP's backdoors was what made it dangerous. Whether the CNP's backdoors allowed activation of a virus, Trojan, or system command access seems consistent now with our viewing the behavior of a Cylon virus on ''Galactica'' in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", although the CNP was never loaded on their computers.

It's reasonable to assume that post-war (modern) Colonial ships were still not easily hackable despite their advancements, so it took the CNP backdoors to make that happen. As far as ''Galactica'' was concerned, it's relatively primitive computers were not as advanced as those used on other Battlestars and were more likely to be directly infected, as done in "[[Scattered]]""--IF they were accessible by [[wireless]]. Obviously the computers were never available for infection until the events of "Scattered".

It's likely that the process of networking ''Galactica's'' computers with hard lines at Gaeta's console (Gaeta mentions in "Scattered" that he would network the FTL computer with the Navigation, Damage Control, and Fire Control computers) also interfaced them to the comm channels of the ship and to ship's wireless by default. Otherwise, Gaeta would not be fearful of simply creating a closed network to make the calculations. Networking any computers on ''Galactica'' would automatically create a wireless portal to them. Interesting Colonial technology in that way; it's like two laptops that automatically form a wireless connection when they want to share data.

So the Raider's programming may be two-fold. Option one: Attempt access to an enemy ship via a CNP backdoor, where it may activate a Trojan Horse program in the CNP or directly command the CNP to stop operation of the ship. Option two: Use First War tactics and attempt to hack and infect a computer that's available by wireless. Just my take on it, but it's consistent with show events. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 15:46, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

:Strictly speaking, [[Wikipedia:Computer virus|Computer virus]]es and [[Wikipedia:Computer worm|worms]] are defined by their ability to ''proliferate''. It would be most proper to state that the CNP (or part of it) was a Cylon-designed [[Wikipedia:Trojan horse (computing)|Trojan horse]].

:The Logic Bomb that infected Galactica's systems was obviously very different - either a remote [[Wikipedia:exploit (computer security)|exploit]] or the work of a Cylon agent onboard ''Galactica'', as I speculated on the "[[Scattered]]" page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:53, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

:: A Trojan Horse is typically a malevalent application disguised as a benevolent one, with no "good" code within. Trojans generally do not activate themselves (as viruses do) or proliferate themselves (as worms do). The CNP was a functional program with backdoors that allowed commands, of which shut down commands, commands to activate a hidden virus or worm inside the CNP code, or copy commands to receive and activate a new virus would work. In "Scattered", ''Galactica'' becomes infected by the Cylon virus transmitted by the attacking fleet using old-school War I tactics--that I'm pretty certain of at this point since we have no other data to support otherwise, and fits ''Galactica's'' technology base. Doesn't mean there wasn't someone on the inside that copied back the virus code on a low-level system into ''Galactica'' after the initial purge in "Scattered." We already know of one or two Cylon infiltrators (Godfrey, Biers), and at least 6 others remain at large. The virus created the Logic Bomb...or the Logic Bomb was implanted by an infiltrator, yes, but we have no way of knowing just yet.[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:25, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

==CNP on Civilian Ships==

In the miniseries, Doral approaches Baltar with a report he requested: "You asked for a report on how many civilian ships had your CNP program?" Seems pretty clear to me. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 12:43, 3 January 2006 (EST)

==Still need clarification==

Okay, my thinking was that the CNP backdoors allowed a virus to enter which in turn shut down their systems; I mean when we hear about windows having a flaw, it's "a flaw that a virus could exploit". Of course I'm not a computer expert, but it seems like a virus exploiting the CNP flaws.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 14:03, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:Well, when you're not inside the castle (like most viruses), your only options are to enter by whatever means are available. But when you have a bad guy who helps '''design and build the castle''', you have the potential not only for intentional design flaws that might be exploited, but also the opportunity to have people inside the castle before the fighting begins. They see the signal flare and they can open the gates (allowing more viruses entry) and/or cause damage of their own. Baltar's Caprica-Six might have inserted hidden commands that shut things down, or that opened up exploits for outsiders to take advantage of, or possibly both. Real-life viruses tend to do the same, opening holes for other viruses even as they are doing damage themselves. Whether or not the hidden programming inside the CNP did the damage itself, or opened up the exploits for the outside viruses to take advantage of, credit for the kill would still likely fall to the CNP programming, for making it all possible. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:14, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

::I thought it was like programmed in that would do the same thing. I think Six said, I rewrote half your algorthims. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 16:34, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:::Six was referring to Baltar's programming of the CNP itself, of which he wasn't doing a very good job at perfecting. Six made it work, but she also added a bit of extras. If the CNP was a castle, Six added a special magician that, on the Cylon's command, turned its "king" (commander/pilot) into a jester and surrendered the castle instantly. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:43, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:We've had this conclusion several times, so I'm being forced to use bold text here to make sure my point is clear: '''There was. no. virus.''' The CNP included a backdoor which allowed the cylons to dial in and shut down their systems at will. Classic trojan horse. No virus involved. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:19, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::I didn't know that's what a Trojan did. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 21:31, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
:::Don't worry; I'm sure under some yet newer taxonomy it's, e.g., a "hedgehog" or a "plaguecarrier." At least some of the experts on computer security truly enjoy inventing new terminology; years ago, all would have been called a virus, and implementation idiosyncracies would be left to the specific name. For future reference, one can usually get away with being accurate, if highly broad, by calling the item "malware." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 22:07, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I think the reason you have that impression was that viruses actually were the most common type of malware back in the floppy disk era. Most e-mail "viruses" are actually worms, distinguished by their ability to replicate on their own, without piggybacking on another executable which they must "infect". The definition of a trojan horse is essentially something installed in good faith with a hidden malevolent purpose. This sort of, but does not quite perfectly include the idea of a "backdoor", which is really the best possible term to describe the CNP. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 22:37, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
:::::I'm well aware of the distinctions, and I think that the simple fact that boot-sector-overriding programs, including some with beneficial purposes like real-time encryption of disk access, and corruptions of normal user programs use the same term is a clear indication that initially they were made in far less detail. For the most part, jargon exists to identify a community and mystify victi\b\b\b\b\bcustomers. Originally, malware lacked the frequency, variety, or crystalization of attack patterns necessary for the irksome, mostly useless nit-picking of current terminology. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 23:34, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::::Still, I think it behooves us not to misuse that terminology, nit-picking as it may be. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:45, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::: A really good term is ''worm''. :) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 22:47, 17 April 2006 (CDT)
::::A worm has to be self-propagating. The CNP isn't. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:05, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

== What did it actually do? ==

What was the CNP designed to do, excatly? What were the advantages over the previous system? {{unsigned|Spidersense215}} --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 22:59, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:I'd surmise that it plotted courses (minimally according to some metric like distance or fuel, given a database of the known contents of charted space and their properties) and executed autopilot burns of the engines to follow those courses, watching for obstructions and issuing a warning should one block the course. The word "Command" suggests it might allow remote overrides of destination, etc.; this would likely be the functionality abused by the Cylons. The previous system probably did all but the remoting, since a navigation program is a rather obvious thing to put in a spaceship and the software was likely quite refined by the time of the CNP.
:To be clear, "I'd surmise" means I '''made that up'''. It's a guess, and that's why it's not on the page itself. [[Wikipedia:The Powers That Be (television)|They]]'ve never told us a real answer. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 15:17, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

::I don't know, that seems pretty rudimentary for something that required "OMG teh Forbidden AI technologies", if you will. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:02, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:::The plotting of an optimal course in space (relatively) near objects seems to me like a [[Wikipedia:Calculus of variations|variational]] problem desiring a function f(t) giving a vector of the thrusts from each engine at time ''t'' such that C(f) the cost in fuel or time is minimal and the intial position plus the integral of f(t) modified by the forces exerted by the nearby objects over the time used is the destination. This seems related to the [[Wikipedia:N-body problem|''n''-body system]], but I admit my familiarity with the topic is limited. A cursory glance at Google returns gives a [http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/project/scandal/public/papers/dimacs-nbody.html source] stating good approximation of the solution to a ''n''-body problem is possible in O(n) for each time step (with a complicated algorithm by the standards of someone implementing parallel algorithms for solutions to integral equations). This makes the problem seem tough but trivial compared to an AI. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 22:14, 27 April 2006 (CDT)

:Frankly, the CNP was a super-avionics package, nothing more. It also appeared to combine many tactical advantages in fleet combat with improved DRADIS, navigation and battle plans (possibly, fighters or battlestars could coordinate their maneuvers better under a single set of commands) and the like. For the older stuff, see the innards of the Viper Mark II (Miniseries) where we see Starbuck fly the first time. Worked fine. Not flashy, but also it couldn't be hacked--then, or "now." --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:05, 28 April 2006 (CDT)

== Means of Transmission ==

How would the Cylons actually transmit the signals to override the CNP to the target ship? Would it be recieved via the ship's wireless system?--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 00:42, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Arts and Literature of the Twelve Colonies/Archive 1

2007-10-15T20:57:53Z

Rapturous: New section: Right Angles

==Purpose==
This page serves to collect all information on arts, literature, music, and aesthetics in the twelve colonies. It is currently a merger of [[Edward Prima]], [[Dark Day]], [[A Murder on Picon]], [[Kataris]] and [[Monclair]], with additional notes on the abstract art of [[Kara Thrace]] and her father's piano compositions, as proposed on [[Talk:Polygons]]. The current version is a very rough draft. This article will eventually include notes on colonial aesthetics (octagons, hexagons, etc.) and some more prosaic introductory text, and become part of the [[Battlestar Wiki:The Twelve Colonies|the Twelve Colonies series]].

Suggestions are welcome. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:00, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

==Aesthetics==
Merv, please leave the outline on Aesthetics alone until I have a chance to fill it. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:06, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

:As a dumping ground compilation of the various arts pages I agree, but there don't need to be whole subsections on the cut corners; a mention in the intro will do. I'm assuming popular culture counted too?--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 18:04, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

::Would you give me a day or two to put something together before passing final judgement? I think it could be a fairly interesting section of the article, and the need for something of this nature was pointed out convincingly on [[Talk:Polygons]]. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:07, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

::Oh yeah, sorry I thought it was as done was it was going to be; didn't see that it was a new project thing. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 18:29, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

==Dreilide Thrace==
The Merovingian deleted the reference to Dreilide Thrace with the edit summary: "We don't know her father's name".

With respect, I submit that if the SkyOne information is good enough for us to have articles on the otherwise unnamed [[Joseph Adama|Joseph]] and [[Evelyn Adama]], we can rely on it for Mr. Thrace's given name until contradicted by the series. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:06, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

:....I don't know if we should do that: A) SkyOne isn't a definative source B) most importantly, '''This SkyOne information was *taken down*'''. It no longer exists online. Maybe they took it down....because it was no longer "correct"? I've pointed out in several character bios, notably [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Galactica-Sharon]], that information from SkyOne's old bio stuff has in fact been ''contradicted'' several times by new information.

:You are right: I was unaware that that was the ''sole'' source of William Adama's mother's name (his father's name is engraved on the lighter), but if SkyOne is indeed the sole source of this info I'm going to slap a proposal for deletion on "Evelyn Adama". We really shouldn't use it if it's not from Scifi, and was actually ''removed''. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 18:33, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

::I've copied this to [[Battlestar Wiki talk:Citation Jihad]]. Let's continue the discussion there. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:48, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

I've set to remove all SkyOne bio information from regular articles and just limit it to the [[Series bible]] page. Discussion about whether to even delete it from there should continue on that page's Talk section. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 13:08, 19 July 2006 (CDT)

==Image Requests==
*Kataris: Either Palladino's bound copy of his poems, or the threatening message on Tigh's mirror.
*Dark Day: A screen cap of Adama giving the book to Roslin, or Roslin returning it to Adama
*Dreilide Thrace: Can we link to the [http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/clipserve/B0000026Y4001001/1/ref=mu_sam_ra001_001/ streaming media] sample of "Metamorphosis One" on Amazon?
--[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:13, 21 May 2006 (CDT)
:What about the free, full copy of it posted in Galacticastation's media section? Click on my username at the end of this message: I already hotlinked it into my 'music to work to' section. :) --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:10, 21 May 2006 (CDT)
::Link's broken. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:37, 21 May 2006 (CDT)

==Efficiency==
Buzzword of the day: the technical reason squares are the most "efficient" shape is because they are the [[Wikipedia:measure polytope|measure polytope]] of two-dimensional space. The [[Wikipedia:Octagon|Octagon]], meanwhile, cannot tesselate 2-space. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 03:59, 19 June 2006 (CDT)
:Thanks for the tidbit; that's really quite interesting. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]<sup>([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]])</sup> 13:25, 19 June 2006 (CDT)

:: Maybe they should reverse the polarity, thus creating an inverse phase variance. I'm not sure if I'm up on all this "science" and "math" but a blind man told me that might work sometimes. --[[User:Day|Day]] <sup>([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]])</sup> 21:18, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

==Big Enough?==

I added two sections on Sculpture and Architecture, including 3 thumbnail images. Is that enough to expand this article sufficiently or should I hunt down more? --[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 15:53, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

:I would hope that all the TODO's would be done (or at least removed) before removing the expansion tag. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 15:59, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

:I'm not sure what your basis is for identifying the two unnamed cities with a pre-federalist aesthetic, and Caprica city with a federalist aesthetic. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:40, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

Homeworld616 I appreciate your work and a lot of its good...but most of this is just "we put a camera on downtown Vancouver because that's where we film", and you're trying to base theories on that. I mean the bemusing thing is to add on notes to like, Caprica or the Miniseries + "Epiphanies" and say "this is really shot on SFU's campus in Vancouver", but it doesn't really mean anything. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 16:51, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

:Yeah. I'd rather not read too much into the architectural variations. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:23, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

::Sorry about all this you guys. I just write about what I see. I apologize for my overzealous detail-espousing and theory-making. I'll try to improve that. Anyhow, my basis for the different aesthetics ranging from the unnamed cities to Caprica City is, on secondary review on my part, unfounded. I see mixtures of both "styles" in each city. I'll get on that. Also, if you don't want to read into that architectural detail mumbo-jumbo I'll trim down the Kobol section (which, since Kobol wasn't a colony, I don't know if that section should even ''be'' here). I can also take superfluous detail off of the other sections and perhaps combine them. --[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 23:17, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

::There. Does this form please you? --[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 23:24, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

==Galactica v. Pegasus==

''Galactica'' corridors are pretty much just pentagons while those on ''Pegasus'' are octagons. That clears up that TODO, doesn't it? (I asked this question because I didn't want to write false info into the article. I'd like this hallway shape verified first). --[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 23:33, 3 July 2006 (CDT)

:I believe that the corridor junctions on ''Galactica'' form acute angles, whereas the junctions on ''Pegasus'' are at right angles. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 04:37, 4 July 2006 (CDT)

It would also be nice to get some more images and rethink their layout in this article before going live. The image to text ratio is going to be necessarily high due to topic matter - I think this calls for judicious use of the gallery tag. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 04:45, 4 July 2006 (CDT)

::Right, I agree with you. We need to hunt down some images. I'll try Google.--[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 12:28, 4 July 2006 (CDT)
:::We use GalacticaStation.com's episode guide's screencap gallerys for many of our day to day screencap needs. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 13:55, 4 July 2006 (CDT)

Beyond a brief mention of how Pegasus looks more advanced than Galactica, the actual place for pointing out the differences should really be under [[Mercury class battlestar]], though we're actually waiting for the Extended Version of Pegasus to come out because RDM said in the podcast that there is a scene in it where they mention some of the differences, so that's on hold till September. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 13:57, 4 July 2006 (CDT)

:I've completed the merge from a separate article on the shapes and forms to the article, also adding the Pegasus/Galactica shape question. It's from memory, so do correct with picture evidence. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:09, 30 July 2006 (CDT)

== TV design...an aesthetic? ==

I first realized this when [[User: Sauron18]] brought this up on the [[Channel 7 News]] article [[Talk: Channel 7 News|discussion page]]. We've technically seen three Colonial TV sets, two at Baltar's house in the [[Miniseries]] and one at Boomer's apartment in [[Downloaded]]. Both times, the TV sets were vertical rectangular screens. Would this be an aesthetic, kind of like the aversion to right angles fettish? (although, with some sense of irony, the corners for the TV sets ''are'' right angles)--[[User:Homeworld616|Homeworld616]] 06:11, 23 July 2006 (CDT)

:Ever consider the mechanical hell necessary to make a hexagonal display? In all seriousness, I think the orientation is more important than the shape; it a space conserving look. They could've placed triangles at the corners to "fake" the hex shape, but when it comes to informational displays, the Colonials appear just as rectangular as the rest of us. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:09, 30 July 2006 (CDT)

== Merging articles. ==

The [[Tattoo]] article has been merged. As this article is supposed to describe the Twelve Colonies' tastes and not those of the actors, references to the nature of the actor's personal tattoos has been either made a reference point or deleted to keep the article on-topic and germane.

I have also removed Dreilide Thrace from the article, replacing it with "Kara Thrace's Father," as that name is not canonical per wiki policy not to treat Sky One's biographies as canonical. A reference notes this adjustment. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:59, 14 October 2006 (CDT)

== Popular music ==

There is loud music playing in Boomer's apartment in "Downloaded" and some songs play in [[Joe's bar]]. This might be worth mentioning, but I don't really know what to say except "Colonial popular music is similar to modern Earth", which is kind of obvious anyways. Or we just note appearances of such music without any commentary. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 12:17, 18 August 2007 (CDT)
: Well, one of the pieces playing in Joe's Bar is apparently something by [[Raya Yarborough]], according to [[Bear McCreary]], and it apparently came from the "Rest Stop" soundtrack. Otherwise, we should just note its appearance without commentary, since we don't know much about the pieces they've chosen. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] - [http://www.sanctuarywiki.org Sanctuary Wiki — ''New'']</sup> 12:56, 18 August 2007 (CDT)

== Right Angles ==

Do we have any idea where the deal with the Colonials and right angles stems from? Is there some reason behind it or is it just a cultural quirk?

CIC

2007-10-14T09:27:45Z

Rapturous:

:''This article discusses the CIC of battlestar ''Galactica'' of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. The CIC of the battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' contained similar stations.''
:''For information on the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] counterpart in this series, see [[Basestar command]].''<br /><br />

[[Image:Bsg-cic-2.jpg|thumb|300px|The Combat Information Center of Galactica.]]
The veteran Colonial [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is centrally operated from the '''Combat Information Center''', or '''CIC''', the battlestar's nerve center. It performs both the functions of a bridge and the CIC in naval parlance, as ''Galactica'' is also steered from the CIC.

== Galactica ==

CIC is a faintly-circular room located deep in the interior "alligator head" of the battlestar, where the main hull meets the midship section. From CIC, the battlestar's tactical and navigational operations are monitored and directed. CIC is a large, two-level complex with three bulkhead exits, which are closed during [[Action Stations|action stations]] alerts.

''Galactica's'' CIC is divided into several stations.

* '''Command and Control'''
* '''Communications'''
* '''Damage Control'''
* '''Navigation'''
* '''Helm'''
* '''FTL'''
* '''Tactical'''
* '''Weapons Control'''
* '''Engineering and Environment'''
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
<br/>
===Command and Control===
[[Image:Cic_cmdcontrolstation.jpg|thumb|The Command & Control Center.]]

The '''Command and Control''' station is the primary station within CIC used by the Commanding and Executive Officers aboard a Colonial battlestar. The center comprises a large communications and a roughly hexagonal "information management" table, with a retractable information display tower bearing a number of LCD screens suspended above it. There are no chairs; the command staff are always standing.

Here, the battlestar's commander and [[Executive officer]] are on station, observing and plotting battle tactics, viewing transparent charts, and giving commands to others in CIC. Above the Command and Control Station are a cluster of monitors known as the [[DRADIS console]]. The DRADIS console descends from a cylindrical ceiling recess when required. From the Command and Control Station, the commander has a 360-degree view of the CIC. The DRADIS console contains DRADIS displays but also includes other navigation and tactical information available to the commander at a glance. The displays are capable of showing a wide range on information including:
* Countdowns ("[[33]]", "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]")
* [[DRADIS]] sensor readings relayed from the DRADIS console
* Battlestar management information, such as the vessel's spatial orientation (pitch, yaw & roll)
* Battle management information

A [[Cylon transponder]] was once mounted on the base of the DRADIS console ([[Miniseries]]), supposedly planted there by [[Aaron Doral]].

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

[[Image:Cic_commstation.jpg|left|thumb|The Communication Station.]]

===Communications Center===
Adjacent to the Command and Control Center on the port side of CIC is the ''Communications Center''. Here, all communications to and from fighters and other ships are monitored, directed or relayed. In coordination with the Tactical Station, the Communications officer can also verify [[IFF|transponders]] that register as friendly, and alerts the Tactical Officer or commander if they pick up signals without transponders or recognized enemy transponders. The [[Communications Officer]] has a link to the [[Computers#Mainframe computer|mainframe computer]], where a library of Colonial recognition information resides.

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

[[Image:Dmgcontrolconsole.jpg|thumb|[[Galen Tyrol]] at DC panel after a nuclear strike on the port [[flight pod]] ([[Miniseries]]).]]
===Damage Control Station===
Situated in the far port side of CIC is ''Damage Control.'' This station, usually unmanned, contains the Damage Control computers, which connect to many sensors throughout the exterior and interior of the ship. A large display against the wall of the station shows damage through a series of lights that represent the [[Frame|frames]], or compartments of the battlestar that form the many segments of the ship.

[[Image:Cicdmgcontrol.jpg|left|thumb|The Damage Control Station.]]
A commander can order a Damage Control officer to perform many actions to repair or mitigate the effects of an enemy attack through the controls here, including the venting of compartments, coordination of damage control teams, and the like. It is also likely that alternative damage control stations outside of CIC, such as [[Aft Damage Control|the Aft Damage Control room]] contain similar controls to aid in repairs, control of fires and the like in the event that CIC's damage control is knocked offline or CIC staff are incapacitated.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

[[Image:Cichelmcontrol.jpg|thumb|Helm Control.]]
===Helm Control===
Battlestars move through space much as a submarine navigates in an ocean. There are no windows, no viewscreens to see into space for helm control. While external cameras may be available, they are seldom used in navigation of a battlestar. Navigation is managed by spatial coordinates based on [[DRADIS]] and other sensor information. The helm crewmembers drive the battlestar through a series of controls and based on commands from the Executive officer or commanding officer.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

[[Image:Cictacticalstation1.jpg|thumb|left|The Tactical Station with tactical plot and table.]]
===Tactical Station===
The Officer of the Watch/[[Tactical Officer]] is arguably the busiest officer in ''Galactica's'' CIC. Tasked with the monitoring of [[DRADIS]] and coordinating various command and control functionality, including [[Computers|computer control]], the Tactical Officer must relay changes in status and keep the commander updated continuously during the fluid events of battle. The Tactical officer is typically the first to know that an attack is imminent and will address the battlestar by the public address system to go to battle stations through [[Action Stations|Condition One or Two alerts]].

As ''Galactica's'' computers aren't networked, the Tactical officer must manually print or offload data from the various central computers he monitors (Fire control, Navigation, FTL, and mainframe computers) and relay this information to the other officers and staff in the room. Fortunately, many stations see the same information on displays similar to those at the Tactical Station, but it's the Tactical Officer who is charged with notifying the commander of the changes and interpreting the results. ''Galactica's'' Tactical officer also is the administrator for all central computers onboard and provides maintenance as required.

While the Helm officers drive the ship, it is the Tactical officer that plots [[FTL|FTL jumps]], the apparently instantaneous leap from one location in space to another location millions of kilometers away. The Tactical officer of ''Galactica'' not only has to provide Jump coordinates to the battlestar's helm, but is also responsible for relaying both scheduled sets and sets of [[emergency jump coordinates]] to over 70 other FTL-capable civilian ships that make up [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] to ensure that all ships always stay close to ''Galactica's''' protective sphere.

Nearby the Tactical Station is a tactical board and table where the commander can meet with several officers and crew at once for advanced battle or strategy conferences. The Tactical Station is frequently manned by other specialists and officers that assist the Watch Officer.

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Weapons Control Room===

[[Image:Cicweaponscontrol1.jpg|thumb|left|The Weapons Control Room, left of the Tactical Station.]]
[[Image:Cicweaponscontrol2.jpg|thumb|right|Weapons Control Room.]]
Hidden away, next to the Tactical Station is the Weapons Control Room. Obscured from direct view during most episodes, the Weapons Control Room ostensibly is manned during [[Action Stations]]. The battlestar's gun [[Battery|batteries]] and other defensive controls are managed here.

In the event that the Weapons Control Room or CIC is knocked offline or its crew incapacitated, control of the ship's batteries can be managed at [[Auxiliary Fire Control]].

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

== Pegasus ==

''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'s'' CIC is far smaller than ''Galactica's'', reflecting the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]]'s increased automation and reliance on computer networks. According to Admiral [[Helena Cain|Cain]], the ship is far larger, but requires only half the crew ([[Pegasus (Extended Version)|Pegasus]]).

The CIC has overall far less stations than ''Galactica's'' and occupies only one level, but the general layout is similar. A plotting table - with computer screens above - is located in the center, around which the main stations like Tactical, Helm and Communications are grouped, allowing the commanding officer to quickly address all officers.

While ''Galactica's'' CIC doors are solid bulkheads, ''Pegasus's'' CIC lies adjacent to a large hallway and can be accessed through a series of glass doors that pivot ninety degrees.

<gallery>
Image:PegasusInterior CIC1.jpg|''Pegasus'' CIC ([[The Captain's Hand]]).
Image:PegasusInterior CIC2.jpg|''Pegasus'' CIC (The Captain's Hand).
Image:PegasusInterior CIC3.jpg|''Pegasus'' CIC (The Captain's Hand).
Image:PegasusInterior CICHallway.jpg|Hallway and entrance to the CIC (The Captain's Hand).
</gallery>

==Notes==

* The destruction of other battlestars during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] hinged on the Colonial's dependence on complex networking within most CICs. It is likely that the battlestars that were destroyed required fewer crewmembers to operate it since they used networked computer systems that moved data around faster than the crew that literally ran between stations in ''Galactica's'' CIC with pen and paper or data cartridges to transfer messages and data.
* Unlike her sister battlestars, ''[[Galactica]]'' is the only one without networked computer systems throughout the ship. This simple design, which was a necessary defense when the ship fought in the first Cylon War, saved it again as almost all other battlestars were shut down and destroyed by the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. The CNP"was created by Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] but secretly modified by [[Number Six|a Cylon agent]] with vulnerabilities that could order any ship with the program installed to shut down its own systems. Without the CNP in place and without a central computer network, ''Galactica'' was practically immune to Cylon infiltration and infection tactics and was able to mount a defense.
* A [[Cylon agent]], probably the first copy of [[Aaron Doral]] encountered, installed a [[Cylon transponder]] at the base of the DRADIS console shortly before the Cylon attack ([[Miniseries]]). Dr. Baltar is aided by his virtual [[Number Six]] in identifying it to the CIC command staff. It is likely that the transponder is placed there to track ''Galactica'' should it escape the initial Cylon attack.
*According to [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]] in a deleted scene from "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]", the ''Galactica'' CIC is staffed by roughly 50 people.

==Cinematic Information==

* Cinematic realism on the CIC set is enhanced with the use of actual submarine hardware, such as thick phones with cords.
* Unlike the command centers of many science fiction space vessels, ''Galactica's'' CIC does not have a central viewing screen out into space. There isn't a single window looking out, in fact. Navigation is performed from sensor and spatial data not unlike a submarine.
* The CIC set used for the ''Pegasus'' are the modified remains of set hardware intended for use on a revival of the "Lost in Space" television series. When the series project was cancelled, the show's sets were refitted to form the CIC for this advanced battlestar. This is also the behind the scenes reason why the ''Pegasus'' CIC is not as large as the two-level ''Galactica'' CIC; the production team simply could not afford to make another set on the scale of the ''Galactica'' CIC, and were able to build the ''Pegasus'' CIC by purchasing the canceled "Lost in Space" sets for next to nothing.
* The Sci-Fi Channel official web site incorrectly names CIC as the "''Command'' Information Center." The correct name is verifiable from the center's name that is etched in the glass of the doors of the set.
*The Weapons Control Section is a rarely seen (in terms of use in episodes) and secluded part of CIC. The area was shown manned and in action during the closing moments of the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]), just before [[Anastasia Dualla]] reports that Starbuck and Apollo have not yet returned to ''Galactica.'' The area was likely built with the set budget before later restrictions would make building one impossible. The angle and enclosed area suggests that the area is used in production to allow film crew to hide off-camera without being off-set during filming.

==See Also==
*[[DRADIS]]
*[[Situation Room]], a room used for tactical and strategic planning, located near CIC.
*[[Senior Staff of Galactica]]

==External links==
*[http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/cic/ Sci-Fi Channel's QuickTime 3D movie tour of the CIC set]

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas]]
[[Category:Galactica Areas (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-13T10:08:50Z

Rapturous: /* FTL Computer */

{{RDM science series}}

Technologies such as '''computers''' have been mostly bane and less of a blessing to the Colonials of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM) |Twelve Colonies]], despite the obvious conveniences that technology brings. It was computer technology that led to the creation of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] for household to warfare use. These intelligent machines rebelled. To counter their creation's ability to hack into computers, the Colonial defenses, particularly the [[Galactica type battlestar|first battlestars]], used computers but did not network them to all but eliminate Cylon infiltration.

Over 40 years after that first [[Cylon War]] and with the Cylons apparently long gone, the Colonials slowly returned to technological conveniences. When the Cylons began planning a second war against the Colonials, they chose to infiltrate the Colonial military through yet another program installed throughout fighters and battlestars that was designed to add more convenience: the [[Command Navigation Program]]. This program, thanks to [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylon agents disguised as humans]] who infiltrated Colonial life and sought out people who had [[Gaius Baltar|access to Colonial computer defense technologies]], contained a "backdoor" that allow the Cylon forces to damage or disable any Colonial vessel with this program. Only non-networked ships (such as most civilian ships or ''Galactica'' herself) or those with comparatively primitive computers (such as [[Viper (RDM)|the Viper Mark II]]) are all-but-immune to the new Cylon menace.

As he tours ''Galactica'', [[Doral]] comments that her computers "hardly deserve the name" ([[Miniseries, Night 1]]). Ronald Moore has stated that the computers are actually less powerful than those of contemporary Earth <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Hero|act=1|}}</ref>.

[[Image:Seshalaptop 216 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A laptop computer ([[Sacrifice]]).]]
==Colonial Civilian and Government Computers==

====[[Colonial Defense Mainframe]]====

:Not much is known of this system other than its existence and the roles they played in the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. This central computer housed key Colonial Fleet logistical information, such as fleet deployment, and was the central system used by [[Gaius Baltar]] to create and distribute the [[Command Navigation Program]] to all advanced ships and fighters in the Colonial Fleet ([[Miniseries]]). It was located within the Ministry of Defense on Caprica ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), since [[Shelly Godfrey|Number Six]] produced credible-looking footage showing Baltar attaching a bomb to it.

====[[War College|War College Simulator]]====

:[[Lee Adama]] performed simulations of Cylon attacks in War College to test Colonial defense tactics. One such defense involves the use of [[EMP]] devices to fool Cylon forces into believing a nuclear device detonated where no explosion took place. Adama successfully used the electric pulse generators that were offloaded onto ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'' from ''Galactica'' to successfully fool two Cylon Raiders into concluding that their nuclear missile attack on ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was successful, while also disabling the warheads of the missiles aimed at the [[Intersun|starliner]]. Adama was amused that this trick actually worked in reality, for in the War College simulations the Cylons were not fooled and destroyed the Colonial targets anyway ([[Miniseries]]).

====Viper Flight Simulators====

:''Galactica'' loses many pilots to Cylon attack or accident in the first weeks of exodus from the Colonies. Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] is ordered to become flight instructor to train [[nugget]]s as new pilots. Normally, pilots are trained on simulators, presumably on one of the Colonies or a more advanced battlestar, which used complex computers to immerse a trainee into the feel of Viper combat. Unfortunately, ''Galactica'' does not have simulators aboard, so Thrace teaches the new pilots using actual Vipers ([[Act of Contrition]]). Months later, the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' joins the Fleet. The modern resources of this battlestar include flight simulators. Rookie pilots [[Brent Baxton|BB]] and [[Joseph Clark|Jo-Jo]] arrive on ''Galactica'' to begin their tour after training with these simulators on ''Pegasus'' ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Hope.jpg|thumb|right|Colonial computer menu ([[Occupation]]).]]
====Personal Computers====

:In preparation for converting ''Galactica'' into a museum and education center, then-Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] pleads unsuccessfully to then-Commander [[William Adama]] to allow installation of a network for personal computers to be used for teaching and information by students and visitors ([[Miniseries]]).

:Terrorist [[Sesha Abinell]] uses a personal laptop computer<ref>In an amusing props gaffe, fans of the show may notice that the mouse she used is an actual product manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation, which may mistakenly suggest to fans that Microsoft's sales model truly ''is'' universal.</ref> in her quarters as she compiles and gathers information on Cylon and Colonial conspiracy theories ([[Sacrifice]]).

:Standalone computers are also present in [[sickbay]] and Dr. Baltar's laboratory.

:The [[New Caprica Resistance]] has a computer in its underground tunnels, which is used to communicate with Raptors dispatched by ''Galactica'' ("[[Occupation]]", "[[Precipice]]").
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

====Data discs====
[[Image:Hexdisk1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Shelly Godfrey's data disc.]]
[[Image:PegDataDisc2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The case with data discs received by Gaeta.]]
Data discs<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> are used to transfer amounts of data between separate computers.

Both [[Shelly Godfrey]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]) and [[D'anna Biers]] ([[Final Cut]]) use data discs to store video files. Their octagonal form fits with Colonial aesthetics (similar to the cut corners on paper).

In the [[Pegasus (Extended Version)|extended version]] of "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", Lieutenant Gaeta receives a copy of ''Pegasus'''s digital library on such dics. The case also contains a spindle of round discs.

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====[[Portable library reader|Portable library readers]]====
[[Image:portable library reader.jpg|thumb|A portable library reader ([[Epiphanies]]).]]
Portable library readers are more like an hand-held electronic dictionary or encyclopedia. They can likely synchronize data from a personal computer.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Basestar Computers==

The Cylon are a cybernetic race. As such, ''everything'' is computer-based by nature. To avoid confusion between differentiation of the cybernetic physiology of the [[humanoid Cylon]], only the non-sentient or quasi-sentient computer systems of the basestar are noted here.

===The Hybrid===

The [[Hybrid]] is a special variety of non-autonomous [[humanoid Cylon]] that rests in a pool of water near or in a basestar's command and control center. Because of its connection to many, if not all, of the basestar's systems, it in effect ''is'' the basestar. Functions such as [[Cylon Centurion]] and Cylon Raider access and deployment appear to be controlled by the Hybrid, as well as navigation control. Whether there is more than one Hybrid model is unknown.

===The Datastream===

The [[datastream]] is the central network within a basestar. It appears to use a liquid as a data transmission medium, a storage medium, or both. The datastream is suceptible to corruption by [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|certain organic pathogens]] that can also infect the sentient humanoid Cylons. The liquid also appears as waterfalls and pools within a basestar's command and control center, which may also serve as access nodes<ref> [[Sharon Agathon]] instructs a member of the boarding team to place a Colonial data gathering device in one of these pools in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]".</ref> (see ''Data port interfaces'' below).

===Data port interfaces===

While not computers in themselves, humanoid Cylons, which are more biological than cybernetic, have devised a remarkable manner to interface with computer systems with an optical interface. On a basestar, Cylons can access their datastream by placing their arm on an illuminated panel that's covered by a thin layer of water. This activates the [[Cylon data port|data port]], an optical interface incorporated within their arms that's otherwise disguised as ordinary human tissues. These interfaces are transceivers that can also be configured for visual data such as photography.

==Battlestar Computers==

An original battlestar such as ''[[Galactica]]'' has several computers dedicated to many critical ship functions. Several specific computers have been mentioned in the [[Miniseries]] and [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. This list is not inclusive; an [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestar]] like ''Galactica'' is still a very complex spacecraft. Advanced battlestars such as ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', with its networked computers, may have more or fewer computers or distributed functionality. It is likely that ''Pegasus'' is not as strongly networked as before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] to create similar defenses against Cylon intrusion.

Although the battlestar normally does not have a central computer network in place, ''Galactica'' does possess a [[Wikipedia:Default gateway|gateway]], which, in ''Galactica'''s case, is likely managed within the Mainframe itself and not as a larger network topology. The Mainframe's normally-isolated gateway can be linked to the other computers (as Gaeta does in "[[Scattered]]").

{|
|
===Navigation Computer===
[[Image:navcomp_002_720p.jpg|thumb|NAV Computer Display of ''Galactica'' ([[Miniseries]])]]
Also known as the "NAV" computer, it tracks the battlestar's position and handles [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] travel and [[RCS]] translations. It is very likely that [[DRADIS]] sensor information is obtained and managed by the Navigation Computer then passed on to the [[Tactical Officer]] and the Command & Control Center in the [[CIC]].

The DRADIS system, while having digital controls, is an analog instrument (utilizing EM radiation), which protects it from direct ''external'' infiltration by Cylon electronic attack. As shown in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", the navigation computer hardware, as with practically every other computer system, is subceptible to ''internal'' compromise by Cylon viruses or logic bombs already present in the battlestar's other systems.<ref name="tech5A">"The LAN that Time Forgot", Dr. [[Kevin Grazier]] (the show's science adviser), [http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2793 BSG Tech Blog], entry 5A, August 8, 2005.</ref>

===FTL Computer===
The FTL computer manages the complex calculations necessary for an [[FTL]] jump. Information for these jumps on a more [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] such as ''Pegasus'' are probably transmitted from the Navigation Computer by the battlestar's network.

On ''Galactica'', however, the FTL computer receives the spatial coordinates manually from the [[Tactical Officer]] or its Communications Officer. The FTL computer also manages the star fixes of the jump coordinates to compensate for inertial drift that naturally occurs over time. The Tactical Officer generates a series of emergency jump coordinates for the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] with the FTL computer. This information is relayed to other ships regularly. It is likely that the [[flight pod]]s are also controlled through the FTL computer as they must be retracted prior to a jump.<ref name="scattered">One of Gaeta's responsibilities is to monitor DRADIS contacts. To navigate, a battlestar must use some way to determine its location relative to other objects, so the Navigation and DRADIS connection must exist.</ref>
|[[Image:ftlcomp_217_1080i.jpg|thumb|FTL Systems Display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

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===Damage Control Computer===
The Damage Control computer relays information to the CIC on malfunctioning or damaged areas of the battlestar, presumably from various sensors throughout the ship. It also has access to radiation sensors in the event of nuclear attack to warn against dangerous radiation levels that could harm the crew.<ref name="miniseries2">While Colonel Tigh was on a handset ordering the retraction of the pods as the battlestar began its escape from Ragnar Anchorage, many events within the ship must be coordinated (bulkheads closing, motors for the pod movement activated, etc.) While there was likely a person in CIC or elsewhere that flips a switch or types in a computer command, there must still be a computer used to coordinate these events as they are too many to manage in a limited amount of time ([[Miniseries]]).</ref> The DC computer's function can be compromised by a hostile force through places such as [[Aft Damage Control]], as was threatened in "[[Valley of Darkness]]". If these locations are compromised, the computer's safeties can be overridden and various life-support controls, such as bulkheads and atmospheric controls, could be altered, venting the ship's air (and crew) into space.
|[[Image:PegasusDamageDisplay2.jpg|thumb|Damage Control display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
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===Fire Control Computer===
The Fire Control computer manages a battlestar's primary offensive weapons, the central flak turret and smaller port and starboard turrets along the length of each side of the ship. It is presumed that the Fire Control computers report to crewmembers responsible for the upkeep of ammunition on the guns when to reload an particular turret. The Fire Control computer can target individual bogeys with the flak turret guns, which, in tandem with the smaller turrets, make even ''Galactica'', an old original battlestar from the first [[Cylon War]], a formidable foe to encounter. Like the DC computer, there are control rooms on ''Galactica'' where the ship's computerized gun control can be overriden.<ref name="miniseries">''Galactica'''s flak turret guns are seen directly targeting specific missiles during the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).</ref>
|[[Image:Maingunredlight_101_1080i.jpg|thumb|Fire Control Display Panel ([[33]])]]
|}

===Mainframe Computer===
This computer likely manages secondary functions of the ship, such as communications. The mainframe likely provides extra calculating power for other ship tasks when required, and may also serve as the ship's library for tactical information.<ref name="phe">[[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]]: "Mr. Gaeta, can you set me up with a fiber-optic com link? I need broadcast to all frequencies and direct link to the mainframe." ([[Flight of the Phoenix]])</ref> Of all the computers on ''Galactica'', this computer is likely very resistant by design to infiltration since it controls communication traffic (and thus is accessible to Cylon external intrusion by [[wireless]]). The mainframe likely possesses a basic gateway, but, per ''Galactica'''s no-networks edict, it is typically unused.

The communications elements of the mainframe, while having digital controls, are analog instruments, which make them highly resistant to external Cylon electronic attack as they do not transfer digital signals. As with other battlestar systems, the mainframe hardware remains susceptible to internal Cylon electronic attacks (viruses and logic bombs that infect and transfer from other systems).<ref name="tech5A"/>

===Environmental Computer===
This computer is mentioned briefly by Lt. Gaeta after an incident where the effects of a Cylon logic bomb confused the environmental computer into venting the firing range room of its pressure, almost killing [[Kara Thrace]], [[Lee Adama]] and [[Brendan Costanza]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

The environmental computer is likely connected to the nearly one-dozen carbon dioxide air scrubbers throughout ''Galactica'', which remove the excess levels of the gas before it reaches toxic levels ([[Final Cut]]).

==Avionics==

:''The computer systems found on fighters and support aircraft of a capital ship are generally described by the term ''[[Wikipedia:Avionics|avionics]]'' (AVIation electrONICS). In the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'', aircraft terminology is intermixed with spacecraft terminology--note the use of "[[CAG]]" and Commander Adama's use of the word "planes" to Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] to describe the Viper space fighter ([[Litmus]]). As the term "avionics" is used in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]" to describe the flight electronics on the captured [[Raider]], despite its aeronautical connotation, it will be used here.''

===Colonial Avionics===

The [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] relied initially on primitive, hard-wired avionics in its early fighters, but later reverted to more "[[Wikipedia:Fly by wire|fly-by-wire]]" technologies, one of which sealed the doom of billions of citizens.

====Vipers and Raptors====
[[Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A view of the manual "8-ball" landing software on a Viper Mk. II.]]
[[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A view of a Mk. II secondary display below the primary display, currently using [[DRADIS]].]]

The '''avionics''' found on modern [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]s and [[Raptor]]s are complex systems that combine fly-by-wire technology with computer systems.

In the case of Raptors, [[datacord]] is used for networking subsystems. This wiring makes Raptors more radiation-hardened and thus useful in high-radiation conditions <ref>Raptors are used as pilot ships in the episode "[[The Passage]]".</ref>.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
[[Image:ViperMk2Avionics.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. II cockpit avionics, resistant to Cylon infiltration.]]
The older and generally-obsolete [[Viper Mark II]] fighters have a more primitive avionics package, but unlike [[CNP]]-equipped [[Viper Mark VII]]s and Raptors, these old-style Viper systems (a design similar to that used in the [[Cylon War]]) appear to combine hydraulics <ref>Note the leaking fluid on [[Viper 289]] in the episode "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", strongly suggesting a hydraulic flight control system on these fighters.</ref> with a basic computer and [[DRADIS]] subsystem that is effectively immune from Cylon electronic counterattack.

Both Vipers are equipped with a multi-functional display that can can be set to various modes, such as DRADIS, navigation, engines, system status and weapons.
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The flight systems of these systems also likely include these components, which vary in availability or degrees of complexity depending on the craft's age or purpose:

* A non-directional medium-range [[wireless]] communications for ship-to-ship and ship-to-planet contact
* [[DRADIS]] hardware for enemy targeting, squadron formation flight maneuvers, etc.
* A Colonial transponder for [[IFF]] "friend or foe" identification
* Stellar positioning system for proper [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] or [[FTL]] navigation
** Larger craft such as Raptors can manage FTL jumps and so come equipped with more advanced avionics to handle jump computations
* Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), an automatic ("hands-off") landing system guidance package

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====Vulnerabilities====

[[Image:ViperMk7Avionics.jpg|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. VII cockpit avionics, vulnerable if the [[CNP]] is installed.]]
In the case of modern (pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|holocaust]]) spacecraft, many of these systems were likely tied into (either as a software or firmware component) of the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. Evidence for this is strong as [[Jackson Spencer]]'s Mark VII Viper loses power, communications, flight control, DRADIS, and apparently ejection control after Cylon fighters "rooted", or counter-commanded his Viper to shut down, thanks to the backdoors installed in these modern avionics packages ([[Miniseries]]).

''Galactica'' prohibits computerized landings, so all pilots perform [[Hands-on Approach|manual approach and landings]] in [[Combat landing|non-combat situations]]. No information has been given in the series if Mark II Vipers are capable of auto-landings in the manner that Mark VIIs demonstrate ([[Miniseries]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Cylon Avionics===

Cylon avionics contain biological elements, some of which include or are interfaced with quasi-sentient elements.

====Raiders====

[[Cylon Raiders]] contain some level of avionics that co-exist amidst the biological components that form the "pilot" within the fuselage of the fighter. Kara Thrace identifies the mechanical linkage within a captured fighter, and [[Galen Tyrol]]'s team identifies the fire control, navigation, and FTL drive components in addition to an actual avionics package ([[Flesh and Bone]]). ''Galactica'' flight crews later rigged a flight control console that mated with the Raider's avionics for human readability.

The Cylons moved to biomechanical pilots rather than using Centurions or other robotic pilot for three probable reasons:

# The Cylons' monothesistic belief in [[God (RDM)|God]] and their belief in procreation (machines cannot procreate, but living organisms can) suggest that they believe a biological pilot would be more effective. A Raider pilot is programmed with a basic personality akin to a predatory animal. Unlike the logic of a Centurion, a Raider pilot is capable of improvements in its programming--it can learn and anticipate changes in battle ("[[Six Degrees of Separation]]", "[[Scar]]").
# In battle, Colonial forces may attempt [[ECM|electronic countermeasures]] that could affect the performance or operation of a fully-mechanical Cylon Raider or a craft piloted by autonomous [[Cylon Centurion]]s. As the Colonials moved to simpler technologies to combat Cylon ECM, so did the Cylons--like a human Viper pilot, the modern Raider with its biologics cannot be easily disabled by ECM.
# A Raider's personality, like a [[humanoid Cylon]], is downloadable and transferable should the fighter be destroyed. This provides the Cylons a dramatic tactical advantage over the Colonials since the knowledge of a Raider isn't lost on death, allowing it to improve its fighting as well as allowing risker tactics (such as ramming) without permanent loss of self, provided a [[Resurrection Ship]] or the [[Cylon homeworld]] is sufficiently close to retrieve a signal ([[Scar]]).

====Heavy Raider====

The interior of a [[Heavy Raider]], or its cockpit, have not been shown in a series episode, so no information is available as to the nature of their avionics and piloting requirements, although the events from the episodes "[[Fragged]]", "[[The Farm]]" and "[[Home, Part I]]" suggest that the Heavy Raider is not an autonomous or quasi-autonomous vehicle.

====Vulnerabilities====

Cylon spacecraft avionics can be affected by infiltration with the right methods. The cooperative Cylon infiltrator copy of [[Sharon Agathon|Sharon Valerii]] used herself as a [[backdoor]] to send a version of a Cylon virus to shut down power to a massive Cylon fleet en route to attack ''Galactica'' ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was not shown whether the biologics of the Cylon Raiders are themselves affected by this unexpected infiltration from Valerii.

The organic nature of most Cylon cybernetics is also susceptible to [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|classic human pathogens]], which can cause massive and catastrophic system failure. The infection that caused a basestar to succumb in "[[Torn]]", according to other Cylons investigating the incident, has a bioelectric nature that could cause it to behave more like programming, allowing the [[Resurrection (RDM)|downloaded personalities]] of infected agents to infect the entire Cylon race via the [[Resurrection Ship]].

==Computer History==

:''For more information on the use of Colonial computers in the series, see [[Colonial Computer History]].''

== Notes ==
*Colonial aesthetics often eschew right angles, instead using [[Arts and Literature of the Twelve Colonies#Octagons|octagons]]. Many computer programs also follow this design by having windows, menus or buttons with angled corners.

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category: Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-13T10:08:29Z

Rapturous: /* FTL Computer */

{{RDM science series}}

Technologies such as '''computers''' have been mostly bane and less of a blessing to the Colonials of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM) |Twelve Colonies]], despite the obvious conveniences that technology brings. It was computer technology that led to the creation of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] for household to warfare use. These intelligent machines rebelled. To counter their creation's ability to hack into computers, the Colonial defenses, particularly the [[Galactica type battlestar|first battlestars]], used computers but did not network them to all but eliminate Cylon infiltration.

Over 40 years after that first [[Cylon War]] and with the Cylons apparently long gone, the Colonials slowly returned to technological conveniences. When the Cylons began planning a second war against the Colonials, they chose to infiltrate the Colonial military through yet another program installed throughout fighters and battlestars that was designed to add more convenience: the [[Command Navigation Program]]. This program, thanks to [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylon agents disguised as humans]] who infiltrated Colonial life and sought out people who had [[Gaius Baltar|access to Colonial computer defense technologies]], contained a "backdoor" that allow the Cylon forces to damage or disable any Colonial vessel with this program. Only non-networked ships (such as most civilian ships or ''Galactica'' herself) or those with comparatively primitive computers (such as [[Viper (RDM)|the Viper Mark II]]) are all-but-immune to the new Cylon menace.

As he tours ''Galactica'', [[Doral]] comments that her computers "hardly deserve the name" ([[Miniseries, Night 1]]). Ronald Moore has stated that the computers are actually less powerful than those of contemporary Earth <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Hero|act=1|}}</ref>.

[[Image:Seshalaptop 216 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A laptop computer ([[Sacrifice]]).]]
==Colonial Civilian and Government Computers==

====[[Colonial Defense Mainframe]]====

:Not much is known of this system other than its existence and the roles they played in the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. This central computer housed key Colonial Fleet logistical information, such as fleet deployment, and was the central system used by [[Gaius Baltar]] to create and distribute the [[Command Navigation Program]] to all advanced ships and fighters in the Colonial Fleet ([[Miniseries]]). It was located within the Ministry of Defense on Caprica ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), since [[Shelly Godfrey|Number Six]] produced credible-looking footage showing Baltar attaching a bomb to it.

====[[War College|War College Simulator]]====

:[[Lee Adama]] performed simulations of Cylon attacks in War College to test Colonial defense tactics. One such defense involves the use of [[EMP]] devices to fool Cylon forces into believing a nuclear device detonated where no explosion took place. Adama successfully used the electric pulse generators that were offloaded onto ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'' from ''Galactica'' to successfully fool two Cylon Raiders into concluding that their nuclear missile attack on ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was successful, while also disabling the warheads of the missiles aimed at the [[Intersun|starliner]]. Adama was amused that this trick actually worked in reality, for in the War College simulations the Cylons were not fooled and destroyed the Colonial targets anyway ([[Miniseries]]).

====Viper Flight Simulators====

:''Galactica'' loses many pilots to Cylon attack or accident in the first weeks of exodus from the Colonies. Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] is ordered to become flight instructor to train [[nugget]]s as new pilots. Normally, pilots are trained on simulators, presumably on one of the Colonies or a more advanced battlestar, which used complex computers to immerse a trainee into the feel of Viper combat. Unfortunately, ''Galactica'' does not have simulators aboard, so Thrace teaches the new pilots using actual Vipers ([[Act of Contrition]]). Months later, the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' joins the Fleet. The modern resources of this battlestar include flight simulators. Rookie pilots [[Brent Baxton|BB]] and [[Joseph Clark|Jo-Jo]] arrive on ''Galactica'' to begin their tour after training with these simulators on ''Pegasus'' ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Hope.jpg|thumb|right|Colonial computer menu ([[Occupation]]).]]
====Personal Computers====

:In preparation for converting ''Galactica'' into a museum and education center, then-Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] pleads unsuccessfully to then-Commander [[William Adama]] to allow installation of a network for personal computers to be used for teaching and information by students and visitors ([[Miniseries]]).

:Terrorist [[Sesha Abinell]] uses a personal laptop computer<ref>In an amusing props gaffe, fans of the show may notice that the mouse she used is an actual product manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation, which may mistakenly suggest to fans that Microsoft's sales model truly ''is'' universal.</ref> in her quarters as she compiles and gathers information on Cylon and Colonial conspiracy theories ([[Sacrifice]]).

:Standalone computers are also present in [[sickbay]] and Dr. Baltar's laboratory.

:The [[New Caprica Resistance]] has a computer in its underground tunnels, which is used to communicate with Raptors dispatched by ''Galactica'' ("[[Occupation]]", "[[Precipice]]").
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====Data discs====
[[Image:Hexdisk1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Shelly Godfrey's data disc.]]
[[Image:PegDataDisc2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The case with data discs received by Gaeta.]]
Data discs<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> are used to transfer amounts of data between separate computers.

Both [[Shelly Godfrey]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]) and [[D'anna Biers]] ([[Final Cut]]) use data discs to store video files. Their octagonal form fits with Colonial aesthetics (similar to the cut corners on paper).

In the [[Pegasus (Extended Version)|extended version]] of "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", Lieutenant Gaeta receives a copy of ''Pegasus'''s digital library on such dics. The case also contains a spindle of round discs.

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====[[Portable library reader|Portable library readers]]====
[[Image:portable library reader.jpg|thumb|A portable library reader ([[Epiphanies]]).]]
Portable library readers are more like an hand-held electronic dictionary or encyclopedia. They can likely synchronize data from a personal computer.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Basestar Computers==

The Cylon are a cybernetic race. As such, ''everything'' is computer-based by nature. To avoid confusion between differentiation of the cybernetic physiology of the [[humanoid Cylon]], only the non-sentient or quasi-sentient computer systems of the basestar are noted here.

===The Hybrid===

The [[Hybrid]] is a special variety of non-autonomous [[humanoid Cylon]] that rests in a pool of water near or in a basestar's command and control center. Because of its connection to many, if not all, of the basestar's systems, it in effect ''is'' the basestar. Functions such as [[Cylon Centurion]] and Cylon Raider access and deployment appear to be controlled by the Hybrid, as well as navigation control. Whether there is more than one Hybrid model is unknown.

===The Datastream===

The [[datastream]] is the central network within a basestar. It appears to use a liquid as a data transmission medium, a storage medium, or both. The datastream is suceptible to corruption by [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|certain organic pathogens]] that can also infect the sentient humanoid Cylons. The liquid also appears as waterfalls and pools within a basestar's command and control center, which may also serve as access nodes<ref> [[Sharon Agathon]] instructs a member of the boarding team to place a Colonial data gathering device in one of these pools in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]".</ref> (see ''Data port interfaces'' below).

===Data port interfaces===

While not computers in themselves, humanoid Cylons, which are more biological than cybernetic, have devised a remarkable manner to interface with computer systems with an optical interface. On a basestar, Cylons can access their datastream by placing their arm on an illuminated panel that's covered by a thin layer of water. This activates the [[Cylon data port|data port]], an optical interface incorporated within their arms that's otherwise disguised as ordinary human tissues. These interfaces are transceivers that can also be configured for visual data such as photography.

==Battlestar Computers==

An original battlestar such as ''[[Galactica]]'' has several computers dedicated to many critical ship functions. Several specific computers have been mentioned in the [[Miniseries]] and [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. This list is not inclusive; an [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestar]] like ''Galactica'' is still a very complex spacecraft. Advanced battlestars such as ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', with its networked computers, may have more or fewer computers or distributed functionality. It is likely that ''Pegasus'' is not as strongly networked as before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] to create similar defenses against Cylon intrusion.

Although the battlestar normally does not have a central computer network in place, ''Galactica'' does possess a [[Wikipedia:Default gateway|gateway]], which, in ''Galactica'''s case, is likely managed within the Mainframe itself and not as a larger network topology. The Mainframe's normally-isolated gateway can be linked to the other computers (as Gaeta does in "[[Scattered]]").

{|
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===Navigation Computer===
[[Image:navcomp_002_720p.jpg|thumb|NAV Computer Display of ''Galactica'' ([[Miniseries]])]]
Also known as the "NAV" computer, it tracks the battlestar's position and handles [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] travel and [[RCS]] translations. It is very likely that [[DRADIS]] sensor information is obtained and managed by the Navigation Computer then passed on to the [[Tactical Officer]] and the Command & Control Center in the [[CIC]].

The DRADIS system, while having digital controls, is an analog instrument (utilizing EM radiation), which protects it from direct ''external'' infiltration by Cylon electronic attack. As shown in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", the navigation computer hardware, as with practically every other computer system, is subceptible to ''internal'' compromise by Cylon viruses or logic bombs already present in the battlestar's other systems.<ref name="tech5A">"The LAN that Time Forgot", Dr. [[Kevin Grazier]] (the show's science adviser), [http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2793 BSG Tech Blog], entry 5A, August 8, 2005.</ref>

===FTL Computer===
The FTL computer manages the complex calculations necessary for an [[FTL]] jump. Information for these jumps on a more [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] such as ''Pegasus'' are probably transmitted from the Navigation Computer by the battlestar's network.

On ''Galactica'', however, the FTL computer receives the spatial coordinates manually from the [[Tactical Officer]] or its Communications Officer. The FTL computer also manages the star fixes of the jump coordinates to compensate for inertial drift that naturally occurs over time. The Tactical Officer generates a series of emergency jump coordinates for the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] with the FTL computer. This information is relayed to other ships regularly. It is likely that the [[flight pod]]s are also controlled through the FTL computer as they must be retracted prior to a jump.<ref name="scattered">One of Gaeta's responsibilities is to monitor DRADIS contacts. To navigate, a battlestar must use some way to determine its location relative to other objects, so the Navigation and DRADIS connection must exist.</ref>

|[[Image:ftlcomp_217_1080i.jpg|thumb|FTL Systems Display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
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===Damage Control Computer===
The Damage Control computer relays information to the CIC on malfunctioning or damaged areas of the battlestar, presumably from various sensors throughout the ship. It also has access to radiation sensors in the event of nuclear attack to warn against dangerous radiation levels that could harm the crew.<ref name="miniseries2">While Colonel Tigh was on a handset ordering the retraction of the pods as the battlestar began its escape from Ragnar Anchorage, many events within the ship must be coordinated (bulkheads closing, motors for the pod movement activated, etc.) While there was likely a person in CIC or elsewhere that flips a switch or types in a computer command, there must still be a computer used to coordinate these events as they are too many to manage in a limited amount of time ([[Miniseries]]).</ref> The DC computer's function can be compromised by a hostile force through places such as [[Aft Damage Control]], as was threatened in "[[Valley of Darkness]]". If these locations are compromised, the computer's safeties can be overridden and various life-support controls, such as bulkheads and atmospheric controls, could be altered, venting the ship's air (and crew) into space.
|[[Image:PegasusDamageDisplay2.jpg|thumb|Damage Control display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
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===Fire Control Computer===
The Fire Control computer manages a battlestar's primary offensive weapons, the central flak turret and smaller port and starboard turrets along the length of each side of the ship. It is presumed that the Fire Control computers report to crewmembers responsible for the upkeep of ammunition on the guns when to reload an particular turret. The Fire Control computer can target individual bogeys with the flak turret guns, which, in tandem with the smaller turrets, make even ''Galactica'', an old original battlestar from the first [[Cylon War]], a formidable foe to encounter. Like the DC computer, there are control rooms on ''Galactica'' where the ship's computerized gun control can be overriden.<ref name="miniseries">''Galactica'''s flak turret guns are seen directly targeting specific missiles during the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).</ref>
|[[Image:Maingunredlight_101_1080i.jpg|thumb|Fire Control Display Panel ([[33]])]]
|}

===Mainframe Computer===
This computer likely manages secondary functions of the ship, such as communications. The mainframe likely provides extra calculating power for other ship tasks when required, and may also serve as the ship's library for tactical information.<ref name="phe">[[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]]: "Mr. Gaeta, can you set me up with a fiber-optic com link? I need broadcast to all frequencies and direct link to the mainframe." ([[Flight of the Phoenix]])</ref> Of all the computers on ''Galactica'', this computer is likely very resistant by design to infiltration since it controls communication traffic (and thus is accessible to Cylon external intrusion by [[wireless]]). The mainframe likely possesses a basic gateway, but, per ''Galactica'''s no-networks edict, it is typically unused.

The communications elements of the mainframe, while having digital controls, are analog instruments, which make them highly resistant to external Cylon electronic attack as they do not transfer digital signals. As with other battlestar systems, the mainframe hardware remains susceptible to internal Cylon electronic attacks (viruses and logic bombs that infect and transfer from other systems).<ref name="tech5A"/>

===Environmental Computer===
This computer is mentioned briefly by Lt. Gaeta after an incident where the effects of a Cylon logic bomb confused the environmental computer into venting the firing range room of its pressure, almost killing [[Kara Thrace]], [[Lee Adama]] and [[Brendan Costanza]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

The environmental computer is likely connected to the nearly one-dozen carbon dioxide air scrubbers throughout ''Galactica'', which remove the excess levels of the gas before it reaches toxic levels ([[Final Cut]]).

==Avionics==

:''The computer systems found on fighters and support aircraft of a capital ship are generally described by the term ''[[Wikipedia:Avionics|avionics]]'' (AVIation electrONICS). In the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'', aircraft terminology is intermixed with spacecraft terminology--note the use of "[[CAG]]" and Commander Adama's use of the word "planes" to Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] to describe the Viper space fighter ([[Litmus]]). As the term "avionics" is used in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]" to describe the flight electronics on the captured [[Raider]], despite its aeronautical connotation, it will be used here.''

===Colonial Avionics===

The [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] relied initially on primitive, hard-wired avionics in its early fighters, but later reverted to more "[[Wikipedia:Fly by wire|fly-by-wire]]" technologies, one of which sealed the doom of billions of citizens.

====Vipers and Raptors====
[[Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A view of the manual "8-ball" landing software on a Viper Mk. II.]]
[[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A view of a Mk. II secondary display below the primary display, currently using [[DRADIS]].]]

The '''avionics''' found on modern [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]s and [[Raptor]]s are complex systems that combine fly-by-wire technology with computer systems.

In the case of Raptors, [[datacord]] is used for networking subsystems. This wiring makes Raptors more radiation-hardened and thus useful in high-radiation conditions <ref>Raptors are used as pilot ships in the episode "[[The Passage]]".</ref>.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
[[Image:ViperMk2Avionics.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. II cockpit avionics, resistant to Cylon infiltration.]]
The older and generally-obsolete [[Viper Mark II]] fighters have a more primitive avionics package, but unlike [[CNP]]-equipped [[Viper Mark VII]]s and Raptors, these old-style Viper systems (a design similar to that used in the [[Cylon War]]) appear to combine hydraulics <ref>Note the leaking fluid on [[Viper 289]] in the episode "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", strongly suggesting a hydraulic flight control system on these fighters.</ref> with a basic computer and [[DRADIS]] subsystem that is effectively immune from Cylon electronic counterattack.

Both Vipers are equipped with a multi-functional display that can can be set to various modes, such as DRADIS, navigation, engines, system status and weapons.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

The flight systems of these systems also likely include these components, which vary in availability or degrees of complexity depending on the craft's age or purpose:

* A non-directional medium-range [[wireless]] communications for ship-to-ship and ship-to-planet contact
* [[DRADIS]] hardware for enemy targeting, squadron formation flight maneuvers, etc.
* A Colonial transponder for [[IFF]] "friend or foe" identification
* Stellar positioning system for proper [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] or [[FTL]] navigation
** Larger craft such as Raptors can manage FTL jumps and so come equipped with more advanced avionics to handle jump computations
* Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), an automatic ("hands-off") landing system guidance package

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====Vulnerabilities====

[[Image:ViperMk7Avionics.jpg|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. VII cockpit avionics, vulnerable if the [[CNP]] is installed.]]
In the case of modern (pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|holocaust]]) spacecraft, many of these systems were likely tied into (either as a software or firmware component) of the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. Evidence for this is strong as [[Jackson Spencer]]'s Mark VII Viper loses power, communications, flight control, DRADIS, and apparently ejection control after Cylon fighters "rooted", or counter-commanded his Viper to shut down, thanks to the backdoors installed in these modern avionics packages ([[Miniseries]]).

''Galactica'' prohibits computerized landings, so all pilots perform [[Hands-on Approach|manual approach and landings]] in [[Combat landing|non-combat situations]]. No information has been given in the series if Mark II Vipers are capable of auto-landings in the manner that Mark VIIs demonstrate ([[Miniseries]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Cylon Avionics===

Cylon avionics contain biological elements, some of which include or are interfaced with quasi-sentient elements.

====Raiders====

[[Cylon Raiders]] contain some level of avionics that co-exist amidst the biological components that form the "pilot" within the fuselage of the fighter. Kara Thrace identifies the mechanical linkage within a captured fighter, and [[Galen Tyrol]]'s team identifies the fire control, navigation, and FTL drive components in addition to an actual avionics package ([[Flesh and Bone]]). ''Galactica'' flight crews later rigged a flight control console that mated with the Raider's avionics for human readability.

The Cylons moved to biomechanical pilots rather than using Centurions or other robotic pilot for three probable reasons:

# The Cylons' monothesistic belief in [[God (RDM)|God]] and their belief in procreation (machines cannot procreate, but living organisms can) suggest that they believe a biological pilot would be more effective. A Raider pilot is programmed with a basic personality akin to a predatory animal. Unlike the logic of a Centurion, a Raider pilot is capable of improvements in its programming--it can learn and anticipate changes in battle ("[[Six Degrees of Separation]]", "[[Scar]]").
# In battle, Colonial forces may attempt [[ECM|electronic countermeasures]] that could affect the performance or operation of a fully-mechanical Cylon Raider or a craft piloted by autonomous [[Cylon Centurion]]s. As the Colonials moved to simpler technologies to combat Cylon ECM, so did the Cylons--like a human Viper pilot, the modern Raider with its biologics cannot be easily disabled by ECM.
# A Raider's personality, like a [[humanoid Cylon]], is downloadable and transferable should the fighter be destroyed. This provides the Cylons a dramatic tactical advantage over the Colonials since the knowledge of a Raider isn't lost on death, allowing it to improve its fighting as well as allowing risker tactics (such as ramming) without permanent loss of self, provided a [[Resurrection Ship]] or the [[Cylon homeworld]] is sufficiently close to retrieve a signal ([[Scar]]).

====Heavy Raider====

The interior of a [[Heavy Raider]], or its cockpit, have not been shown in a series episode, so no information is available as to the nature of their avionics and piloting requirements, although the events from the episodes "[[Fragged]]", "[[The Farm]]" and "[[Home, Part I]]" suggest that the Heavy Raider is not an autonomous or quasi-autonomous vehicle.

====Vulnerabilities====

Cylon spacecraft avionics can be affected by infiltration with the right methods. The cooperative Cylon infiltrator copy of [[Sharon Agathon|Sharon Valerii]] used herself as a [[backdoor]] to send a version of a Cylon virus to shut down power to a massive Cylon fleet en route to attack ''Galactica'' ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was not shown whether the biologics of the Cylon Raiders are themselves affected by this unexpected infiltration from Valerii.

The organic nature of most Cylon cybernetics is also susceptible to [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|classic human pathogens]], which can cause massive and catastrophic system failure. The infection that caused a basestar to succumb in "[[Torn]]", according to other Cylons investigating the incident, has a bioelectric nature that could cause it to behave more like programming, allowing the [[Resurrection (RDM)|downloaded personalities]] of infected agents to infect the entire Cylon race via the [[Resurrection Ship]].

==Computer History==

:''For more information on the use of Colonial computers in the series, see [[Colonial Computer History]].''

== Notes ==
*Colonial aesthetics often eschew right angles, instead using [[Arts and Literature of the Twelve Colonies#Octagons|octagons]]. Many computer programs also follow this design by having windows, menus or buttons with angled corners.

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category: Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-13T10:08:09Z

Rapturous: /* Navigation Computer */

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-13T10:07:47Z

Rapturous: /* Battlestar Computers */

{{RDM science series}}

Technologies such as '''computers''' have been mostly bane and less of a blessing to the Colonials of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM) |Twelve Colonies]], despite the obvious conveniences that technology brings. It was computer technology that led to the creation of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] for household to warfare use. These intelligent machines rebelled. To counter their creation's ability to hack into computers, the Colonial defenses, particularly the [[Galactica type battlestar|first battlestars]], used computers but did not network them to all but eliminate Cylon infiltration.

Over 40 years after that first [[Cylon War]] and with the Cylons apparently long gone, the Colonials slowly returned to technological conveniences. When the Cylons began planning a second war against the Colonials, they chose to infiltrate the Colonial military through yet another program installed throughout fighters and battlestars that was designed to add more convenience: the [[Command Navigation Program]]. This program, thanks to [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylon agents disguised as humans]] who infiltrated Colonial life and sought out people who had [[Gaius Baltar|access to Colonial computer defense technologies]], contained a "backdoor" that allow the Cylon forces to damage or disable any Colonial vessel with this program. Only non-networked ships (such as most civilian ships or ''Galactica'' herself) or those with comparatively primitive computers (such as [[Viper (RDM)|the Viper Mark II]]) are all-but-immune to the new Cylon menace.

As he tours ''Galactica'', [[Doral]] comments that her computers "hardly deserve the name" ([[Miniseries, Night 1]]). Ronald Moore has stated that the computers are actually less powerful than those of contemporary Earth <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Hero|act=1|}}</ref>.

[[Image:Seshalaptop 216 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A laptop computer ([[Sacrifice]]).]]
==Colonial Civilian and Government Computers==

====[[Colonial Defense Mainframe]]====

:Not much is known of this system other than its existence and the roles they played in the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. This central computer housed key Colonial Fleet logistical information, such as fleet deployment, and was the central system used by [[Gaius Baltar]] to create and distribute the [[Command Navigation Program]] to all advanced ships and fighters in the Colonial Fleet ([[Miniseries]]). It was located within the Ministry of Defense on Caprica ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), since [[Shelly Godfrey|Number Six]] produced credible-looking footage showing Baltar attaching a bomb to it.

====[[War College|War College Simulator]]====

:[[Lee Adama]] performed simulations of Cylon attacks in War College to test Colonial defense tactics. One such defense involves the use of [[EMP]] devices to fool Cylon forces into believing a nuclear device detonated where no explosion took place. Adama successfully used the electric pulse generators that were offloaded onto ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'' from ''Galactica'' to successfully fool two Cylon Raiders into concluding that their nuclear missile attack on ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was successful, while also disabling the warheads of the missiles aimed at the [[Intersun|starliner]]. Adama was amused that this trick actually worked in reality, for in the War College simulations the Cylons were not fooled and destroyed the Colonial targets anyway ([[Miniseries]]).

====Viper Flight Simulators====

:''Galactica'' loses many pilots to Cylon attack or accident in the first weeks of exodus from the Colonies. Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] is ordered to become flight instructor to train [[nugget]]s as new pilots. Normally, pilots are trained on simulators, presumably on one of the Colonies or a more advanced battlestar, which used complex computers to immerse a trainee into the feel of Viper combat. Unfortunately, ''Galactica'' does not have simulators aboard, so Thrace teaches the new pilots using actual Vipers ([[Act of Contrition]]). Months later, the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' joins the Fleet. The modern resources of this battlestar include flight simulators. Rookie pilots [[Brent Baxton|BB]] and [[Joseph Clark|Jo-Jo]] arrive on ''Galactica'' to begin their tour after training with these simulators on ''Pegasus'' ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Hope.jpg|thumb|right|Colonial computer menu ([[Occupation]]).]]
====Personal Computers====

:In preparation for converting ''Galactica'' into a museum and education center, then-Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] pleads unsuccessfully to then-Commander [[William Adama]] to allow installation of a network for personal computers to be used for teaching and information by students and visitors ([[Miniseries]]).

:Terrorist [[Sesha Abinell]] uses a personal laptop computer<ref>In an amusing props gaffe, fans of the show may notice that the mouse she used is an actual product manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation, which may mistakenly suggest to fans that Microsoft's sales model truly ''is'' universal.</ref> in her quarters as she compiles and gathers information on Cylon and Colonial conspiracy theories ([[Sacrifice]]).

:Standalone computers are also present in [[sickbay]] and Dr. Baltar's laboratory.

:The [[New Caprica Resistance]] has a computer in its underground tunnels, which is used to communicate with Raptors dispatched by ''Galactica'' ("[[Occupation]]", "[[Precipice]]").
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

====Data discs====
[[Image:Hexdisk1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Shelly Godfrey's data disc.]]
[[Image:PegDataDisc2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The case with data discs received by Gaeta.]]
Data discs<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> are used to transfer amounts of data between separate computers.

Both [[Shelly Godfrey]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]) and [[D'anna Biers]] ([[Final Cut]]) use data discs to store video files. Their octagonal form fits with Colonial aesthetics (similar to the cut corners on paper).

In the [[Pegasus (Extended Version)|extended version]] of "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", Lieutenant Gaeta receives a copy of ''Pegasus'''s digital library on such dics. The case also contains a spindle of round discs.

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====[[Portable library reader|Portable library readers]]====
[[Image:portable library reader.jpg|thumb|A portable library reader ([[Epiphanies]]).]]
Portable library readers are more like an hand-held electronic dictionary or encyclopedia. They can likely synchronize data from a personal computer.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Basestar Computers==

The Cylon are a cybernetic race. As such, ''everything'' is computer-based by nature. To avoid confusion between differentiation of the cybernetic physiology of the [[humanoid Cylon]], only the non-sentient or quasi-sentient computer systems of the basestar are noted here.

===The Hybrid===

The [[Hybrid]] is a special variety of non-autonomous [[humanoid Cylon]] that rests in a pool of water near or in a basestar's command and control center. Because of its connection to many, if not all, of the basestar's systems, it in effect ''is'' the basestar. Functions such as [[Cylon Centurion]] and Cylon Raider access and deployment appear to be controlled by the Hybrid, as well as navigation control. Whether there is more than one Hybrid model is unknown.

===The Datastream===

The [[datastream]] is the central network within a basestar. It appears to use a liquid as a data transmission medium, a storage medium, or both. The datastream is suceptible to corruption by [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|certain organic pathogens]] that can also infect the sentient humanoid Cylons. The liquid also appears as waterfalls and pools within a basestar's command and control center, which may also serve as access nodes<ref> [[Sharon Agathon]] instructs a member of the boarding team to place a Colonial data gathering device in one of these pools in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]".</ref> (see ''Data port interfaces'' below).

===Data port interfaces===

While not computers in themselves, humanoid Cylons, which are more biological than cybernetic, have devised a remarkable manner to interface with computer systems with an optical interface. On a basestar, Cylons can access their datastream by placing their arm on an illuminated panel that's covered by a thin layer of water. This activates the [[Cylon data port|data port]], an optical interface incorporated within their arms that's otherwise disguised as ordinary human tissues. These interfaces are transceivers that can also be configured for visual data such as photography.

==Battlestar Computers==

An original battlestar such as ''[[Galactica]]'' has several computers dedicated to many critical ship functions. Several specific computers have been mentioned in the [[Miniseries]] and [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. This list is not inclusive; an [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestar]] like ''Galactica'' is still a very complex spacecraft. Advanced battlestars such as ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', with its networked computers, may have more or fewer computers or distributed functionality. It is likely that ''Pegasus'' is not as strongly networked as before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] to create similar defenses against Cylon intrusion.

Although the battlestar normally does not have a central computer network in place, ''Galactica'' does possess a [[Wikipedia:Default gateway|gateway]], which, in ''Galactica'''s case, is likely managed within the Mainframe itself and not as a larger network topology. The Mainframe's normally-isolated gateway can be linked to the other computers (as Gaeta does in "[[Scattered]]").

{|
|
===Navigation Computer===
Also known as the "NAV" computer, it tracks the battlestar's position and handles [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] travel and [[RCS]] translations. It is very likely that [[DRADIS]] sensor information is obtained and managed by the Navigation Computer then passed on to the [[Tactical Officer]] and the Command & Control Center in the [[CIC]].
[[Image:navcomp_002_720p.jpg|thumb|NAV Computer Display of ''Galactica'' ([[Miniseries]])]]

The DRADIS system, while having digital controls, is an analog instrument (utilizing EM radiation), which protects it from direct ''external'' infiltration by Cylon electronic attack. As shown in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", the navigation computer hardware, as with practically every other computer system, is subceptible to ''internal'' compromise by Cylon viruses or logic bombs already present in the battlestar's other systems.<ref name="tech5A">"The LAN that Time Forgot", Dr. [[Kevin Grazier]] (the show's science adviser), [http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2793 BSG Tech Blog], entry 5A, August 8, 2005.</ref>

===FTL Computer===
The FTL computer manages the complex calculations necessary for an [[FTL]] jump. Information for these jumps on a more [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] such as ''Pegasus'' are probably transmitted from the Navigation Computer by the battlestar's network.

On ''Galactica'', however, the FTL computer receives the spatial coordinates manually from the [[Tactical Officer]] or its Communications Officer. The FTL computer also manages the star fixes of the jump coordinates to compensate for inertial drift that naturally occurs over time. The Tactical Officer generates a series of emergency jump coordinates for the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] with the FTL computer. This information is relayed to other ships regularly. It is likely that the [[flight pod]]s are also controlled through the FTL computer as they must be retracted prior to a jump.<ref name="scattered">One of Gaeta's responsibilities is to monitor DRADIS contacts. To navigate, a battlestar must use some way to determine its location relative to other objects, so the Navigation and DRADIS connection must exist.</ref>
|[[Image:ftlcomp_217_1080i.jpg|thumb|FTL Systems Display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
|

===Damage Control Computer===
The Damage Control computer relays information to the CIC on malfunctioning or damaged areas of the battlestar, presumably from various sensors throughout the ship. It also has access to radiation sensors in the event of nuclear attack to warn against dangerous radiation levels that could harm the crew.<ref name="miniseries2">While Colonel Tigh was on a handset ordering the retraction of the pods as the battlestar began its escape from Ragnar Anchorage, many events within the ship must be coordinated (bulkheads closing, motors for the pod movement activated, etc.) While there was likely a person in CIC or elsewhere that flips a switch or types in a computer command, there must still be a computer used to coordinate these events as they are too many to manage in a limited amount of time ([[Miniseries]]).</ref> The DC computer's function can be compromised by a hostile force through places such as [[Aft Damage Control]], as was threatened in "[[Valley of Darkness]]". If these locations are compromised, the computer's safeties can be overridden and various life-support controls, such as bulkheads and atmospheric controls, could be altered, venting the ship's air (and crew) into space.
|[[Image:PegasusDamageDisplay2.jpg|thumb|Damage Control display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
|
===Fire Control Computer===
The Fire Control computer manages a battlestar's primary offensive weapons, the central flak turret and smaller port and starboard turrets along the length of each side of the ship. It is presumed that the Fire Control computers report to crewmembers responsible for the upkeep of ammunition on the guns when to reload an particular turret. The Fire Control computer can target individual bogeys with the flak turret guns, which, in tandem with the smaller turrets, make even ''Galactica'', an old original battlestar from the first [[Cylon War]], a formidable foe to encounter. Like the DC computer, there are control rooms on ''Galactica'' where the ship's computerized gun control can be overriden.<ref name="miniseries">''Galactica'''s flak turret guns are seen directly targeting specific missiles during the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).</ref>
|[[Image:Maingunredlight_101_1080i.jpg|thumb|Fire Control Display Panel ([[33]])]]
|}

===Mainframe Computer===
This computer likely manages secondary functions of the ship, such as communications. The mainframe likely provides extra calculating power for other ship tasks when required, and may also serve as the ship's library for tactical information.<ref name="phe">[[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]]: "Mr. Gaeta, can you set me up with a fiber-optic com link? I need broadcast to all frequencies and direct link to the mainframe." ([[Flight of the Phoenix]])</ref> Of all the computers on ''Galactica'', this computer is likely very resistant by design to infiltration since it controls communication traffic (and thus is accessible to Cylon external intrusion by [[wireless]]). The mainframe likely possesses a basic gateway, but, per ''Galactica'''s no-networks edict, it is typically unused.

The communications elements of the mainframe, while having digital controls, are analog instruments, which make them highly resistant to external Cylon electronic attack as they do not transfer digital signals. As with other battlestar systems, the mainframe hardware remains susceptible to internal Cylon electronic attacks (viruses and logic bombs that infect and transfer from other systems).<ref name="tech5A"/>

===Environmental Computer===
This computer is mentioned briefly by Lt. Gaeta after an incident where the effects of a Cylon logic bomb confused the environmental computer into venting the firing range room of its pressure, almost killing [[Kara Thrace]], [[Lee Adama]] and [[Brendan Costanza]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

The environmental computer is likely connected to the nearly one-dozen carbon dioxide air scrubbers throughout ''Galactica'', which remove the excess levels of the gas before it reaches toxic levels ([[Final Cut]]).

==Avionics==

:''The computer systems found on fighters and support aircraft of a capital ship are generally described by the term ''[[Wikipedia:Avionics|avionics]]'' (AVIation electrONICS). In the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'', aircraft terminology is intermixed with spacecraft terminology--note the use of "[[CAG]]" and Commander Adama's use of the word "planes" to Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] to describe the Viper space fighter ([[Litmus]]). As the term "avionics" is used in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]" to describe the flight electronics on the captured [[Raider]], despite its aeronautical connotation, it will be used here.''

===Colonial Avionics===

The [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] relied initially on primitive, hard-wired avionics in its early fighters, but later reverted to more "[[Wikipedia:Fly by wire|fly-by-wire]]" technologies, one of which sealed the doom of billions of citizens.

====Vipers and Raptors====
[[Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A view of the manual "8-ball" landing software on a Viper Mk. II.]]
[[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A view of a Mk. II secondary display below the primary display, currently using [[DRADIS]].]]

The '''avionics''' found on modern [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]s and [[Raptor]]s are complex systems that combine fly-by-wire technology with computer systems.

In the case of Raptors, [[datacord]] is used for networking subsystems. This wiring makes Raptors more radiation-hardened and thus useful in high-radiation conditions <ref>Raptors are used as pilot ships in the episode "[[The Passage]]".</ref>.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
[[Image:ViperMk2Avionics.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. II cockpit avionics, resistant to Cylon infiltration.]]
The older and generally-obsolete [[Viper Mark II]] fighters have a more primitive avionics package, but unlike [[CNP]]-equipped [[Viper Mark VII]]s and Raptors, these old-style Viper systems (a design similar to that used in the [[Cylon War]]) appear to combine hydraulics <ref>Note the leaking fluid on [[Viper 289]] in the episode "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", strongly suggesting a hydraulic flight control system on these fighters.</ref> with a basic computer and [[DRADIS]] subsystem that is effectively immune from Cylon electronic counterattack.

Both Vipers are equipped with a multi-functional display that can can be set to various modes, such as DRADIS, navigation, engines, system status and weapons.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

The flight systems of these systems also likely include these components, which vary in availability or degrees of complexity depending on the craft's age or purpose:

* A non-directional medium-range [[wireless]] communications for ship-to-ship and ship-to-planet contact
* [[DRADIS]] hardware for enemy targeting, squadron formation flight maneuvers, etc.
* A Colonial transponder for [[IFF]] "friend or foe" identification
* Stellar positioning system for proper [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] or [[FTL]] navigation
** Larger craft such as Raptors can manage FTL jumps and so come equipped with more advanced avionics to handle jump computations
* Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), an automatic ("hands-off") landing system guidance package

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====Vulnerabilities====

[[Image:ViperMk7Avionics.jpg|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. VII cockpit avionics, vulnerable if the [[CNP]] is installed.]]
In the case of modern (pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|holocaust]]) spacecraft, many of these systems were likely tied into (either as a software or firmware component) of the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. Evidence for this is strong as [[Jackson Spencer]]'s Mark VII Viper loses power, communications, flight control, DRADIS, and apparently ejection control after Cylon fighters "rooted", or counter-commanded his Viper to shut down, thanks to the backdoors installed in these modern avionics packages ([[Miniseries]]).

''Galactica'' prohibits computerized landings, so all pilots perform [[Hands-on Approach|manual approach and landings]] in [[Combat landing|non-combat situations]]. No information has been given in the series if Mark II Vipers are capable of auto-landings in the manner that Mark VIIs demonstrate ([[Miniseries]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Cylon Avionics===

Cylon avionics contain biological elements, some of which include or are interfaced with quasi-sentient elements.

====Raiders====

[[Cylon Raiders]] contain some level of avionics that co-exist amidst the biological components that form the "pilot" within the fuselage of the fighter. Kara Thrace identifies the mechanical linkage within a captured fighter, and [[Galen Tyrol]]'s team identifies the fire control, navigation, and FTL drive components in addition to an actual avionics package ([[Flesh and Bone]]). ''Galactica'' flight crews later rigged a flight control console that mated with the Raider's avionics for human readability.

The Cylons moved to biomechanical pilots rather than using Centurions or other robotic pilot for three probable reasons:

# The Cylons' monothesistic belief in [[God (RDM)|God]] and their belief in procreation (machines cannot procreate, but living organisms can) suggest that they believe a biological pilot would be more effective. A Raider pilot is programmed with a basic personality akin to a predatory animal. Unlike the logic of a Centurion, a Raider pilot is capable of improvements in its programming--it can learn and anticipate changes in battle ("[[Six Degrees of Separation]]", "[[Scar]]").
# In battle, Colonial forces may attempt [[ECM|electronic countermeasures]] that could affect the performance or operation of a fully-mechanical Cylon Raider or a craft piloted by autonomous [[Cylon Centurion]]s. As the Colonials moved to simpler technologies to combat Cylon ECM, so did the Cylons--like a human Viper pilot, the modern Raider with its biologics cannot be easily disabled by ECM.
# A Raider's personality, like a [[humanoid Cylon]], is downloadable and transferable should the fighter be destroyed. This provides the Cylons a dramatic tactical advantage over the Colonials since the knowledge of a Raider isn't lost on death, allowing it to improve its fighting as well as allowing risker tactics (such as ramming) without permanent loss of self, provided a [[Resurrection Ship]] or the [[Cylon homeworld]] is sufficiently close to retrieve a signal ([[Scar]]).

====Heavy Raider====

The interior of a [[Heavy Raider]], or its cockpit, have not been shown in a series episode, so no information is available as to the nature of their avionics and piloting requirements, although the events from the episodes "[[Fragged]]", "[[The Farm]]" and "[[Home, Part I]]" suggest that the Heavy Raider is not an autonomous or quasi-autonomous vehicle.

====Vulnerabilities====

Cylon spacecraft avionics can be affected by infiltration with the right methods. The cooperative Cylon infiltrator copy of [[Sharon Agathon|Sharon Valerii]] used herself as a [[backdoor]] to send a version of a Cylon virus to shut down power to a massive Cylon fleet en route to attack ''Galactica'' ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was not shown whether the biologics of the Cylon Raiders are themselves affected by this unexpected infiltration from Valerii.

The organic nature of most Cylon cybernetics is also susceptible to [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|classic human pathogens]], which can cause massive and catastrophic system failure. The infection that caused a basestar to succumb in "[[Torn]]", according to other Cylons investigating the incident, has a bioelectric nature that could cause it to behave more like programming, allowing the [[Resurrection (RDM)|downloaded personalities]] of infected agents to infect the entire Cylon race via the [[Resurrection Ship]].

==Computer History==

:''For more information on the use of Colonial computers in the series, see [[Colonial Computer History]].''

== Notes ==
*Colonial aesthetics often eschew right angles, instead using [[Arts and Literature of the Twelve Colonies#Octagons|octagons]]. Many computer programs also follow this design by having windows, menus or buttons with angled corners.

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category: Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-10-13T10:06:31Z

Rapturous: /* Battlestar Computers */

{{RDM science series}}

Technologies such as '''computers''' have been mostly bane and less of a blessing to the Colonials of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM) |Twelve Colonies]], despite the obvious conveniences that technology brings. It was computer technology that led to the creation of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] for household to warfare use. These intelligent machines rebelled. To counter their creation's ability to hack into computers, the Colonial defenses, particularly the [[Galactica type battlestar|first battlestars]], used computers but did not network them to all but eliminate Cylon infiltration.

Over 40 years after that first [[Cylon War]] and with the Cylons apparently long gone, the Colonials slowly returned to technological conveniences. When the Cylons began planning a second war against the Colonials, they chose to infiltrate the Colonial military through yet another program installed throughout fighters and battlestars that was designed to add more convenience: the [[Command Navigation Program]]. This program, thanks to [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylon agents disguised as humans]] who infiltrated Colonial life and sought out people who had [[Gaius Baltar|access to Colonial computer defense technologies]], contained a "backdoor" that allow the Cylon forces to damage or disable any Colonial vessel with this program. Only non-networked ships (such as most civilian ships or ''Galactica'' herself) or those with comparatively primitive computers (such as [[Viper (RDM)|the Viper Mark II]]) are all-but-immune to the new Cylon menace.

As he tours ''Galactica'', [[Doral]] comments that her computers "hardly deserve the name" ([[Miniseries, Night 1]]). Ronald Moore has stated that the computers are actually less powerful than those of contemporary Earth <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Hero|act=1|}}</ref>.

[[Image:Seshalaptop 216 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A laptop computer ([[Sacrifice]]).]]
==Colonial Civilian and Government Computers==

====[[Colonial Defense Mainframe]]====

:Not much is known of this system other than its existence and the roles they played in the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. This central computer housed key Colonial Fleet logistical information, such as fleet deployment, and was the central system used by [[Gaius Baltar]] to create and distribute the [[Command Navigation Program]] to all advanced ships and fighters in the Colonial Fleet ([[Miniseries]]). It was located within the Ministry of Defense on Caprica ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), since [[Shelly Godfrey|Number Six]] produced credible-looking footage showing Baltar attaching a bomb to it.

====[[War College|War College Simulator]]====

:[[Lee Adama]] performed simulations of Cylon attacks in War College to test Colonial defense tactics. One such defense involves the use of [[EMP]] devices to fool Cylon forces into believing a nuclear device detonated where no explosion took place. Adama successfully used the electric pulse generators that were offloaded onto ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'' from ''Galactica'' to successfully fool two Cylon Raiders into concluding that their nuclear missile attack on ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was successful, while also disabling the warheads of the missiles aimed at the [[Intersun|starliner]]. Adama was amused that this trick actually worked in reality, for in the War College simulations the Cylons were not fooled and destroyed the Colonial targets anyway ([[Miniseries]]).

====Viper Flight Simulators====

:''Galactica'' loses many pilots to Cylon attack or accident in the first weeks of exodus from the Colonies. Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] is ordered to become flight instructor to train [[nugget]]s as new pilots. Normally, pilots are trained on simulators, presumably on one of the Colonies or a more advanced battlestar, which used complex computers to immerse a trainee into the feel of Viper combat. Unfortunately, ''Galactica'' does not have simulators aboard, so Thrace teaches the new pilots using actual Vipers ([[Act of Contrition]]). Months later, the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' joins the Fleet. The modern resources of this battlestar include flight simulators. Rookie pilots [[Brent Baxton|BB]] and [[Joseph Clark|Jo-Jo]] arrive on ''Galactica'' to begin their tour after training with these simulators on ''Pegasus'' ([[Scar]]).

[[Image:Hope.jpg|thumb|right|Colonial computer menu ([[Occupation]]).]]
====Personal Computers====

:In preparation for converting ''Galactica'' into a museum and education center, then-Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] pleads unsuccessfully to then-Commander [[William Adama]] to allow installation of a network for personal computers to be used for teaching and information by students and visitors ([[Miniseries]]).

:Terrorist [[Sesha Abinell]] uses a personal laptop computer<ref>In an amusing props gaffe, fans of the show may notice that the mouse she used is an actual product manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation, which may mistakenly suggest to fans that Microsoft's sales model truly ''is'' universal.</ref> in her quarters as she compiles and gathers information on Cylon and Colonial conspiracy theories ([[Sacrifice]]).

:Standalone computers are also present in [[sickbay]] and Dr. Baltar's laboratory.

:The [[New Caprica Resistance]] has a computer in its underground tunnels, which is used to communicate with Raptors dispatched by ''Galactica'' ("[[Occupation]]", "[[Precipice]]").
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====Data discs====
[[Image:Hexdisk1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Shelly Godfrey's data disc.]]
[[Image:PegDataDisc2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The case with data discs received by Gaeta.]]
Data discs<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> are used to transfer amounts of data between separate computers.

Both [[Shelly Godfrey]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]) and [[D'anna Biers]] ([[Final Cut]]) use data discs to store video files. Their octagonal form fits with Colonial aesthetics (similar to the cut corners on paper).

In the [[Pegasus (Extended Version)|extended version]] of "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", Lieutenant Gaeta receives a copy of ''Pegasus'''s digital library on such dics. The case also contains a spindle of round discs.

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====[[Portable library reader|Portable library readers]]====
[[Image:portable library reader.jpg|thumb|A portable library reader ([[Epiphanies]]).]]
Portable library readers are more like an hand-held electronic dictionary or encyclopedia. They can likely synchronize data from a personal computer.
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==Basestar Computers==

The Cylon are a cybernetic race. As such, ''everything'' is computer-based by nature. To avoid confusion between differentiation of the cybernetic physiology of the [[humanoid Cylon]], only the non-sentient or quasi-sentient computer systems of the basestar are noted here.

===The Hybrid===

The [[Hybrid]] is a special variety of non-autonomous [[humanoid Cylon]] that rests in a pool of water near or in a basestar's command and control center. Because of its connection to many, if not all, of the basestar's systems, it in effect ''is'' the basestar. Functions such as [[Cylon Centurion]] and Cylon Raider access and deployment appear to be controlled by the Hybrid, as well as navigation control. Whether there is more than one Hybrid model is unknown.

===The Datastream===

The [[datastream]] is the central network within a basestar. It appears to use a liquid as a data transmission medium, a storage medium, or both. The datastream is suceptible to corruption by [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|certain organic pathogens]] that can also infect the sentient humanoid Cylons. The liquid also appears as waterfalls and pools within a basestar's command and control center, which may also serve as access nodes<ref> [[Sharon Agathon]] instructs a member of the boarding team to place a Colonial data gathering device in one of these pools in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]".</ref> (see ''Data port interfaces'' below).

===Data port interfaces===

While not computers in themselves, humanoid Cylons, which are more biological than cybernetic, have devised a remarkable manner to interface with computer systems with an optical interface. On a basestar, Cylons can access their datastream by placing their arm on an illuminated panel that's covered by a thin layer of water. This activates the [[Cylon data port|data port]], an optical interface incorporated within their arms that's otherwise disguised as ordinary human tissues. These interfaces are transceivers that can also be configured for visual data such as photography.

==Battlestar Computers==

An original battlestar such as ''[[Galactica]]'' has several computers dedicated to many critical ship functions. Several specific computers have been mentioned in the [[Miniseries]] and [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. This list is not inclusive; an [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestar]] like ''Galactica'' is still a very complex spacecraft. Advanced battlestars such as ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', with its networked computers, may have more or fewer computers or distributed functionality. It is likely that ''Pegasus'' is not as strongly networked as before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] to create similar defenses against Cylon intrusion.

Although the battlestar normally does not have a central computer network in place, ''Galactica'' does possess a [[Wikipedia:Default gateway|gateway]], which, in ''Galactica'''s case, is likely managed within the Mainframe itself and not as a larger network topology. The Mainframe's normally-isolated gateway can be linked to the other computers (as Gaeta does in "[[Scattered]]").

{|
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===Navigation Computer===
Also known as the "Nav" computer, it tracks the battlestar's position and handles [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] travel and [[RCS]] translations. It is very likely that [[DRADIS]] sensor information is obtained and managed by the Navigation Computer then passed on to the [[Tactical Officer]] and the Command & Control Center in the [[CIC]].
[[Image:navcomp_002_720p.jpg|thumb|Nav Computer Display of ''Galactica'' ([[Miniseries]])]]
The DRADIS system, while having digital controls, is an analog instrument (utilizing EM radiation), which protects it from direct ''external'' infiltration by Cylon electronic attack. As shown in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", the navigation computer hardware, as with practically every other computer system, is subceptible to ''internal'' compromise by Cylon viruses or logic bombs already present in the battlestar's other systems.<ref name="tech5A">"The LAN that Time Forgot", Dr. [[Kevin Grazier]] (the show's science adviser), [http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2793 BSG Tech Blog], entry 5A, August 8, 2005.</ref>

===FTL Computer===
The FTL computer manages the complex calculations necessary for an [[FTL]] jump. Information for these jumps on a more [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] such as ''Pegasus'' are probably transmitted from the Navigation Computer by the battlestar's network.

On ''Galactica'', however, the FTL computer receives the spatial coordinates manually from the [[Tactical Officer]] or its Communications Officer. The FTL computer also manages the star fixes of the jump coordinates to compensate for inertial drift that naturally occurs over time. The Tactical Officer generates a series of emergency jump coordinates for the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] with the FTL computer. This information is relayed to other ships regularly. It is likely that the [[flight pod]]s are also controlled through the FTL computer as they must be retracted prior to a jump.<ref name="scattered">One of Gaeta's responsibilities is to monitor DRADIS contacts. To navigate, a battlestar must use some way to determine its location relative to other objects, so the Navigation and DRADIS connection must exist.</ref>
|[[Image:ftlcomp_217_1080i.jpg|thumb|FTL Systems Display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
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===Damage Control Computer===

The Damage Control computer relays information to the CIC on malfunctioning or damaged areas of the battlestar, presumably from various sensors throughout the ship. It also has access to radiation sensors in the event of nuclear attack to warn against dangerous radiation levels that could harm the crew.<ref name="miniseries2">While Colonel Tigh was on a handset ordering the retraction of the pods as the battlestar began its escape from Ragnar Anchorage, many events within the ship must be coordinated (bulkheads closing, motors for the pod movement activated, etc.) While there was likely a person in CIC or elsewhere that flips a switch or types in a computer command, there must still be a computer used to coordinate these events as they are too many to manage in a limited amount of time ([[Miniseries]]).</ref> The DC computer's function can be compromised by a hostile force through places such as [[Aft Damage Control]], as was threatened in "[[Valley of Darkness]]". If these locations are compromised, the computer's safeties can be overridden and various life-support controls, such as bulkheads and atmospheric controls, could be altered, venting the ship's air (and crew) into space.
|[[Image:PegasusDamageDisplay2.jpg|thumb|Damage Control display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
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===Fire Control Computer===

The Fire Control computer manages a battlestar's primary offensive weapons, the central flak turret and smaller port and starboard turrets along the length of each side of the ship. It is presumed that the Fire Control computers report to crewmembers responsible for the upkeep of ammunition on the guns when to reload an particular turret. The Fire Control computer can target individual bogeys with the flak turret guns, which, in tandem with the smaller turrets, make even ''Galactica'', an old original battlestar from the first [[Cylon War]], a formidable foe to encounter. Like the DC computer, there are control rooms on ''Galactica'' where the ship's computerized gun control can be overriden.<ref name="miniseries">''Galactica'''s flak turret guns are seen directly targeting specific missiles during the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).</ref>
|[[Image:Maingunredlight_101_1080i.jpg|thumb|Fire Control Display Panel ([[33]])]]
|}

===Mainframe Computer===

This computer likely manages secondary functions of the ship, such as communications. The mainframe likely provides extra calculating power for other ship tasks when required, and may also serve as the ship's library for tactical information.<ref name="phe">[[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]]: "Mr. Gaeta, can you set me up with a fiber-optic com link? I need broadcast to all frequencies and direct link to the mainframe." ([[Flight of the Phoenix]])</ref> Of all the computers on ''Galactica'', this computer is likely very resistant by design to infiltration since it controls communication traffic (and thus is accessible to Cylon external intrusion by [[wireless]]). The mainframe likely possesses a basic gateway, but, per ''Galactica'''s no-networks edict, it is typically unused.

The communications elements of the mainframe, while having digital controls, are analog instruments, which make them highly resistant to external Cylon electronic attack as they do not transfer digital signals. As with other battlestar systems, the mainframe hardware remains susceptible to internal Cylon electronic attacks (viruses and logic bombs that infect and transfer from other systems).<ref name="tech5A"/>

===Environmental Computer===

This computer is mentioned briefly by Lt. Gaeta after an incident where the effects of a Cylon logic bomb confused the environmental computer into venting the firing range room of its pressure, almost killing [[Kara Thrace]], [[Lee Adama]] and [[Brendan Costanza]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

The environmental computer is likely connected to the nearly one-dozen carbon dioxide air scrubbers throughout ''Galactica'', which remove the excess levels of the gas before it reaches toxic levels ([[Final Cut]]).

==Avionics==

:''The computer systems found on fighters and support aircraft of a capital ship are generally described by the term ''[[Wikipedia:Avionics|avionics]]'' (AVIation electrONICS). In the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'', aircraft terminology is intermixed with spacecraft terminology--note the use of "[[CAG]]" and Commander Adama's use of the word "planes" to Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] to describe the Viper space fighter ([[Litmus]]). As the term "avionics" is used in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]" to describe the flight electronics on the captured [[Raider]], despite its aeronautical connotation, it will be used here.''

===Colonial Avionics===

The [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] relied initially on primitive, hard-wired avionics in its early fighters, but later reverted to more "[[Wikipedia:Fly by wire|fly-by-wire]]" technologies, one of which sealed the doom of billions of citizens.

====Vipers and Raptors====
[[Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A view of the manual "8-ball" landing software on a Viper Mk. II.]]
[[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A view of a Mk. II secondary display below the primary display, currently using [[DRADIS]].]]

The '''avionics''' found on modern [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]s and [[Raptor]]s are complex systems that combine fly-by-wire technology with computer systems.

In the case of Raptors, [[datacord]] is used for networking subsystems. This wiring makes Raptors more radiation-hardened and thus useful in high-radiation conditions <ref>Raptors are used as pilot ships in the episode "[[The Passage]]".</ref>.
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[[Image:ViperMk2Avionics.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. II cockpit avionics, resistant to Cylon infiltration.]]
The older and generally-obsolete [[Viper Mark II]] fighters have a more primitive avionics package, but unlike [[CNP]]-equipped [[Viper Mark VII]]s and Raptors, these old-style Viper systems (a design similar to that used in the [[Cylon War]]) appear to combine hydraulics <ref>Note the leaking fluid on [[Viper 289]] in the episode "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", strongly suggesting a hydraulic flight control system on these fighters.</ref> with a basic computer and [[DRADIS]] subsystem that is effectively immune from Cylon electronic counterattack.

Both Vipers are equipped with a multi-functional display that can can be set to various modes, such as DRADIS, navigation, engines, system status and weapons.
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The flight systems of these systems also likely include these components, which vary in availability or degrees of complexity depending on the craft's age or purpose:

* A non-directional medium-range [[wireless]] communications for ship-to-ship and ship-to-planet contact
* [[DRADIS]] hardware for enemy targeting, squadron formation flight maneuvers, etc.
* A Colonial transponder for [[IFF]] "friend or foe" identification
* Stellar positioning system for proper [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] or [[FTL]] navigation
** Larger craft such as Raptors can manage FTL jumps and so come equipped with more advanced avionics to handle jump computations
* Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), an automatic ("hands-off") landing system guidance package

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====Vulnerabilities====

[[Image:ViperMk7Avionics.jpg|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. VII cockpit avionics, vulnerable if the [[CNP]] is installed.]]
In the case of modern (pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|holocaust]]) spacecraft, many of these systems were likely tied into (either as a software or firmware component) of the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. Evidence for this is strong as [[Jackson Spencer]]'s Mark VII Viper loses power, communications, flight control, DRADIS, and apparently ejection control after Cylon fighters "rooted", or counter-commanded his Viper to shut down, thanks to the backdoors installed in these modern avionics packages ([[Miniseries]]).

''Galactica'' prohibits computerized landings, so all pilots perform [[Hands-on Approach|manual approach and landings]] in [[Combat landing|non-combat situations]]. No information has been given in the series if Mark II Vipers are capable of auto-landings in the manner that Mark VIIs demonstrate ([[Miniseries]]).

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===Cylon Avionics===

Cylon avionics contain biological elements, some of which include or are interfaced with quasi-sentient elements.

====Raiders====

[[Cylon Raiders]] contain some level of avionics that co-exist amidst the biological components that form the "pilot" within the fuselage of the fighter. Kara Thrace identifies the mechanical linkage within a captured fighter, and [[Galen Tyrol]]'s team identifies the fire control, navigation, and FTL drive components in addition to an actual avionics package ([[Flesh and Bone]]). ''Galactica'' flight crews later rigged a flight control console that mated with the Raider's avionics for human readability.

The Cylons moved to biomechanical pilots rather than using Centurions or other robotic pilot for three probable reasons:

# The Cylons' monothesistic belief in [[God (RDM)|God]] and their belief in procreation (machines cannot procreate, but living organisms can) suggest that they believe a biological pilot would be more effective. A Raider pilot is programmed with a basic personality akin to a predatory animal. Unlike the logic of a Centurion, a Raider pilot is capable of improvements in its programming--it can learn and anticipate changes in battle ("[[Six Degrees of Separation]]", "[[Scar]]").
# In battle, Colonial forces may attempt [[ECM|electronic countermeasures]] that could affect the performance or operation of a fully-mechanical Cylon Raider or a craft piloted by autonomous [[Cylon Centurion]]s. As the Colonials moved to simpler technologies to combat Cylon ECM, so did the Cylons--like a human Viper pilot, the modern Raider with its biologics cannot be easily disabled by ECM.
# A Raider's personality, like a [[humanoid Cylon]], is downloadable and transferable should the fighter be destroyed. This provides the Cylons a dramatic tactical advantage over the Colonials since the knowledge of a Raider isn't lost on death, allowing it to improve its fighting as well as allowing risker tactics (such as ramming) without permanent loss of self, provided a [[Resurrection Ship]] or the [[Cylon homeworld]] is sufficiently close to retrieve a signal ([[Scar]]).

====Heavy Raider====

The interior of a [[Heavy Raider]], or its cockpit, have not been shown in a series episode, so no information is available as to the nature of their avionics and piloting requirements, although the events from the episodes "[[Fragged]]", "[[The Farm]]" and "[[Home, Part I]]" suggest that the Heavy Raider is not an autonomous or quasi-autonomous vehicle.

====Vulnerabilities====

Cylon spacecraft avionics can be affected by infiltration with the right methods. The cooperative Cylon infiltrator copy of [[Sharon Agathon|Sharon Valerii]] used herself as a [[backdoor]] to send a version of a Cylon virus to shut down power to a massive Cylon fleet en route to attack ''Galactica'' ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was not shown whether the biologics of the Cylon Raiders are themselves affected by this unexpected infiltration from Valerii.

The organic nature of most Cylon cybernetics is also susceptible to [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|classic human pathogens]], which can cause massive and catastrophic system failure. The infection that caused a basestar to succumb in "[[Torn]]", according to other Cylons investigating the incident, has a bioelectric nature that could cause it to behave more like programming, allowing the [[Resurrection (RDM)|downloaded personalities]] of infected agents to infect the entire Cylon race via the [[Resurrection Ship]].

==Computer History==

:''For more information on the use of Colonial computers in the series, see [[Colonial Computer History]].''

== Notes ==
*Colonial aesthetics often eschew right angles, instead using [[Arts and Literature of the Twelve Colonies#Octagons|octagons]]. Many computer programs also follow this design by having windows, menus or buttons with angled corners.

==References==
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[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category: Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Descriptive terms]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

{{featured article}}

Talk:Galactica type battlestar/Archive 1

2007-10-10T18:53:31Z

Rapturous:

:: Archive from [http://www.battlestarwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Talk:Galactica_type_battlestar&oldid=47676 April 17, 2006]
== Medical Capabilites of a Battlestar ==

Peter,

Your assertion of "unfound speculation" concerning my contribution is uninformed and unfounded. I am a military medical planner and a published author. My assertion of the potential medical capabilities and requirements of an intergalactic warship (modeled on a US aircraft carrier), while hypothetical, is informed. Keep in mind these are requirements that the ship would have originally been built (not the "as is" state). At this point in the story line, clearly Major Cottle is the only doctor on Galactica, however we have never seen the Pegasus medical bay or any of its medical personnel. With established industrial facilities on Pegasus (Viper production established in “Scar”), the Pegasus would have evn greater Occupational Health / Preventive Medicine than Galactica. And if you do a walk down of the ancillary services (pharmacy (camala extract), orthopedic and x-ray (Kara’s knee injury), optometry (ADM Adama’s glasses), etc, you will see they exist even if they are not portrayed. Additionally, it was an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed, complete with ventilator, which William Adama was in during his multiple surgeries (establishing an Operation Room (OR)).

Capital ships are designed to go into battle, which means they will take damage and casualties. Often it is the ability to regenerate / repair / refit in the quickest amount of time that determines the outcome of battles. General Nathan Bedford Forrest of the Confederate States of America is famous for the quote, “He who gets there the fastest with the mostest wins.” RDM makes reference to his experience onboard a Navy ship in podcasts, including “The Captain’s Hand”. Thus, there is an established framework present.

I provide you two active hyperlinks that back up my contribution. While dated, they are still relevant.

http://www.mfp.usmc.mil/TeamApp/G4/Topics/20040916154046/Med%20Cont%20Factbook.pdf

www.iiimef.usmc.mil/medical/ FMF/FMFE/FMFEref/fs_man/CHAPTER%2014.html

--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 20:26, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

:I have no doubt that you are well qualified to speak about the medical capabilities of an aircraft carrier. I dispute their relevance to BSG, however. while they might provide a good baseline for guesswork, I don't think that simple guesswork belongs on this site. We don't extrapolate armament details based on the capabilities of modern naval vessels, for example. If you wanted, I wouldn't object to something along the lines of "we may conjecture that the medical facilities of a colonial battlestar are roughly comparable to those of a modern aircraft carrier" with one of the links you provided above; but I will not agree to listing out detailed specifications based on no in-continuity data. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:37, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

::''At last I went to the artisans. I was conscious that I knew nothing at all, as I may say, and I was sure that they knew many fine things; and here I was not mistaken, for they did know many things of which I was ignorant, and in this they certainly were wiser than I was. But I observed that even the good artisans fell into error;--because they were good workmen they thought that they also knew all sorts of high matters, and this defect in them overshadowed their wisdom;''
:::''The Apology of Socrates'', Plato

::Sir, none of us doubt that you know what you are talking about when you list the medical capabilities of a modern aicraft carrier. But this does not grant you increased insight into the inner logic of the tv series: First, we have no idea how many medical staff are onboard, and comparing it to an aircraft carrier is just speculation. Second, we have no idea how many crewmen a Mercury class battlestar normally has, as has been asked in the "Questions" segment of the "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" episode guide article: Pegasus has 1,750 crewmen when it encounters Galactica, but A) It was going into drydock, and some of the crew may have left to the port, B) 700 crewmen died in the initial attack C) Cain impressed civillians she encounteed into service and most importantly C) Cain was fighting a hit and run war against the Cylons for months, which wore down her crew numbers through attrition. But I digress. Yes, we should object to a statement like "we may conjecture that medical facilities of a colonial battlestar are roughly comparable to those of a modern aircraft carrier". --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 21:41, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

:::I guess you can object to that too, if you want. I was trying to compromise. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:48, 12 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I'm sorry Peter but this is a really good example of the speculation I don't think we should be inserting into this kind of article. There is nothing to be gained from such a compromise. I would if there were, and would like to, but I can't change facts. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 21:51, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

Peter,

As I am preparing to deploy for a year, please forgive me as I have packed all my BSG video. I grant you that the personnel numbers for a fully manned battlestar are informed speculation based upon a comparison to a modern aircraft carrier. I use these numbers as RDM has referenced a battlestar to a modern carrier, his experience in the Navy (podcast for The Captain’s Hand), Galactica type battlestar – article – dimensions’ jpg comparing a Battlestar to a CVN Image:Bsg-2-cvn.jpg on this very page. My professional training drives me to fill in unknowns with assumptions. That is what the personnel piece was intended and is consistent with other speculation within the Wiki, so long as it is said to be speculation (i.e. the actual working of an FTL drive). But sticking to the medical capabilities known from “in country (your term)” knowledge (i.e. seen on screen or in dialogue), we know much about Galactica. First, Galactica has a sickbay (Act of Contrition, Litmus). Exact bed count is not known, but is greater than seven (Act of Contrition). Based upon the burn victims (Act of Contrition) and treatment of William Adama (Scattered, Valley of Darkness, Fragged), we have seen Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, complete with ventilators, electrocardiograms (ECG), pulse / respiration / pulseox (shows percent of oxygen saturation dissolved in blood) monitors. We also have seen at least on operation room (OR) (Fragged), and subsequently confirm its existence with Kara Thrace’s knee surgery (Litmus) and Lee Adama’s chest surgery (Sacrifice). Concerning the radiology suite, we saw a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI – incidentally, a very advanced piece of equipment) when Baltar had Dr. Cottle examine his head looking for an implanted chip (sorry, don’t remember the episode). We also saw conventional (chest) x-rays of Commander William Adama, during his surgery (Fragged, Scattered). We heard about Sharon’s ultrasound, as part of pre-natal health on Hera, where Dr. Cottle found an abnormality. And while not part of radiology, Hera, is placed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) incubator, when is born prematurely. Next, we know it has a pharmacy. The President asked Dr. Cottle for Camala, the Viper pilots were taking “stims” (33, Final Cut) and Kara is taking pain killers for her knee surgery (Litmus) and latter asks Lee for antibiotics for Anders (Lay Down Your Burdens – Part II). Additionally, with the surgeries and burn victims, there are other pharmacological needs and a pharmacy is where these things dwell. Other areas that we have seen or know about are a morgue, where Galactica-Boomer was stored; a laboratory (to do support simple blood type and matching to support surgery), optometry with a fabrication lab (William Adama wears glasses and as stated in other areas of this site, battlestars are designed for sustained operations). We are also can infer that Galactica has some preventive medicine / occupational health capability because in “Water”, there was a discussion about water recycling (leading to potable water). It is Preventive Medicine that does this task.

I would like to add that RDM and SciFi do a heck of a job weaving into the background all these things. As an experienced health services officer with over 22 years in the health care field, there is a tremendous amount of detail that happens in the background. If I was a casual observer, I might miss or not care about some of these things. As someone headed into harms way, I assure you that our fighting forces moral is impacted combat health support. I absolutely belive we need to address the medical capabilities of a battle star. The propose the best way is start with what it would look like at full strenght / desired capability. Clearly, Season 3 will start with two grossly undermanned battlestars, with very limited offensive combat capability.--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 22:10, 16 April 2006 (CDT)

:The citations you've provided make it much easier to include this information, and I thank you for taking the time to write this all out. The addition should improve the article considerably. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 22:21, 16 April 2006 (CDT)

::I am sorry, but this doesn't change much: the above information was gleaned from things we've seen on screen, and is thus informative and useful. However, the original entry to this article he made (speculative medical numbers, etc.)...isn't supported by any of these citations. Basically, they're two separate issues and should be treated separately. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 00:48, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

:::Reverting to Killerman's last version isn't a good idea, but he (or we) can refactor his contribution using the points and evidence he raised above. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:57, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

::::Oh yes yes, something new and revised. Yes. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 01:24, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

== Manufacture vs. Assembly of Ammunition ==
The "assembly" activities that take place in [[Epiphanies]] would fall into the realm of "production", depending on how you look at it. It seemed like they were loading the casings (I thought RDM said they were going to use caseless ammo) with powder, seating the primer and inserting the bullet, turning the various components into a cartridge. Whether or not they produced the individual components (metal for bullets and casings would be easy, compounds for primers and powder probably harder to obtain), the act of putting those bits together would often be considered "manufacturing" ammunition. Not a big deal, and I didn't even change the text (since it's pretty debatable). An example of this use of the word is in this [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4044-2004Jul21_2.html Washington Post Article]:

"''Israeli Military Industries said the ammunition will be manufactured in Israel but the raw materials, including propellants, projectiles and primers, come from U.S. sources.''
"

Once again, not trying to start a war, just wanted to weigh in on a subject I knew a little about (since they so rarely come up). --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:02, 17 April 2006 (CDT)

== Picture of destroyed Galactica-type Battlestar ==
Though certainly a model of a Galactica-type was used for the shot, it's clearly mentioned at the very beginning of the miniseries that ''Galactica'' is the only ship of it's kind still in service. The story places the shot only hours after the beginning of the attack, so it should be impossible that another Galactica-type (museum or mothballed in a reserve-fleet) could be readied for battle. Shouldn't the destroyed battlestar be taken as one of a third class between the Galactica-Type and Mercury-class, still looking a lot like the Galactica-type? [[User:Nevfennas|Nevfennas]] 13:39, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:That was my impulse. Story logic dictates that the destroyed hulk probably wasn't a Galactica type, but in the real world we can surmise that Zoic probably re-used the Galactica model. Of course, from that distance, we could fudge our interpretation either way. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 13:50, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
::They don't necessarily mean that there are no Galactica type battlestars in service besides the Big-G, it could be taken to mean none like Galactica, eg. non-refitted, no networks, etc. The battlestar there could easily (and belivably) be a refitted Galactica type. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 14:22, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
::I concur with Talos, and that has been my understanding. Besides, unless the ship was simply overwhelmed by Cylon military brawn, an old-Cylon War battlestar would put up the same level of fight as ''Galactica'' would have. Else, it was just as vulnerable as the new battlestars. I agree, cinematically, that that Galactica model was just reused.--[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:59, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:::[http://www.skyone.co.uk/programme/pgefeature.aspx?pid=3&fid=642 Something to ask] the big man himself? --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] 14:34, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I'll do that in a little bit, I have to pick up my brother from his band practice in a minute. The life of a college student living at home... --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 14:36, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I really doubt he's going to take the time to clarify such a niggling detail. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 14:39, 24 April 2006 (CDT)

It has always been my belief that Doral meant it was the only Galactica-type battlestar never refited. I always point to the ''U.S.S. Missouri'' (Mighty 'Mo) as an example of a ship with over 50 years of combat service that just kept getting refitted over time to the point that it was firing satellite-targeted cruise missiles at the end of its service. I think Galactica was just the only one that was never refitted. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 15:57, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:My point exactly. It's like the WWII era Essex class carriers. There were refits that were completly rebuilt but a few, essentially, originals survived until the early 1960s with the others serving thru Vietnam ([[Wikipedia:USS Oriskany (CVA-34)|USS Oriskany (CVA-34)]] for example). The [[Wikipedia:USS Lexington (CV-16)|USS Lexington (CV-16)]] was in service as a training ship until 1991! --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 16:26, 24 April 2006 (CDT)

::It's exactly the ''USS Missouri''-example why I believe that ''Galactica'' is the last of it's class: All four ''Iowa''-Class battleships were updated and they all were finally decommissoned (for now) between 1990 and 1992. If the ''Galactica'' is simply the only one not refitted one would have to ask why that wasn't done. Why would one refit three ''Iowas'' but not the last one? This usually only happens if a ship is somehow different from her sisters (e.g. having sustained heavy battledamage the refit is more expensive and not worth the effort). Also it could be that the fleet is being downsized, no longer needing all ships. An example for this would be the British [[Wikipedia:Illustrious class aircraft carrier|''Illustrious''-Class]] of World War II. Of these three carriers only one received an angled flight-deck, surviving the scrapping of the other two for twenty years. But in all these cases I find it hard to believe that anyone would describe one of the ships decommissioned first as ''the last of it's kind still in service'' if there others (refitted or not) still in action. Which ''Iowa'' would have been described that way prior to it's decommissioning: ''Iowa'' in 1990 or ''Missouri'' in 1992? Wasn't ''Lexington'' the last ''Essex''?
::What Doral says before and after that statement makes it quite clear that he's not talking about a certain detail (like ''last of it's kind without a network'' would have been). He starts with ''worldfamous Battlestar Galactica'', then ''last of her kind still in service'' followed by ''constructed 50 years ago as one of the first twelve battlestars, representing Caprica''. The only possible explanation for other Galactica-types this leaves would be ''Galactica'' being the last of the first twelve, with other Galactica-types coming from a second batch no longer representing specific colonys. But even then "last of her kind" is an usual choice of words to describe that. [[User:Nevfennas|Nevfennas]] 17:13, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:::Well said. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:04, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I think it is still ambiguous, and we should wait for an RDM blog reply before changing anything. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:54, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:::::I doubt RDM will respond to this issue, and I think the safest course of action would just be to remove it. There's sufficient reason to doubt that the hulk isn't a galactica-type that we shouldn't take a firm position on the issue. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:22, 25 April 2006 (CDT)
:::The motivation for no refit to ''Galactica'' could be nostaliga or historical preservation, explaining the odd wording; for such a purpose, only the unaltered version would count. ...Don't get the impression I believe that just because I said it. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 20:56, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:Not to mention Adama, "It's a computer network and I'll be damned if I'll let it aboard my ship while I'm in command." (Paraphrased)--[[User:Talos|Talos]] 21:01, 24 April 2006 (CDT)
:We don't even know for sure if the destroyed battlestar was even in service. It could have been decommissioned earlier and be acting like a museum, just like Galactica was supposed to be. That would also explain its quick destruction. (It snapped cleanly in half). --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 09:01, 13 January 2007 (CST)
::It could easily be in service still. In the Russian (and former Soviet) navy, there is a class of destroyers called the [[w:Udaloy class destroyer|Udaloy]]. The last of the class was heavily refitted and updated, bringing it up almost to Burke class levels. The important thing here is that there are still unrefitted ones in service (there was only enough money to upgrade one, the Admiral Chabenko). Then again, there is the Fletcher/Sumner class destroyers. The main differences were the gun armament (5x1 5" in Fletcher, 3x2 5" in Sumner), and the Sumner's twin rudders. Same hull and most of the superstructure. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 10:13, 13 January 2007 (CST)

== Crew numbers ==

How do we know a fully manned and equipped battlestar has a crew of 4,000 to 5,000? Was it said in some episode or where do these numbers come from? I'm updating the [[de:Kampfstern, Galactica-Typ|german battlestar article]] and I don't like to use data that seems to be made up out of thin air. The links and notes provided don't give any hint about the normal crew number of a battlestar of this type. We apologise for any inconvenience. -- [[User:Astfgl|Astfgl]] 16:03, 25 June 2006 (CDT)
:In the Miniseries, Tyrol says that there are over 2,000 people on Galactica. The ships seems very undermanned at the same time so I would think that 4-5,000 is a good estimate. I'm not sure if we've seen any concrete numbers though, maybe in the magazine. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 16:52, 25 June 2006 (CDT)

::Answer: in "Water" Baltar says how many civilians there are in the Fleet, and subtracting that from the total survivor population in that episode yielded the crew aboard Galactica as of "Water", at some number over 2,600 (I'd have to check). In several podcasts, Ron Moore keeps saying that while not on a skeleton crew, Galactica has about half the number of people on it that a fully crewed battlestar of its class would have. So, "between 4,000 and 5,000". --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 17:38, 25 June 2006 (CDT)
:::Thanks for the clarification, I'll take these numbers then. -- [[User:Astfgl|Astfgl]] 07:37, 26 June 2006 (CDT)

== Flight tube counts ==
I see (in [[:Image:Bsg-2-cvn.jpg]], e.g.) 20 slots that seem like they might each be divided in half along the side of ''Galactica''. I can see why it is likely they are launch tubes, but I can also see many other similarly sized openings around them. Although it's a fine guess and quite likely to be true, I'm left hestitant that this evidence is sufficiently strong to be canon. In any case, if consensus is that this is canon, we should certainly footnote it, as the truth of the statement is not patently clear. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]<sup>([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]])</sup> 00:10, 10 August 2006 (CDT)

== Delivery of Nuclear weapons ==

Since the Cylon forces repeatedly use missiles as an effective delivery platform for their nuclear weapons, isn't ir relativel safe to assume- since, of course, the Cylons were created by the Colonials- that the method deployed by Colonial forces is also missile-based? --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 09:22, 12 September 2006 (CDT)
:It's a good idea, and I personally agree with it, but there is no aired proof, and thusly we cannot confirm how they do it. The two Galactica nukes we've seen thus far (Baltar's and the one Boomer uses to destroy the Basestar in Kobol's Last Gleaming Part II) have been removed from their delivery systems. (Although Boomer's did look like it was in a bomb casing). --[[User:BklynBruzer|BklynBruzer]] 09:31, 12 September 2006 (CDT)
::Fair point. Perhaps we'll get clarificaion in Season3, since Galactica herself still has three nuclear weapons aboard. --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 10:06, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

== Galactica-Class? ==

Please bear with me for a moment as I am citing a magazine many of you may consider illegitimate. In the September 2006 issue of Maxim Magazine, the "Fashion" section of Maxim Style features a photoshoot of the RDM Battlestar Galactica cast modeling various fashions. In one photograph, featuring James Callis and Tricia Helfer in a small corner alcove of the CIC (possibly weapons control or some other station), a center console features the text "GALACTICA-CLASS BATTLESTAR" in two places, easily readable to the viewer. I know it is general policy on television shows that whatever is aired in a given episode is canon, and what is not aired, non-canon. However, would this (i.e., "Galactica-class Battlestar") be considered canon since this console is occasionally seen in a given episode? Or am I just reading too much into a simple photoshoot? --[[User:Jonfucius|Jonfucius]] 09:30, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
:Do you have a photograph of this? or a timestamp where we can check the DVD's? --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 09:55, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
::I assume he means [http://bsg-cz.net/news/files/images/season_3/maxim_5.jpg this] but on that pic I can't really see it on the prinouts on the table. It does indeed look like the weapon's control room, though I can't recall the table there. The room can be seen very rarely. In the miniseries for example --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 10:06, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
:::I can barely make it out. Though it isn't canon, unless we saw it on the show itself, or if someone from the show were to tell us that "yes, indeed, ''Galactica'' is a ''Galactica''-class battlestar". Then it's canon. However, by all means, we can certainly put something in the notes section regarding this. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 10:17, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
::::That's definitely the weapons control section of CIC. If we can get a clearer shot, that will remove all doubt; it does look like "Galactica class" to me. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:57, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
:::::Something for [[BW:OC]]? --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 11:14, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
::::::If I had access to a scanner I would provide a high-res image to examine; unfortunately, I am a relatively-poor college student (and how many aren't these days?) and the only scanner access I have is a public-use scanner in our bookstore. However, the image Mercifull provided is the one I indicated in my first post. In my copy of the issue, the text clearly reads "Galactica-class Battlestar". I know this is a minor detail among many in a show so richly layered by the writers and producers, but I wanted to make sure the Battlestar Wiki was as accurate as possible; I use the Wiki to enhance my experience of this incredible drama. Thank you all for your timely responses to my question. --[[User:Jonfucius|Jonfucius]] 11:39, 18 September 2006 (CDT)

== Actual class name? ==

I can purely speculate that the actual name of the original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) is ''Onassis'', in honor of the wife of assassinated President [[Wikipedia:John F. Kennedy|John F. Kennedy]], [[Wikipedia:Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis|Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis]]. So, ''Galactica'' is considered as an ''Onassis''-class battlestar. The prototype of its class, battlestar ''Onassis'' is destroyed in the renewed [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] conflict. --[[User:Starkiller|Starkiller]] 21:06, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
:And there's ''nothing'' to back this up with? --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 02:06, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
:And how would Colonials know of the Kennedys? -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 02:29, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
::Because they got information from Earth about these Kennedys before the Cylon Holocaust. Years before the [[Cylon War]], the battlestar prototype, ''Onassis'', is constructed, then ''Galactica'' itself. Therefore, we presume this original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) is ''Onassis''. --[[User:Starkiller|Starkiller]] 04:20, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
:I am ''very'' confused. There would have to be some serious cite for that change. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] <sup>([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]])</sup> 05:10, 19 September 2006 (CDT)

I think that Starkiller is being absurd to prove a point, but, like others, I'm missing it. As per our convention, pure speculation is disallowed here without official sources to back it up. Since the picture of two BSG actors on an official set using props that match others with information cited as official and used here for articles (navigation charts) which indicates that ''Galactica'' is the first of her class, we should continue on this thread. Otherwise, Starkiller's comment is patent nonsense given that BSG is deliberately set so we don't know if the events occur in real-world Earth's past, present, or future. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:13, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
:I've heard on several occasions that Galactica may be an "Atlantia-class" battlestar, but have found nothing to support this online. I've also heard that the original Galactica was a "Columbia-class". Is this true? If so, is it possible that the re-imagined Galactica is also a Columbia-class? I think this should head on over to [[BW:OC]]. --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 11:46, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
::"Columbia-class" is common fan fiction. "Atlantia" class would make little sense: why would the fleet admiral use a old battlestar as his flagship? His ship would be Mercury class or something better (and more advanced--it was destroyed like the other [[CNP]] ships). --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:34, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
:::Then why does Adama choose Galactica as his flaghsip, and not Pegasus? There's nothing said on-screen to suggest that the Galactica-type battlestars were NOT re-fitted with computer networks. I'm just playing devil's advocate here. Besides, the Atlantia mentioned in the mini could easily have been Mercury-class, and the original may have been retired like the Big G was. --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 06:54, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
::::Commanders don't have to choose the best and biggest ship as their flagship as long as they can do their duty from another one. Don't know who but some guy in WWII chose a destroyer or maybe a battleship as his command post and not an aircraft carrier. As long as there are options, there is some personal choice involved.
::::And you're right about networks. The Mini gives the distinct impression that it was only Adama's doing that the Galactica
::::wasn't more automated -[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:08, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
:::::Yeah, Admiral Raymond Spruance chose the cruiser USS Indianapolis as his flagship when he had multiple carriers at his disposal. --[[User:BklynBruzer|BklynBruzer]] 21:11, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
::::As shown in events during the second half of season 2, Adama doesn't likely trust ''Pegasus'' crew. To quote Adama: "I tend to go with what you know, until something better comes along." So the decision is logical; he trusts ''Galactica'' and her crew, thus he plants his flag there. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 10:52, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
::::An corollary to Joe's comments: It is very likely that there is a long-standing (but fading) tradition to keep ''Galactica'' from being refitted, just as our USS Constitution was never refitted as a steamer, in keeping with her (supposed) significancy in Colonial war history. Besides, to ''revert'' any ship from new to old technology is just weird and very unlikely. There may have been fewer commanders willing to assume command of ''Galactica'' in this tradition, but Adama, a man who knew all too well of the problems of technology (and had served on her in the last part of the war), chose ''Galactica'' willingly, I figure. This is reinforced with the arrival of ''Pegasus''. He could've moved his new admiral flag there, but he hasn't. He prefers to go with what he knows until something better shows up. The old battlestar ''Galactica'', in Adama's mind, is still best. ''Pegasus'' survived more on luck than inherent design. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:30, 20 September 2006 (CDT)

==Role==

As with the Mercury-class article, I've amended the class role to [[Wikipedia:Battlecarrier|battlecarrier]]. --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 15:37, 27 September 2006 (CDT)

:Madbrood, I can appreciate the use, but based on your link, I disagree. The term "battlestar" is a true carrier AND battleship in one, where the "battlecarrier" of our Earth is a rough amalgam that doesn't come close in size, fighter capacity, or firepower. Further, I wonder if we want to use complext Earth naval terms instead of what is given in the show to describe the ships using simple naval language. "Carrier/battleship" is less "smooth" than "battlecruiser", but is is also more accurate. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:44, 27 September 2006 (CDT)
::I agree. Battlecruiser is a nice term, but it really doesn't fit Galactica. --[[User:BklynBruzer|BklynBruzer]] 08:35, 28 September 2006 (CDT)
:::Fair enough. I just figured it sounded a bit more "military". --[[User:Madbrood|Madbrood]] 09:47, 28 September 2006 (CDT)

::::I know. I'd love to put up "big, frakkin' warship/carrier with guns, lots of guns," but "warship/carrier" may have to do. Keeping it simple. :) --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 15:33, 28 September 2006 (CDT)

== Battlestar Redirect ==
Battlestar (RDM) currently redirects here. The only reason this concerned me was I was actually linking to a more generic use of the word ("Adama had been on an another battlestar before ''Galactica''). Back when "big G" was the only one we knew of, it defintely made sense. Now that we have "''Galactica'' type", "Mercury class", and "''Valkyrie'' type" I was wondering if maybe we needed a more generic article to sit at battlestar (RDM) describing the aircraft carrier/battleship capital ship concept in more general terms, with ''Galactica'', ''Pegasus'', and ''Valkyrie'' being specific examples. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 13:45, 4 December 2006 (CST)
:That sounds good to me, a general article explaing what battlestars are, listing known ones, mentioning BSGs, missions, etc. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 14:30, 4 December 2006 (CST)
::Rather than that, why not redirect to the central [[Battlestar]] disambiguation? It already has listed all battlestars by show and type, and avoids extra work. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:26, 4 December 2006 (CST)
:::'''That''' is exactly what I wanted to link to. I just automatically tagged an RDM on the end of it. I'll go change that link, but I agree that we should just change Battlestar (RDM) to point to Battlestar (work smarter not harder). --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 20:57, 4 December 2006 (CST)
::::Hah, I'd forgotten about that page. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 21:23, 4 December 2006 (CST)
::::Done. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 21:40, 4 December 2006 (CST)

== Life Support ==

How exactly do Galactica's life support systems work? I know their recirculation units replenish oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, but does this oxygen come from tanks or is it recycled from somewhere? The ISS uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, so is is possible that Galactica-type ships do something similar to this?--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 13:52, 10 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Galactica type battlestar/Archive 1

2007-10-10T18:52:47Z

Rapturous: New section: Life Support

Talk:Galactica type battlestar/Archive 1

2007-10-10T18:52:45Z

Rapturous: New section: Life Support

Talk:Tylium (RDM)/Archive 1

2007-10-03T16:05:58Z

Rapturous: /* Natural States */

The spelling of the mineral on the official SciFi.com website is "tyllium" ('''two''' Ls, not one). Should we correct here, move the page to a properly-spelled paged and redirect? [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:26, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

Perhaps it's the site that had a typo; otherwise, maybe we could sweep this one under the rug...---Ricimer 12:00, 19 Aug, 2005 EDT

:I tend to agree, unless there's a good reason, we should just have "tyllium" redirected to the original page. I haven't a clue how to do this. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:47, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

::Leave a message on Joe's talk page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:32, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

==Move to Tylium (RDM)==

As this article concerns the reimagined series, lets move it to reflect that... [[User:Kkimball|Kkimball]] 20:03, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

:No. The searches for "Tylium TOS" would be so uncommon it simply wouldn't be worth it. If you want maybe we could have "Tylium TOS" and "Tlyium", but "Tlyium RDM" would be too bulky, relative to the actual number of people searching for the other. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:08, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:Would we have anything interesting to say in "Tylium (TOS)"? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:04, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::I agree with Peter, keep the Tylium and then have a Tylium (TOS) only if absolutely needed. No need to put (RDM) in every article title. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 02:49, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

== Destroy all Tylium? ==

''It is highly volatile; the explosion from a conventional warhead can trigger a chain reaction which will ultimately '''destroy all Tylium''' in the area''.

I thought the reason the Colonials used a conventional warhead in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]" was so that there would be a big enough explosion to take out the Cyclons and secondly, the Tylium would NOT be destroyed?--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:14, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

:Here is what Baltar has to say:

::"But the radiation would render the ore inert. Unusable. I see your dilemma. Well, you're in luck, you know. Refined tylium contains tremendous enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo. If subjected to the right heat and compression, say, from a conventional warhead, you should get a suitably devastating explosion without the radioactive fallout. All we have to do is hit the right spot. Specifically, you need to hit the staging tanks for the refined tylium precursor. It's a lot more unstable than the fuel itself."

:So, it sounds like the ore is not volatile. Only refined tylium is. It might just be an error of reference. The list starts with "tylium ore" and then continues with "it...", but that "it" is refined tylium. In any case the note can be folded into the third one. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 17:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

Hm. How about the ''energy density of approximately half a million gigajoules per kilogram''. Can we change that with ''enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo'', so it matches with what Baltar has to say. Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of a body and the product of its volume multiplied by the pressure... i.e. energy density--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:52, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
:The amount of energy is really the same. We don't directly quote it, but it's more common that way. Big SI-suffix, small number. I'd leave it as it is. The other change sounds good. Maybe explain what enthalpy is in a footnote, since not everyone will know it. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 18:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
::I've added 'enthalpy' and kept the numbers as is. Also added the footnote.--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 18:48, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

== Natural States ==

In [[The Hand of God]] it's clear that tylium ore is solid. However, in [[Maelstrom]] the fleet is refueling from a gas giant.

* Maelstrom-type Tylium - gas
* Tylium Ore - solid
* Tylium Precursor - not known
* Refined Tylium - liquid

Does this mean that there is another form of tylium or is the stuff mined in Maelstrom simply another type of one that's already known? --[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 11:04, 3 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Tylium (RDM)/Archive 1

2007-10-03T16:05:14Z

Rapturous: /* Natural States */

The spelling of the mineral on the official SciFi.com website is "tyllium" ('''two''' Ls, not one). Should we correct here, move the page to a properly-spelled paged and redirect? [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:26, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

Perhaps it's the site that had a typo; otherwise, maybe we could sweep this one under the rug...---Ricimer 12:00, 19 Aug, 2005 EDT

:I tend to agree, unless there's a good reason, we should just have "tyllium" redirected to the original page. I haven't a clue how to do this. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:47, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

::Leave a message on Joe's talk page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:32, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

==Move to Tylium (RDM)==

As this article concerns the reimagined series, lets move it to reflect that... [[User:Kkimball|Kkimball]] 20:03, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

:No. The searches for "Tylium TOS" would be so uncommon it simply wouldn't be worth it. If you want maybe we could have "Tylium TOS" and "Tlyium", but "Tlyium RDM" would be too bulky, relative to the actual number of people searching for the other. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:08, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:Would we have anything interesting to say in "Tylium (TOS)"? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:04, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::I agree with Peter, keep the Tylium and then have a Tylium (TOS) only if absolutely needed. No need to put (RDM) in every article title. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 02:49, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

== Destroy all Tylium? ==

''It is highly volatile; the explosion from a conventional warhead can trigger a chain reaction which will ultimately '''destroy all Tylium''' in the area''.

I thought the reason the Colonials used a conventional warhead in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]" was so that there would be a big enough explosion to take out the Cyclons and secondly, the Tylium would NOT be destroyed?--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:14, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

:Here is what Baltar has to say:

::"But the radiation would render the ore inert. Unusable. I see your dilemma. Well, you're in luck, you know. Refined tylium contains tremendous enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo. If subjected to the right heat and compression, say, from a conventional warhead, you should get a suitably devastating explosion without the radioactive fallout. All we have to do is hit the right spot. Specifically, you need to hit the staging tanks for the refined tylium precursor. It's a lot more unstable than the fuel itself."

:So, it sounds like the ore is not volatile. Only refined tylium is. It might just be an error of reference. The list starts with "tylium ore" and then continues with "it...", but that "it" is refined tylium. In any case the note can be folded into the third one. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 17:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

Hm. How about the ''energy density of approximately half a million gigajoules per kilogram''. Can we change that with ''enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo'', so it matches with what Baltar has to say. Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of a body and the product of its volume multiplied by the pressure... i.e. energy density--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:52, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
:The amount of energy is really the same. We don't directly quote it, but it's more common that way. Big SI-suffix, small number. I'd leave it as it is. The other change sounds good. Maybe explain what enthalpy is in a footnote, since not everyone will know it. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 18:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
::I've added 'enthalpy' and kept the numbers as is. Also added the footnote.--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 18:48, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

== Natural States ==

In [[The Hand of God]] it's clear that tylium ore is solid. However, in [[Maelstrom]] the fleet is refueling from a gas giant.

* Maelstrom-type Tylium - gas
* Tylium Ore - solid
* Tylium Precursor - not known
* Refined Tylium - liquid

Does this mean that there is another form of tylium or is the what the is mined in Maelstrom simply another type of one that is already known? --[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 11:04, 3 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Tylium (RDM)/Archive 1

2007-10-03T16:04:54Z

Rapturous: /* Natural States */

The spelling of the mineral on the official SciFi.com website is "tyllium" ('''two''' Ls, not one). Should we correct here, move the page to a properly-spelled paged and redirect? [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:26, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

Perhaps it's the site that had a typo; otherwise, maybe we could sweep this one under the rug...---Ricimer 12:00, 19 Aug, 2005 EDT

:I tend to agree, unless there's a good reason, we should just have "tyllium" redirected to the original page. I haven't a clue how to do this. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:47, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

::Leave a message on Joe's talk page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:32, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

==Move to Tylium (RDM)==

As this article concerns the reimagined series, lets move it to reflect that... [[User:Kkimball|Kkimball]] 20:03, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

:No. The searches for "Tylium TOS" would be so uncommon it simply wouldn't be worth it. If you want maybe we could have "Tylium TOS" and "Tlyium", but "Tlyium RDM" would be too bulky, relative to the actual number of people searching for the other. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:08, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:Would we have anything interesting to say in "Tylium (TOS)"? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:04, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::I agree with Peter, keep the Tylium and then have a Tylium (TOS) only if absolutely needed. No need to put (RDM) in every article title. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 02:49, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

== Destroy all Tylium? ==

''It is highly volatile; the explosion from a conventional warhead can trigger a chain reaction which will ultimately '''destroy all Tylium''' in the area''.

I thought the reason the Colonials used a conventional warhead in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]" was so that there would be a big enough explosion to take out the Cyclons and secondly, the Tylium would NOT be destroyed?--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:14, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

:Here is what Baltar has to say:

::"But the radiation would render the ore inert. Unusable. I see your dilemma. Well, you're in luck, you know. Refined tylium contains tremendous enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo. If subjected to the right heat and compression, say, from a conventional warhead, you should get a suitably devastating explosion without the radioactive fallout. All we have to do is hit the right spot. Specifically, you need to hit the staging tanks for the refined tylium precursor. It's a lot more unstable than the fuel itself."

:So, it sounds like the ore is not volatile. Only refined tylium is. It might just be an error of reference. The list starts with "tylium ore" and then continues with "it...", but that "it" is refined tylium. In any case the note can be folded into the third one. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 17:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

Hm. How about the ''energy density of approximately half a million gigajoules per kilogram''. Can we change that with ''enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo'', so it matches with what Baltar has to say. Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of a body and the product of its volume multiplied by the pressure... i.e. energy density--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:52, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
:The amount of energy is really the same. We don't directly quote it, but it's more common that way. Big SI-suffix, small number. I'd leave it as it is. The other change sounds good. Maybe explain what enthalpy is in a footnote, since not everyone will know it. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 18:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
::I've added 'enthalpy' and kept the numbers as is. Also added the footnote.--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 18:48, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

== Natural States ==

In [[The Hand of God]] it's clear that tylium ore is solid. However, in [[Maelstrom]] the fleet is refueling from a gas giant.

* Maelstrom-type Tylium - gas
* Tylium Ore - solid
* Tylium Precursor - not known
* Refined Tylium - liquid

Does this mean that there is another form of tylium or is the what the is mined in Maelstrom simply another type of one that is already known?
--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 11:04, 3 October 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Tylium (RDM)/Archive 1

2007-10-03T16:04:26Z

Rapturous: New section: Natural States

The spelling of the mineral on the official SciFi.com website is "tyllium" ('''two''' Ls, not one). Should we correct here, move the page to a properly-spelled paged and redirect? [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:26, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

Perhaps it's the site that had a typo; otherwise, maybe we could sweep this one under the rug...---Ricimer 12:00, 19 Aug, 2005 EDT

:I tend to agree, unless there's a good reason, we should just have "tyllium" redirected to the original page. I haven't a clue how to do this. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:47, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

::Leave a message on Joe's talk page. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:32, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

==Move to Tylium (RDM)==

As this article concerns the reimagined series, lets move it to reflect that... [[User:Kkimball|Kkimball]] 20:03, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

:No. The searches for "Tylium TOS" would be so uncommon it simply wouldn't be worth it. If you want maybe we could have "Tylium TOS" and "Tlyium", but "Tlyium RDM" would be too bulky, relative to the actual number of people searching for the other. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 20:08, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:Would we have anything interesting to say in "Tylium (TOS)"? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:04, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::I agree with Peter, keep the Tylium and then have a Tylium (TOS) only if absolutely needed. No need to put (RDM) in every article title. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 02:49, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

== Destroy all Tylium? ==

''It is highly volatile; the explosion from a conventional warhead can trigger a chain reaction which will ultimately '''destroy all Tylium''' in the area''.

I thought the reason the Colonials used a conventional warhead in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]" was so that there would be a big enough explosion to take out the Cyclons and secondly, the Tylium would NOT be destroyed?--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:14, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

:Here is what Baltar has to say:

::"But the radiation would render the ore inert. Unusable. I see your dilemma. Well, you're in luck, you know. Refined tylium contains tremendous enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo. If subjected to the right heat and compression, say, from a conventional warhead, you should get a suitably devastating explosion without the radioactive fallout. All we have to do is hit the right spot. Specifically, you need to hit the staging tanks for the refined tylium precursor. It's a lot more unstable than the fuel itself."

:So, it sounds like the ore is not volatile. Only refined tylium is. It might just be an error of reference. The list starts with "tylium ore" and then continues with "it...", but that "it" is refined tylium. In any case the note can be folded into the third one. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 17:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

Hm. How about the ''energy density of approximately half a million gigajoules per kilogram''. Can we change that with ''enthalpy to the order of half a billion mega joules per kilo'', so it matches with what Baltar has to say. Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of a body and the product of its volume multiplied by the pressure... i.e. energy density--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 17:52, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
:The amount of energy is really the same. We don't directly quote it, but it's more common that way. Big SI-suffix, small number. I'd leave it as it is. The other change sounds good. Maybe explain what enthalpy is in a footnote, since not everyone will know it. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 18:19, 18 July 2007 (CDT)
::I've added 'enthalpy' and kept the numbers as is. Also added the footnote.--[[User:Veepz|Veepz]] 18:48, 18 July 2007 (CDT)

== Natural States ==

In [[The Hand of God]] it's clear that tylium ore is solid. However, in [[Maelstrom]] the fleet is refueling from a gas giant.

* Maelstrom-type Tylium - gas
* Tylium Ore - solid
* Tylium Precursor - not known
* Refined Tylium - liquid

Does this mean that there is another form of tylium or is the what the is mined in Maelstrom simply another type of one that is already known?

Prolmar Sector

2007-09-22T21:39:52Z

Rapturous:

The '''Prolmar sector''' is a region of space many light years from the homeworlds of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]]. The sector has been mapped to some degree, as data is available to calculate a [[FTL|FTL jump]]. However, the Prolmar sector appears to be considered unexplored space which has been rarely visited by human ships, as it would place an exploring ship "well beyond the [[Red Line]]" for jump calculations and thus require several longrange jumps to reach.

After realizing the futility of fighting a war against a massive [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] force that occupies their homeworlds, Commander Adama decides to leave their home solar system and the Cylons behind, never to return.

Adama picks the general direction of the Prolmar sector for [[The Fleet (RDM)|''Galactica'' and over 70 ships]] containing the survivors of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon holocaust]] to escape from a Cylon fleet amassed to destroy them at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).

Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] is assigned sole responsibility for plotting the jump, athough no one has ever plotted a jump as far away before. The jump is successful. Soon after, however, the Cylon fleet ambushes the Fleet relentlessly through the Prolmar sector, attacking the Fleet every 33 minutes for five days until [[Olympic Carrier|one civilian ship used to track the Fleet]] is destroyed by Colonial Vipers ([[33]]).

It is unknown whether the Fleet is still inside the Prolmar Sector (As of [[Crossroads, Part II]]), but it appears unlikely considering the distance they have travelled since the episode [[33]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial History (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Navigation in the Re-imagined Series

2007-09-18T19:27:04Z

Rapturous: /* FTL jump calculations */

{{RDM science series}}
In the Re-imagined Series, the principles of spaceflight are taken seriously, in that all ships have a logical a process to move in all three axes of movement, and travel at reasonable speeds with methods that don't necessarily duplicate the fantasy flight principles seen in space fantasy, such as ''Star Wars''.

==Reaction Control Systems==

In addition to their [[Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series#Sublight propulsion|sublight engines]] used for interplanetary travel within a solar system, all ships have a centralized way to move the ship to port or starboard, and to yaw and rotate the ship. This requires the use of an RCS, a reaction control system<ref>In the movie, ''Apollo 13'', the Apollo command/service module's reaction control jets are violently activating to control the spacecraft after the famous oxygen tank explosion, which creates an uncontrolled jet for which the RCS tries to compensate.</ref>.

The reaction control system is designed to provide a spacecraft with guidance and steering. It has two main functions:

* Delivering small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions
* Providing torque to allow control of rotation (pitch, yaw, and roll).

Reaction control systems are typically used for:

* Attitude control during entry into an atmosphere until such time as conventional aerodynamic surfaces can be used
* Station keeping in orbit
* Close maneuvering and/or docking
* Orientation control (pointing the nose of the vehicle).

All Colonial vessels utilize RCS for maneuvering and station keeping, although the scale of the systems varies widely.

* [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], [[Raptor]]s and all smaller craft use "cold" RCS systems, most likely utilizing either an inert gas or possibly a high specific-impulse [[Wikipedia:Hypergolic fuel|hypergolic fuel]] mixture
* Very large vessels such as [[battlestar]]s use strategically-mounted sets of very large fuel-burning thrusters, relying on the brute force of such systems to overcome inertia during maneuvers.

Like many other technologies, Cylon attitude control for small craft like [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Raiders]] is similar or even identical to the Colonials ([[Scar]]).

[[Basestar (RDM)|Basestars]] don't appear to have ''any'' RCS features. This may be an inherent design, as its Raiders and missile systems can be deployed in a 360-degree arc--that is, the basestar can deploy its offensive elements from any direction of the ship.

While basestars have no visible RCS, orientation can be achieved through other means. For examples, reaction wheels use a spinning mass on a spacecraft axis to control attitude. By spinning the reaction wheel in one direction, torque is generated and the spacecraft will rotate in the opposite direction, in accordance with Newton's laws of motion. This system is used on real space platforms, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. However, such systems generate relatively small amounts of torque and they tend to be used in situations where precise orientation takes priority over the need to change orientation rapidly.

Basestars however, have a sublight propulsion system in addition to FTL drives. Basestars can be seen approaching the [[algae planet]] in the episode "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]". This capability can also be inferred from episodes like "[[The Captain's Hand]]" where a basestar is said to be retreating. Its nature however is unknown, as like with the RCS system, no engines are visible on the vessels.

==Distances and speeds in the Miniseries==

* '''''Galactica'' was approximately 335,540,340 miles from one of the Colonies, ostensibly [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]], at the start of the [[Miniseries]].'''

To reach this number, clues are taken from [[Billy Keikeya]], on ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'', enroute to the battlestar for its decommissioning ceremony. Keikeya tells [[Laura Roslin]] that he had sent a copy of her ceremony speech to President [[Richard Adar|Adar]] for review, but warns that there is a time delay of 30 minutes between ''Galactica'' and Adar's actual location, which is [[Epiphanies|confirmed]] as Caprica City, the seat of the Colonial [[Government]] <ref name="jack">President Adar's office on Caprica is confirmed in the second Season episode, "[[Epiphanies]]". Reinforcing this information, Roslin speaks by [[wireless]] to "[[Jack]]", a fellow secretary or government official. Jack tells Roslin of the devastation near his location and Adar's speculated whereabouts and actions. Given that wireless transmission ranges in real-time conversation would limit Roslin to be able to speak only with Caprica (the nearest colony), Jack must be on Caprica, and likely in Caprica City to give him any ability to discuss the president's whereabouts.</ref>.

The speed of light is 186,282 miles per second. If President Adar sent a [[wireless]] message from Caprica to ''Galactica'' in an attempt to correct Roslin's speech, how long would it take the message to get there? Keikeya gives this answer: 30 minutes. This makes it possible to determine the distance using the equation: ''d = s(t)'' (or, ''distance=speed x time'')

::(3 x 10^8 m/s) ''(the speed of light)'' x 1800 s ''(30 minutes * 60 seconds/minute)'' = 5.4 x 10^11 meters ''or'' '''335, 500, 000 miles'''

Simplified, the wireless message travels over 335.5 million miles in 30 minutes to ''Galactica''. This is approximately 3.5 astronomical units, or three times the distance between Earth and our sun.

* '''''Colonial Heavy 798'' is traveling at a sublight speed of over 61,000,000 miles per hour to get to ''Galactica'' for the decommissioning ceremony.'''

Right after Billy Keikeya's conversation with Laura Roslin on her speech, the captain of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' speaks on the public address intercom of the [[Intersun|starliner]], telling the passengers how long their trip to ''Galactica'' will take: 5.5 hours. Assuming that the starliner has just left the neighboring space of Caprica and has reached its cruising speed, and given that we know ''Galactica's'' distance from Caprica, we can determine ''Colonial Heavy 798's'' cruising speed with the same formula as above, now adjusted to calculate speed:

:5.4 x 10^11 meters ''(the distance in meters)'' / 19800 ''(5.5 hours x 3600 seconds/hour)'' =
:2.7 x 10^7 meters/sec, ''or'' '''61, 000, 000 MPH'''

While ''Colonial Heavy 798'' is moving very fast across space at 61,000,000 miles per hour on its [[sublight]] engines, this is only approximately 11 percent of the speed of light, so passenger liners do well in getting from place to place, or colony to colony. To give a real-world comparison, ''Colonial Heavy 798'' could fly from our sun to Earth in about 90 minutes. The light from the sun takes only 8 minutes to arrive on the Earth's surface.

Given the velocities involved, extremely high accelerations must be used to attain them in reasonable (usable) time frames involved for in-system transportation. Such G forces would kill any humans involved unless some means of dampening them were employed. Given that the technology to perform "space-folding"<ref>This nature of the jump technology is confirmed in the Miniseries podcast</ref> FTL jumps is also available, the technology to manipulate gravity would lie in the same area.

* '''''Colonial Heavy 798'' and it's passengers would ''lose'' about 1 minute and 19 seconds during their trip to Caprica (relative to the time observed on Caprica), if they had completed their trip as planned, due to [[Wikipedia:Time dilation|time dilation]].'''
:T = T0 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2)
::*T0 = 5.5 hours. (as observed by ''Colonial Heavy 798'')
::*d = 335,540,340 miles.
::*v = d/T (as observed by Caprica)
::*c = 670,616,624.4 mph
::*'''T = 5.52 hours. (1:19 longer observed on Caprica)'''

Of course, this assumes that ''Colonial Heavy 798'' took the same path to Caprica that its transmission would take. This isn't likely, for various reasons, so the distance is probably off a little.

==Alternate calculations for distances and speeds in the Miniseries==

This is an alternative to the above which assumes a thirty light minute distance.
A time lag <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lag_time|title =time lag defintion on wikipedia}}</ref> or delay , in the case of a communication signal is both ways. A thirty minute time lag in
communication implies that the signal would take fifteen minutes to travel between the two creating a total lag of thirty minutes. In short: It takes thirty minutes for person one to send a message and get a reply
back. This would alter the calculations made to the following.

-''Galactica's'' distance from Caprica would be: 167,500,000 miles

(3 x 10^8 m/s) (the speed of light) x 1800 s (15 minutes * 60 seconds/minute) = 2.7 x 10^11 meters or 167,500,000 miles

-The speed of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' would be 305057.07 mph

2.7x 10^11 meters (the distance in meters) / 19800 (5.5 hours x 3600 seconds/hour) =
13,636,363.64 meters/sec, or 305057.07 mph

-This makes the same assumptions as to the route of ''Colonial Heavy 798'' as the initial proposal.

==FTL jump calculations==

Based on deduction from information gleaned in "[[Scattered]]", a set of jump coordinates could either be given in [[Wikipedia:Cartesian coordinate system|cartesian]] or [[w:Spherical coordinate system|spherical]] coordinates to specify a point in three-dimensional space.

A possible algorithm for jump calculations would therefore necessitate first and foremost the determination of the exact location of the ship, relative to its intended point of arrival after the jump. This is done by identifying, fixing and triangulating several stars <ref name="tighquote"/>. Next, the ship's position relative to the intended point of arrival would be [[Wikipedia:Point plotting|plotted]] on a three-dimensional coordinate system|Cartesian coordinate system, using the ship as its [[Wikipedia:point of origin]], i.e. (0/0/0).

Then, the positions of any known stellar bodies and other obstacles would have to be plotted on that coordinate system as well, in order to establish where to jump and where ''not'' to jump.

Finally, the point of arrival would likewise be plotted. The hard part in making a single jump over long distances, like to [[Ragnar Anchorage|Ragnar]] in the Miniseries, would therefore lie not so much in getting the jump drive to manipulate space properly, as in correctly figuring out where possible obstacles, such as stars, black hole or planetary bodies are located and then adjusting the direction of the jump accordingly, so as to land the ship in a clear volume of space.

== Astrometrics ==

{{mainarticle|Astrometrics}}

''Galactica'' has an astrometrics lab with optical and x-ray telescopes, that is used to acquire fixes on surrounding stars, which are then used in FTL jump calculations.

==Triangulating the Colonies' "Actual Location" ==

[[Image:Lagoonnebula.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Lagoon Nebula]]
In "[[Home, Part II]]", the [[Wikipedia:Lagoon Nebula|Lagoon Nebula]] appears in a holographic map in the constellation of Scorpio<ref>In the show, the nebula is placed in the wrong constellation. On Earth, the nebula actually appears in the constellation Sagittarius. The production team has acknowledged this as an error.</ref> in the [[Tomb of Athena]].

''Galactica's'' location and the rough location of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol can be deduced with simple logic:
[[Image:Locations in BSG galaxy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Possible locations]]
The nebula is shown from the same vantage point as it would appear to an observer on Earth, yet the characters are able to recognize it. This suggests that the Colonies are on a line of sight "behind" Earth's solar system. Otherwise, the nebula would appear in a different shape and size as it is not a symmetrical object.

If one were to follow a straight line from the Lagoon Nebula to Earth, continuing the line through space would place ''Galactica'', and likely the Colonies, somewhere in the [[Wikipedia:Cygnus Arm|Cygnus Arm]] of the Milky Way galaxy.

To calculate the approximate distance between the Colonies and Earth, using the map to the left, one must first get the distance between the Lagoon Nebula and Earth, 4,100 light-years. One must then determine the distance between the point labeled 'Earth' and the point labeled 'Lagoon Nebula.' Then, one must use this scale and measure the distance between the Colonies and Earth. Then convert it to light years. The approximate distance using this method is 10,250 light-years.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==What happened in "Scattered"?==

[[Image:jump calculations.jpg|thumb|left|Schematic Diagram showing the three different sets of jump coordinates]]
In "[[Scattered]]", [[Galactica (RDM)|''Galactica'']] and the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] execute FTL jumps according to different sets of coordinates. As a consequence, ''Galactica'' has to jump back along its original jump vector, to the former point of origin of the two jumps, re-acquire new starfixes and calculate the Fleet's current position.

At first glance, this seems counter-intuitive. Since presumably both sets of jump coordinates are known to ''Galactica'', a simple triangulation of the two jump vectors would produce an alternative third set of jump-coordinates which would allow ''Galactica'' to jump to the Fleet directly. A possible explanation is as follows:

The [[emergency jump coordinates]] given to the civilian fleet aren't just an older set of correct coordinates. According to Colonel Tigh, in a conversation with his wife, jump calculations need to be regularly updated to compensate for stellar drift and the movement of the ships themselves. Lieutenant Gaeta was supposed to send the updated jump plots to the other ships but forgot to. <ref name="tighquote">Tigh: "Every watch we update our emergency jump calculations with new star fixes to compensate for inertial drift, and then we transmit them to the rest of the Fleet. This time ours were updated, but theirs weren't. Gaeta was supposed to transmit them to the rest of the Fleet." ([[Scattered]])</ref> As a result, the Fleet jumped with a set of coordinates that didn't fit the local space-time conditions. The concept of a [[blind jump]] is introduced in the episode "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]". While jumping with a wrong sets of coordinates probably isn't as risky as jumping with no calculations at all, the destination would still be unpredictable.

''Galactica'' has the coordinates that the civilian ships used to make their jumps, but not their actual position. However, in a process that is largely unexplained, ''Galactica'' is then able to calculate their real location from the Fleet's emergency jump coordinates, as well as the newly acquired starfixes. This unusual procedure can also explain the abnormally long duration (several hours) of the calculations on the initially un-networked computers, compared to the relatively short amount of time jump calculations usually take.

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

Talk:Propulsion in the Re-imagined Series/Archive 1

2007-09-16T18:28:13Z

Rapturous: New section: Sublight Propulsion

This article comprises the bulk of the original FTL article and elements from a past larger article version of [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]], broken out for later expansion and page size considerations. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:14, 11 October 2006 (CDT)

== capitalization of "jump" ==

Why is the word "jump" capitalized so often? Both as noun and verb. I could barely understand capitalizing the noun, and even then it's not a proper noun. But writing "Jump" as verb doesn't make any sense whatsoever. It boggles my mind and just looks silly. Maybe it's just me and I'm overreacting (because I find it annoying), but I correct it wherever I see it.<br>
The only reason I can think of is one or two references in the BSG Season 1 Companion where it is written with a capital letter. But I consider that a typo and not some kind of official standard. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 16:06, 30 October 2006 (CST)

:I am inclined to agree with you, and I also normally correct, erm change, it when I see it. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]<sup>([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]])</sup> 17:16, 30 October 2006 (CST)

::I have tended to capitalize it in the psat, but now if I do, it's only as part of the phrase, "FTL Jump." However, it may be a point of emphasis that is not necessary, although the term may not be easily distinctive without proper context when describing the event (A lot of people have taken up my "bad" habits.) --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:44, 30 October 2006 (CST)

:The capitalization bugs me as well. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:14, 30 October 2006 (CST)

I've rediscovered why I've done this practice: The show captions ''consistently'' capitalize "Jump" when speaking of such in FTL. It makes sense in context for them to differentiate it as it would here. Using lowercase implies a diminutive or generic use, for which this does not apply. It would be best here to use "FTL Jump" and not "Jump" except in dialogue accounts, but I believe we should avoid genericizing this. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:50, 9 November 2006 (CST)

:Continuing the discussion from the Hybrid page. I don't see the need to distinguish its uses. It's not like we are talking of characters jumping around a lot. "FTL Jump" might be ok though, even if it still looks weird to me, but "Jump" alone not so much IMHO. So as you said, if people insist on capitalizing it, they should better add the "FTL" . Though I still think it's pointless --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:03, 17 November 2006 (CST)

== My recent edit ==
I've removed a large amount of content. Before you revert me I'd like to point out that extensive discussion of wormholes is pointless as no allusion to them is made in the show and I see no reason to make that assumption. Additionally the physics references are a bit clumsy in those sections. On arrival all ships are brought to an arbitray frame of reference (which leads to the removal of the second footnote as it's clearly wrong). Faster than light is no misnomer in terms of physical displacement per unit time (velocity) as opposed to distance travelled per unit time (speed), the latter being compleltely unimportant in the context. "Electromagnetic and centripetal energies" is incorrect as neither term refers to any energy.

I notice in the history the use of "centrifugal" was corrected to "centripetal", stating "centrifugal is a misnomer - centripetal is the correct term". To this person I suggest you look up the definitions of the words centrifugal, centripetal and misnomer. {{unsigned|Niles}}

:Niles, welcome. As the series generally doesn't get into technobabble and tries to base its technology on theory, rather than fantasy or pseudoscience such as "warp drive," I don't see the justification of the edit. Using wormhole theory (as our scientists tell it) to give a ''possible, logical explanation'' of the FTL principles of the show is acceptable speculation per the wiki's [[BW:CJ|citation policy]], under "derived content." The use of FTL in the show supports the wormhole principle in many, many episodes, with few continuity errors. I appreciate your commentary, but rather than deletion of the central premise, it would be better to add dissenting information that supports your view. I will restore the article's original content based on this, but I encourage you to add your dissent in an encyclopedic way, with its supporting sources. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:36, 17 November 2006 (CST)

:: Huh, what? Warp drive is neither fantasy, nor pseudoscience. It's a fully realized scientific theory, right down to the math involved. It's existed since 1995. In fact, it's more real that folding space. -- [[User:3DMaster|3DMaster]] 06:53, 29 March 2007 (CDT)

::''''As the series generally doesn't get into technobabble and tries to base its technology on theory, rather than fantasy or pseudoscience such as "warp drive," I don't see the justification of the edit.'''''
The show doesn't "base" its technology on anything, theory or otherwise; it just is and that's precisely the justification for the edit. A possible explanation? Why not include all of them, even the technobabble ones? While the wormhole concept is a possible explanation it is not probable (inconsistency with visual effects) and hence discussion of "possible" theories in this article is extraneous to the factual data it should contain.

'''' it would be better to add dissenting information that supports your view.''''
The article's not a forum for discussion. If you're after half-baked rationalizations of sci-fi technology you watch lesser shows than BSG, the BSG wiki should be held to similar standards, in my opinion. - --[[User:Niles|Niles]] 19:04, 11 December 2006 (CST)

: Hi Niles, welcome to the Wiki. Thank you for your comments, contributions and concerns, though I will firmly suggest that you consider your tone when addressing other contributors. Spencerian is correct in that possible, logical explanation is acceptable speculation per policy; this does not, in any way, discount adding other explanations, as long as they are reasonably proved and cited. I've also gone over the history of the article in question and have found that you've removed a substantial amount of the article, without discussing it ''before'' you did so. While you did implement some great corrections to the article, I firmly believe that simply discussing such a drastic move prior to implementing it would have been beneficial, and may have ended up in further ''developing'' the article (such as adding other ''scientific'' means of FTL deployed in the series) instead of ''reducing'' the article. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 20:57, 11 December 2006 (CST)

== Discussions regarding theories posted in the article ==

I'm probably opening a can of worms by doing this, but I believe it is necessary. Barring any official word from the producers, or even [[Kevin Grazier]], we should probably remove the "underpinning" theory, or thoroughly revise the piece so as to include ''thorough'' sourcing with information from reputable scientific journals. So let's begin discussing this issue. Thank you. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]]</sup> 09:03, 28 March 2007 (CDT)
:I agree. I only recently found Grazier's tech blog that speaks about some of this and can be revised. The screen evidence suggests wormhole, but we need Grazier's information to source it. His blog also illuminates content of the [[Computers in the Re-imagined Series]] article, too, and I've been hoping to get time to update/amend that as well. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:51, 28 March 2007 (CDT)

:Uh, what does reputable scientific journals have got to do with anything? It's nice that they're scientific, reputable and no doubt nifty; but what a scientist says has no bearing on a tv show. The only ones who can say exactly how jumpdrive works, are the writers/creators/producers of the show. Even than, it should be taken with a grain of salt until it is actually said and shown in-show - that is, if you demand that only facts and nothing but facts about the show are present in the wiki. --[[User:3DMaster|3DMaster]] 06:33, 29 March 2007 (CDT)

::If you clicked on the link provided, you'd understand that Dr. [[Kevin Grazier]] is the scientific advisor to the Re-imagined Series. Short of Ron Moore himself and maybe a handful of co-producers and writers such as [[Bradley Thompson]] (who visits this wiki personally on occasion to [[BW:OC|answer pertinent questions of the show]]), there is no higher authority. Grazier is a true "rocket scientist" and has probably forgotten more about science than any of us contributors know. Don't misconstrue about how the wiki's objectives are as they pertain to facts. Grazier's information is already based on scientific principles that he has already referenced and sourced, so we can take what he says with far more than just a grain of salt. The key here is to use what he has said and written to better improve the RDM articles. No one says this is an easy task, nor is the wiki intended to be "perfect" when you and others first arrive. So you are invited to help, now that you've (''[[Talk:Propulsion (TOS)|ad nauseum]]'') identified a problem, and other contributors are trying now to improve matters based on your comments. Hint: ''You can't fix an article's problem by just editing its ''talk'' page.''. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:35, 29 March 2007 (CDT)

==Cinematography==

I was just curious, does anyone know how they achieve that effect when they shoot inside the ship during a jump? It's like the scene stretches out somehow. It doesn't look like computer graphics to me so there must be some way to achieve that effect on film. {{unsigned|PhoenixHacker}}
:It's an interesting effect and really adds atmosphere to a scene. It's called a [[w:Dolly zoom|Dolly zoom]] (Hitchcock effect) and in basic explanations its just when you zoom and move the camcorder at the same time. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] <sup>([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]])</sup> 18:08, 30 March 2007 (CDT)

==Flash Color==

This may be just me, but did anyone notice that there used to be a red and blue flash in the first bunch of episodes when ships would jump, and then began to be a general white flash in latter episodes? Is this even worth noting?--[[User:DuMan|DuMan]] 16:51, 30 June 2007 (CDT)
:That's correct IIRC. Red/blue flashes were used in "[[33]]", don't know where they started using white, though. --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]]<sup>([[User talk:Catrope|Talk to me]] or [[Special:Emailuser/Catrope|e-mail me]])</sup> 02:08, 1 July 2007 (CDT)
:It's more blue/white than pure white now. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 05:15, 1 July 2007 (CDT)

== Sublight Propulsion ==

In the miniseries, Tyrol explicitly mentions reactors and rad (radiation) buffers when scavenging the Mark II Vipers from the museum. Wouldn't this mean that the Colonial sublight engines used in Vipers (or possibly all ships) are based on nuclear power?

--[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 13:28, 16 September 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Red Line/Archive 1

2007-07-27T23:16:53Z

Rapturous: /* Specifics */

I was thinking, maybe the Red Line in the context Adama used wasn't literal. Maybe it is a saying like "you've crossed the line" where there is no physical line but a figurative one. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 01:23, 28 December 2005 (EST)
:Okay, I should've read the first sentence of the article. It's frakking 1:30 AM here, I'm tired. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 01:25, 28 December 2005 (EST)

::My view, which I have maintained for some time now, is that the "Red Line" is the imaginary line marking off "Unexplored Space". I don't think it refers to the jump range capabilities of a specific ship at all. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 01:50, 28 December 2005 (EST)
::: I concur completely; the other meaning never occured to me on watching the show. "The red line" would sound weird instead of "our red line" given the other meaning. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 02:54, 28 December 2005 (EST)
: For the record, Adama didn't use it; Tigh did. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 02:54, 28 December 2005 (EST)

::::Without any further clarification, I am inclined to defer to the definition given in the early draft. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:55, 28 December 2005 (EST)

We have never heard this term again. However, they never refer to "our red line" just "the red line". I think it marks the boundary of explored space, and that individual ships FTL do not have their own personal "red lines". As evidenced by the Cylon Raider, and the talk about what could happen to ''Pegasus'' in a blind-Jump, there is actually no distance limit to a Jump, the only thing that limits them from ''wanting'' to make one is the safe distance their nav computer can compute, knowing they won't run into something. Better computer gives farther range. In light of this, and the context, I really think this should be changed to limit of explored space. Early drafts have been shown to be unreliable basis.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 17:07, 4 March 2006 (CST)

:My whole point is that it is not "valid or correct". Please cite something else other than a simple "NO!" if you want to elaborate on your view, as I have above. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 21:38, 5 March 2006 (CST)

: I will concur with Merv's view on this. The drafts of the mini series script are just those... drafts. Many, many things change between drafts and the shooting script -- for instance, in the mini series, the Colonials came from Kobol explicitly and the Twelve Colonies did not exist. If anything, we should note the origins of the "Red Line" in a Notes section, but defer to on screen evidence as canonical. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] 21:44, 5 March 2006 (CST)

::I disagree. In the absence of any contradictory information presented on-screen, the description from the old miniseries is the best evidence we have to go on. Note that it is very consistant with the maneuver employed in "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I". --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:52, 6 March 2006 (CST)

I didn't have a "lack of a response" Farago, I already said I think this should ''not'' use the old format; it was an early script thing. "Red line" refers to known space, not engine capability. I mean they don't even make mention of it in terms of FTL engine limits in LDYB part II. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 21:10, 15 March 2006 (CST)

:Source. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:07, 15 March 2006 (CST)

::Well, just the transcript for LDYB II I guess. Look, I'm not really saying anything new, I'm just sayiing that I didn't drop my response, that that's still my own position on the subject and lets try to work this out. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 23:48, 15 March 2006 (CST)

:::Okay. As above, without positive evidence to the contrary, I continue to believe that we should defer to the miniseries draft. LDYB II does not contradict this at all, in my opinion - the Cylon Brain in a Vat simply allowed them to compute more precise jumps. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:39, 16 March 2006 (CST)

::::I still disagree. It was probably removed from the script in the first place because it doesn't make sense. At the least, I feel a presentation of both possiblities as equally likely would be better. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 21:58, 22 March 2006 (CST)

:::::I still disagree with basing this just on the ''early'' Miniseries draft; I mean a lot of stuff was changed since then. If you've got something else to point out that would be great. I really don't know. I wish they'd clarify this in the future.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 23:30, 22 March 2006 (CST)

::::::The early draft is still better than pure speculation. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:42, 23 March 2006 (CST)

"the power available to form a wormhole"? exactly where does that comment come from? because it looks totally unsubstantiated to me, from what weve seen of FTL drives a wormhole is one of the least likely theories on there science, especially after the atmospheric jumps weve seen and the instantanious nature of a jump, if a wormhole is the mechanism used it has to be created moving, and moving fast because ships dont move or accelerate toward a stationary singularity and it has to be big enougth for the ship to enter otherwise you leave bits behind we see no spatial disturbances or no returning images of a ships destination thru a wormhole.

as i never critisise witout sugesting things a much more valid reason for a red line may be the lack of FTL sensors, if a ship is atempting lets arbritarily pick 10 LYs as a jump distance then any real time observational evidence of the target destination is 10 years out of date, along side the difficulty of calculating gravitational interactions when any larger number than 2 objects are involved and some of the other items on the pages list may make the red line a hybrid of both thesis' where where maximum jump range into the unknown is shorter than max range when jumping to familiar areas where recent astronomical data is available --[[User:Furrygopher|Furrygopher]] 14:59, 4 March 2007 (CST)

:Right. The red line is mostly a computational problem, which is why the Cylons can make far longer jumps. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 15:14, 4 March 2007 (CST)

== Specifics ==

If I assume that the Red Line refers to the FTL Drive's capability, is it referring to the distance from a particular point in space that jumps become too dangerous or the particular ship's range itself? --[[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 18:15, 27 July 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Red Line/Archive 1

2007-07-27T23:15:51Z

Rapturous: /* Specifics */

I was thinking, maybe the Red Line in the context Adama used wasn't literal. Maybe it is a saying like "you've crossed the line" where there is no physical line but a figurative one. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 01:23, 28 December 2005 (EST)
:Okay, I should've read the first sentence of the article. It's frakking 1:30 AM here, I'm tired. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 01:25, 28 December 2005 (EST)

::My view, which I have maintained for some time now, is that the "Red Line" is the imaginary line marking off "Unexplored Space". I don't think it refers to the jump range capabilities of a specific ship at all. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 01:50, 28 December 2005 (EST)
::: I concur completely; the other meaning never occured to me on watching the show. "The red line" would sound weird instead of "our red line" given the other meaning. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 02:54, 28 December 2005 (EST)
: For the record, Adama didn't use it; Tigh did. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 02:54, 28 December 2005 (EST)

::::Without any further clarification, I am inclined to defer to the definition given in the early draft. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:55, 28 December 2005 (EST)

We have never heard this term again. However, they never refer to "our red line" just "the red line". I think it marks the boundary of explored space, and that individual ships FTL do not have their own personal "red lines". As evidenced by the Cylon Raider, and the talk about what could happen to ''Pegasus'' in a blind-Jump, there is actually no distance limit to a Jump, the only thing that limits them from ''wanting'' to make one is the safe distance their nav computer can compute, knowing they won't run into something. Better computer gives farther range. In light of this, and the context, I really think this should be changed to limit of explored space. Early drafts have been shown to be unreliable basis.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 17:07, 4 March 2006 (CST)

:My whole point is that it is not "valid or correct". Please cite something else other than a simple "NO!" if you want to elaborate on your view, as I have above. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 21:38, 5 March 2006 (CST)

: I will concur with Merv's view on this. The drafts of the mini series script are just those... drafts. Many, many things change between drafts and the shooting script -- for instance, in the mini series, the Colonials came from Kobol explicitly and the Twelve Colonies did not exist. If anything, we should note the origins of the "Red Line" in a Notes section, but defer to on screen evidence as canonical. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] 21:44, 5 March 2006 (CST)

::I disagree. In the absence of any contradictory information presented on-screen, the description from the old miniseries is the best evidence we have to go on. Note that it is very consistant with the maneuver employed in "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I". --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:52, 6 March 2006 (CST)

I didn't have a "lack of a response" Farago, I already said I think this should ''not'' use the old format; it was an early script thing. "Red line" refers to known space, not engine capability. I mean they don't even make mention of it in terms of FTL engine limits in LDYB part II. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 21:10, 15 March 2006 (CST)

:Source. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:07, 15 March 2006 (CST)

::Well, just the transcript for LDYB II I guess. Look, I'm not really saying anything new, I'm just sayiing that I didn't drop my response, that that's still my own position on the subject and lets try to work this out. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 23:48, 15 March 2006 (CST)

:::Okay. As above, without positive evidence to the contrary, I continue to believe that we should defer to the miniseries draft. LDYB II does not contradict this at all, in my opinion - the Cylon Brain in a Vat simply allowed them to compute more precise jumps. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:39, 16 March 2006 (CST)

::::I still disagree. It was probably removed from the script in the first place because it doesn't make sense. At the least, I feel a presentation of both possiblities as equally likely would be better. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 21:58, 22 March 2006 (CST)

:::::I still disagree with basing this just on the ''early'' Miniseries draft; I mean a lot of stuff was changed since then. If you've got something else to point out that would be great. I really don't know. I wish they'd clarify this in the future.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] <sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]])</sup> 23:30, 22 March 2006 (CST)

::::::The early draft is still better than pure speculation. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:42, 23 March 2006 (CST)

"the power available to form a wormhole"? exactly where does that comment come from? because it looks totally unsubstantiated to me, from what weve seen of FTL drives a wormhole is one of the least likely theories on there science, especially after the atmospheric jumps weve seen and the instantanious nature of a jump, if a wormhole is the mechanism used it has to be created moving, and moving fast because ships dont move or accelerate toward a stationary singularity and it has to be big enougth for the ship to enter otherwise you leave bits behind we see no spatial disturbances or no returning images of a ships destination thru a wormhole.

as i never critisise witout sugesting things a much more valid reason for a red line may be the lack of FTL sensors, if a ship is atempting lets arbritarily pick 10 LYs as a jump distance then any real time observational evidence of the target destination is 10 years out of date, along side the difficulty of calculating gravitational interactions when any larger number than 2 objects are involved and some of the other items on the pages list may make the red line a hybrid of both thesis' where where maximum jump range into the unknown is shorter than max range when jumping to familiar areas where recent astronomical data is available --[[User:Furrygopher|Furrygopher]] 14:59, 4 March 2007 (CST)

:Right. The red line is mostly a computational problem, which is why the Cylons can make far longer jumps. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 15:14, 4 March 2007 (CST)

== Specifics ==

If I assume that the Red Line refers to the FTL Drive's capability, is it referring to the distance from a particular point in space that jumps become too dangerous or the particular ship's range itself? [[User:Rapturous|Rapturous]] 18:15, 27 July 2007 (CDT)

Talk:Red Line/Archive 1

2007-07-27T23:15:25Z

Rapturous: Specifics

Aaron Kelly

2007-07-27T02:26:58Z

Rapturous:

{{Character Data
|photo=Aaron_kelly.jpg
|age=
|colony=
|birthname=Aaron Kelly
|callsign=
|seen= Miniseries
|death=
|parents=
|siblings=
|children=
|marital status=
|role=[[LSO]], [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''
|rank=Captain
|cylon=
|actor=[[Ty Olsson]]
|name=
}}
Captain '''Aaron Kelly''' is possibly third-in-command aboard ''[[Galactica]]'', ranking behind Admiral [[William Adama]] and Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]; his standing in relation to Major [[Lee Adama]] in the [[Senior Staff of Galactica#Chain of Command|chain of command]] is unclear. As the [[LSO]] (Landing Signal Officer), he is responsible for flight operations - launching and landing spacecraft - on the ship.

Shortly after a Cylon nuclear weapon struck ''Galactica'' in the initial wave of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], Kelly begins giving orders to aid crewmembers trapped or fighting damage in the port [[flight pod]], where the detonation occurred, after Executive Officer [[Saul Tigh]] hesitates. Tigh soon countermands Kelly and orders the flight pod vented to stop the fires. He also assists in the capture of [[Aaron Doral]] ([[Miniseries]]).

When Commander Adama is shot by the Cylon infiltrator [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] reminds him on his arrival to [[CIC]] that Kelly is now second-in-command ([[Scattered]]). As a strong believer in Commander Adama's philosophy on computer networks, he voices his objections over networking ''Galactica's'' computer systems after the battlestar loses the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] due to incorrect [[FTL|jump]] coordinates, asserting that the [[Old Man]] would never even consider Gaeta's option to network the computers for a faster jump calculation. Soon afterwards, when ''Galactica'' is boarded by [[Cylon Centurion]]s, Kelly assists Lieutenant Gaeta and Colonel Tigh in coordinating an effort to stop their advance ([[Valley of Darkness]]).

Captain Kelly apparently returns to his day to day duties as LSO, coordinating Viper landings from the port hangar bay, as Commander Adama returned to duty and the normal chain of command was restored. He is on duty when [[Louanne Katraine|Kat]], disoriented from [[stims]], crash lands her [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] onto the [[landing bay]] ([[Final Cut]]).

During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], and presumably in the year and four months leading to it, he performs [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]]'s role as tactical officer on ''Galactica'' ([[Exodus, Part I]] and [[Exodus, Part II|Part II]]).

When the trial of [[Gaius Baltar]] draws near, Kelly tries to disrupt the proceedings with a series of bombings. One of the attacks kills Baltar's lawyer. An attack on his next lawyer, [[Romo Lampkin]], is thwarted only by chance. A third attack injures Lampkin. When questioned, Kelly says that he couldn't handle sending off pilots to their deaths anymore, and would continue to try if he isn't locked up ([[The Son Also Rises]]). Because of this, it is unlikely that he is currently on active duty in his role as LSO.

==Notes==
*When questioned about the bomb on Athena's Raptor, Kelly tells Apollo he would not have detonated it with the Major on board. It goes unsaid, however, he would have likely sacrificed Athena (or any other pilot) to kill Lampkin.
*Kelly is wearing junior pilot qualification wings. Together with his regular duty as Landing Signal Officer, this indicates that Kelly is not only flight qualified, but an experienced pilot.
*Kelly's Season 1 disappearance and sudden reappearance in Season 2 has become the subject of a running gag in fandom. However, the on-screen revelation of his duties as Landing Signal Officer tucked away in ''Galactica'''s flight pod did much to quell this.
*Kelly's first name is revealed in the closing episode credits of "[[Final Cut]]".
*It is unknown why [[Karl Agathon]] was chosen to become ''Galactica's'' XO prior to the Cylon occupation as Captain Kelly was the nominal third-in-command and should have assumed the post after [[Colonel Tigh]] and his [[Ellen Tigh|wife]] settled on [[New Caprica]].
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[[Category:A to Z|Kelly, Aaron]]
[[Category:Characters|Kelly, Aaron]]
[[Category:Characters (RDM)|Kelly, Aaron]]
[[Category:Recurring Guest Characters (RDM)|Kelly, Aaron]]
[[Category:RDM|Kelly, Aaron]]

[[de:Aaron Kelly]]