Help:Glossary

NOTICE: This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page serves as a glossary for terms, phrases, and acronyms used within Starship Simulator and this wiki.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

• Astronomical Unit (AU): A unit of distance roughly equal to the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
• Advanced Voice Assistant (AVA): UNSF's official ship vocal AI assistant.
• British Summer Time (BST): (UTC+1). The time zone observed in the UK during summer months, relevant for Dev Stream schedules.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Software used for creating 2D and 3D models.
• Extravehicular Activity (EVA): Actions performed by a crew member outside the protective environment of the starship, typically requiring a space suit.
• Faster-Than-Light (FTL): Travel or effects exceeding the speed of light in vacuum (c). See Alcubierre Drive.
• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): (UTC+0). The standard time zone observed in the UK during winter months, relevant for Dev Stream schedules.
• GPS: Galactic Positioning System. One of the main Sensors modes, used for large-scale galactic navigation and coordinate viewing. (Note: Game usage differs from real-world GPS)
• Head-Up Display (HUD): Information overlaid onto the player's first-person view.
• Light Year (LY): The distance light travels in a vacuum in one Julian year.
• Non-Player Character (NPC): Characters within the game controlled by the computer/AI rather than a human player.
• Reaction Control System (RCS): Thrusters used for fine attitude control and maneuvering of the starship.
• SQL: Structured Query Language. A database language mentioned in relation to game data handling (e.g., Backer Stars, Credits).
• UE5: Unreal Engine 5. The game engine used to develop Starship Simulator.
• UNOS: United Nations Operating System. The panel Operating Systems used in game.
• UNSF: The human organization operating the player's starship.
• Coordinated Universal Time (UTC): The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time.
• Work In Progress (WIP): Indicates a feature or area that is not yet complete.
• LGAS Array: Low Gain Astrometry Survey
• HGAS Array: High Gain Astrometry Survey
• HIDS Array: (Description needed)
• XNAV Dish: X-ray Navigation

Astrophysics and Planetary

• Astronomical/Celestial Object: A physical object that exists in the universe (term used interchangeably, but former considered more scientific).
• Black Hole: A dense pocket of gravity which sucks in all object, including light and time, and believed to be inescapable.
• Frost Line: The minimum distance in a star's orbit where the temperature is safe for volatile substances.
• Habitable Zone: The area in a star's orbit where water can form on its surface and possibly support life on its surface.
• Lava Zone: The area within a star's orbit where lava planets could form.
• Planet: An astrological body orbiting a stellar object, typically a star.
• Star: A large spherical object that serves as a point of light and source of gravity for a system.
• System: A collection of objects bound in a gravitational orbit, usually around a star or point of gravity.

Construction

• Bow: front section of the starship. See also Forward.
• Bulkhead: Generally refers to the internal walls and doors structuring the interior of the starship. Can sometimes imply reinforced structures.
• Compartment: The space between a bulkhead and decks, comparable to rooms in a building.
• Corridor: An internal passageway connecting different rooms or sections of a deck, or connecting different rings.
• Deck: A primary level or floor within the starship (e.g., A Deck, B Deck). The term can also refer to the floor surface itself (the ceiling being the overhead).
• Framework: The underlying structural skeleton of the starship, often visible during construction phases or behind panels.
• Hull: The outermost layer or shell of the starship, providing protection from the space environment.
• Keel: The lowermost structural element along the centerline of the ship's hull, often extending ventrally.
• Nacelle: External pods, typically housing main propulsion elements like engines or components of the Alcubierre Drive.
• Ring: Circular corridors found on many decks, often encircling central rooms or core structures (e.g., Ring A, C Ring).
• Stern: The rear section of the starship. See also Aft.
• Labels: Small labels or markings on wall panels, potentially used for identifying maintenance access points or system locations.

Development

• Blueprint: The Blueprint Visual Scripting system in Unreal Engine is a complete gameplay scripting system based on the concept of using a node-based interface to create gameplay elements from within Unreal Editor.
• CAD: Computer-Aided Design software, is a tool used to create and modify 2D and 3D digital models for engineering projects, such as starship design.
• Sketchup: A specific CAD software mentioned as being used to create starship models for Starship Simulator.
• Unreal Engine 5: The specific version of the Unreal Engine game engine used to build Starship Simulator.

Engineering

• Battery: A device designed to store and distribute electricity.
• Break: Open an electrical circuit to stop current flow.
• Breaker: An electrical switch designed to protect circuits from damage caused by excess current.
• Bus: A component, often a busbar, used to isolate and channel electrical currents between different circuits.
• Cable: A series of wires used in transporting high levels of electricity.
• Capacitor: A circuit component that accumulates and stores electrical energy.
• Circuit: A series of interconnected electronic components forming a path for electrical current.
• Console: A device (panel, screen, interface) used to display information and allow control of a ship system.
• Coolant: Material fluid used to absorb and transfer heat, reducing a device or system's temperature.
• Current: The flow of electricity in a circuit.
• Electrical: Relating to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity.
• Electronic: Relating to devices or systems operating via the flow of electrons, typically involving components like transistors or integrated circuits.
• Fault: A problem, defect, or malfunction within a component or system, often requiring maintenance or repair.
• Fluid: A substance (liquid or gas) that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure.
• Inflow: Fluid entering a system or component.
• Initiate: To start or activate a system process (e.g., reactor startup).
• Input: The electrical power or signal entering a system or component.
• No Load: A condition where an electrical circuit or power source is active but has no significant load connected, meaning no power is being drawn.
• Outflow: Fluid leaving a system or component.
• Output: The power or signal leaving a system or component.
• Pipe: A hollow tube used to transfer liquids and gases.
• Power: The rate at which [energy is transferred or converted per unit time, often measured in Watts.
• Pump: A device used to move fluids (liquids or gases) by mechanical action.
• Startup: The initial process of activating and bringing electrical or mechanical systems online.
• Switch: A component used to complete close or interrupt (break) an electrical circuit.
• Tank: A container used to store fluids.
• Terminate: To bring a process or sequence to an end.
• Test: To run a diagnostic check on a component or system to determine its operational status or identify faults.
• Vacuum: A space entirely devoid of matter, or a space where the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
• Valve: A control device used to regulate, direct, or control the flow of fluids.
• Wire: A metal filament or strand used to conduct electricity.

Gameplay Terms

• Cold & Dark Start: The detailed procedure for starting the ship's Fusion Reactor and bringing all systems online from a powered-down state. A key tutorial in the game.
• Dev Build: Development Build. A version of the game released periodically to testers/backers, containing the latest features and changes. See Dev Build Update History.
• First Contact: The initial encounter and interaction with a previously unknown alien civilization. Often involves diplomacy via dialogue choices.
• Knowledge Level: A system indicating the amount of information gathered about a celestial object or system, typically progressing from Level 1 (Long Range) to Level 2 (Medium Range) to Level 3 (Short Range).
• Life Signature: Indication of biological life detected on a celestial body, typically requiring a Level 3 Short Range Scan to confirm. Visible on the Sensors UI.
• Long Range Survey: An initial scan performed by Long Range Sensors on a distant star system to gain Level 1 knowledge.
• Medium Range Scan: A scan performed by Medium Range Sensors within the current star system to gain Level 2 knowledge. Sometimes referred to as the "Honk".
• (NPC): See Acronyms and Abbreviations.
• Short Range Scan: A detailed scan performed by Short Range Sensors on a nearby object to gain Level 3 knowledge.
• Tech Signature: Indication of artificial technology detected on a celestial body or in space, typically requiring a Level 1 Long Range Survey to initially identify. Visible on the Sensors UI.
• Tech Demo: A public demonstration version of the game released during development. See Tech Demo 1, Tech Demo 2.
• WIP: See Acronyms and Abbreviations.

Lore / Organizations

• Fleetyard Studios: The independent developer of Starship Simulator.
• Magellan Class: The class of the first UNSF deep space exploration vessel featured in the game. See Magellan Class.
• Sol System: The home star system of humanity, containing Earth.
• United Nations Space Fleet (UNSF): The human organization, likely descended from the modern UN, responsible for operating the Magellan Class starship and conducting deep space exploration.
• UNSF Magellan: The default name of the primary player-operated Magellan Class starship.

Personnel

• Admiral: A high-ranking Admiral in the UNSF, outranking Captains.
• Ambassador: An official Ambassador, potentially representing Earth, the UN, or humanity in diplomatic situations (First Contact).
• Cadet: A Cadet in the process of becoming a commissioned officer.
• Captain: The commanding officer is responsible for the whole conduct and good government of the starship. The ship's company of crew and officers are commanded by the captain, who reports to the Admiralty.
• Civilian: Personnel aboard the ship who are not enlisted members of the UNSF, such as passengers or potentially some specialized researchers.
• Commander: A senior commissioned rank, often held by the Executive Officer or an officer in charge of a specific group or task. On a starship, they report directly to the captain.
• Commissioned Officer: Personnel holding rank and authority granted by the UNSF, typically having undergone specific training (e.g., officers serving on the Bridge or as department heads).
• Doctor: The primary medical officer physician responsible for the physical health of the crew.
• Engineer: Crew member responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the ship's technical systems, including the reactor and FTL drive. Based in Engineering.
• Enlisted: Any member of the UNSF with a rank below that of an officer. They perform many essential duties under the supervision of officers.
• Ensign: The most junior rank of commissioned officer. Most cadets are granted the rank of ensign upon completion of officer training programs.
• Executive Officer (XO): Second-in-command of the starship, typically holding the rank of Commander. Reports directly to the Captain.
• Lieutenant: A junior, outranking Ensigns but below Lieutenant Commander. Often granted to officers whose duties include the oversight of other crewmembers, such as departmental supervision.
• Lieutenant Commander: A mid-level, senior to Lieutenant. Often serve as department heads and report directly to the Executive Officer.
• Morale Officer: Crew member responsible for the crew's mental well-being, potentially serving as chef and/or bartender, listening to concerns.
• Pilot: Crew member operating the Helm station on the Bridge, responsible for maneuvering the ship, piloting shuttles, and executing FTL jumps.
• Science Officer: Crew member operating the Sensors station on the Bridge and working in Science Labs, responsible for scanning, data analysis, and research.
• Security Officer: Crew member responsible for internal ship security, operating the Brig, and potentially serving on away teams. Uses Internal Security Systems.
• Tactical Officer: Crew member operating the Tactical station on the Bridge, responsible for ship's defenses (shields) and weaponry during combat situations.

Physics Concepts

• Alcubierre Drive: A theoretical concept for achieving effective FTL travel by manipulating spacetime (contracting space ahead, expanding space behind) to create a 'warp bubble'. The likely inspiration for the game's FTL system. See Alcubierre Drive page or Alcubierre Drive (Wikipedia).
• Equilibrium Temperature: The theoretical temperature a planet would have based purely on absorbing and emitting energy from its star, without accounting for atmospheric effects like the greenhouse effect.
• Exotic Matter: Hypothetical matter with unusual properties not found in normal matter, such as negative mass or negative energy density, theoretically required for concepts like the Alcubierre Drive or stable wormholes.
• Habitable Zone: The region around a star where conditions might be suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface, a key factor in searching for Earth-like worlds.
• Hill sphere: The region around a celestial body where its own gravity is dominant in attracting satellites, influencing the outer limits of planetary systems or moon systems.
• Negative Energy / Negative Mass: Hypothetical forms of energy/mass required by some theoretical physics concepts like the Alcubierre Drive. Violates known energy conditions and has not been observed.
• Roche limit: The minimum distance at which a celestial body held together only by its own gravity will disintegrate due to a second celestial body's tidal forces exceeding the first body's gravitational self-attraction. Relevant for ring formation and close orbits.

Piloting

• Heave: The linear vertical (up-or-down) movement of the starship along its vertical axis. Often controlled by vertical RCS Thrusters. Sometimes called vertical translation.
• Pitch: The angular (rotational) up-or-down movement of the starship's bow relative to its lateral (side-to-side) axis. See Pitch (aviation).
• Roll: The angular (rotational) movement of the starship around its longitudinal axis (running from bow to stern), causing a wing-dip motion. See Roll (aviation).
• Six Degrees of Freedom: The six directions which are possible in space.
• Surge: The linear forward-or-backward movement of the starship along its longitudinal axis. Forward surge is typically achieved via main engines, while backward surge might use maneuvering thrusters. Sometimes referred to as forward/backward thrust or acceleration/deceleration.
• Sublight: Speed of travel slower than the speed of light.
• Sway: The linear sideways (left-or-right) movement of the starship along its lateral axis. Often controlled by lateral RCS Thrusters. Commonly referred to as strafing or lateral translation.
• Target: Point of interest or object.
• Throttle: The speed of travel of the RTS engines.
• Yaw: The angular (rotational) left-or-right movement of the starship's bow relative to its vertical axis. See Yaw (rotation).

Ship Navigation

• Aft: Toward the rear end (stern) of the starship.
• Dorsal: Toward the top or "back" of the starship (relative to its usual orientation).
• Forward: Toward the front end (bow) of the starship.
• Inboard: Toward the centerline or center of the starship deck/room.
• Outboard: Toward the outer edge or hull of the starship deck/room.
• Port: The left side of the starship when facing Forward.
• Starboard: The right side of the starship when facing Forward.
• Ventral: Toward the bottom or "belly" (keel) of the starship.

Technology / Ship Systems

• Alcubierre Drive: The FTL propulsion system used by the Magellan Class. See Alcubierre Drive. Also see Wikipedia: Alcubierre drive.
• Cryogenic Storage: Facilities for storing substances (like Helium, Deuterium, Helium-3) at extremely low temperatures (cryogenics), located in Engineering. See Cryogenic Storage.
• Fusion Reactor: The primary power source for the Magellan Class starship, based on nuclear fusion, located on F Deck. See Fusion Reactor.
• Helm: The Bridge console and associated systems responsible for controlling the ship's movement, course plotting, and FTL engagement. 
• Holoprojector: The large holographic display unit located in the centre of the Bridge, used to visualize sensor data, maps, and potentially tactical information.
• Internal Security Systems: Systems related to controlling access (doors, lifts), monitoring locations, and securing the ship (Brig).
• Main Crew Lift: The primary elevator connecting decks B through F.
• MIDI Interface: Used in-game to allow players to play the VIP piano using a real-world MIDI keyboard connected to their computer.
• Power Distribution: The network of conduits, batteries, and control systems distributing energy from the reactor to all other systems. Includes panels like the one near the Bridge entrance.
• RCS Thrusters: Small thrusters located around the hull used for precise attitude adjustments (pitch, roll, yaw) and translational maneuvering.
• Sensors: The suite of instruments used for detecting and analysing objects across various ranges and providing detailed information. See Sensors.

• LGAS Array: Low Gain Astrometry Survey
• HGAS Array: High Gain Astrometry Survey
• HIDS Array: (Description needed)
• XNAV Dish: Xray Navigation

• Ship Lighting: The system controlling internal and external illumination, including different modes like standard, emergency, and alert levels.
• Tactical Systems: Systems related to combat, including shields and weapons (largely planned features).