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Help:Glossary

From Starship Simulator

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 Artificial Intelligence Assistant.
British Summer Time (BST)
(UTC+1). The time zone observed in the UK during summer months, principally relevant for Dev Stream schedules.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Software used for creating 2-D and 3-D 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 the effects of travelling when exceeding the speed of light in a vacuum (constant: 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 manoeuvring of the starship.
SQL
Structured Query Language. A database language mentioned in relation to game data processing (e.g., Backer Stars, Credits).
UE5
Unreal Engine 5. The game engine used to develop Starship Simulator.
UNOS
United Nations Operating System. The proprietary computer Operating System used in-game.
UNSF
United Nations Space Fleet.The human organisation 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 former star of extremely intense gravity where constituent matter has fallen in from all sides so that it has become compressed to a point of zero volume and infinite density known as a singularity.
Frost Line
In astrophysics, the radial distance from a central protostar within a protoplanetary disk at which the temperature drops below the condensation point of water ice, typically in the range of 150–170 K. Based upon the real-world evolution of stars in the galaxy, in Starship Simulator the term denotes the line at which regions where solid matter is dominated by rocks are divided from those where ice becomes abundant, giving an indication as to what has influenced the size and composition of the planets in any given system.
Habitable Zone
The region in a star's orbit where water can form on planetary surfaces within parameters that could possibly support life.
Lava Zone
The area within a star's orbit where lava planets could form.
Planet
Any relatively large natural body that revolves in an orbit around a star, which does not radiate energy from internal nuclear fusion reactions. Stricter constraints over what consists of a planet other than this broad definition have been expressed in an effort to classify astronomical objects. These include among many questions: is there a minimum size for a planet such that it ought to be termed an asteroid if smaller; is the body dense enough to count as a planet; is the shape of the planet consistent with it having been formed by the pressure of its own gravity into a sphere; does it have mass sufficient for its core to have experienced even temporary nuclear fusion.
Star
Any massive self-luminous celestial body of gas that shines by radiation derived from its internal energy sources.
System
A collection of objects bound in a gravitational orbit, usually around a star.

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 2-D and 3-D 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 exists for the procedure 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 civilisation. 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 organisation, 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, the rank immediately above a Captain.
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 responsible for the conduct and good governance of a 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 specialised 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).
Commodore
A naval rank usually placed between the Captains and Admirals in terms of seniority in many navies. In Starship Simulator not a UNSF rank, but is mentioned as a game Backer tier in the community.
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 crew members, 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 manoeuvring 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 offering security to teams working away from the ship. Uses Internal Security Systems.
Tactical Officer
Crew member operating the Tactical station on the Bridge, responsible for ship's defences (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 were it 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 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 to dip. See Roll (aviation).
Six Degrees of Freedom
Six degrees of freedom (6DOF) refers to the six mechanical degrees of freedom of movement of a rigid body in three-dimensional 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 manoeuvering 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, sometimes a literal entity to be shot at.
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

  • 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).
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