Space Travel Physics

[Dylrob]

As epic as this scene is, it does leave you scratching your head as to why the Enterprise didn’t just pitch up and target the Reliant’s broad underside?

Ah well, at least the writer realized that space wasn’t flat.

Also, while early Star Trek ships move in a relatively realistic fashion, around the middle of Next Generation’s run they started banking like aircraft. :/

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by Dylrob

[...] As epic as this scene is, it does leave you scratching your head as to why the Enterprise didn’t just pitch up and target the Reliant’s broad underside?

Ah well, at least the writer realized that space wasn’t flat.

Also, while early Star Trek ships move in a relatively realistic fashion, around the middle of Next Generation’s run they started banking like aircraft. :/

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Artificial_gravity

Artificial gravity is created using generators embedded in gravity plating on the floor. Gravity levels in corridors and crew quarters could be adjusted. (DS9: "Melora"; VOY: "Learning Curve") Shuttlebays were "variable gravity areas." (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Banking eliminates the need for expensive gravity plating in the walls, to keep you from skidding across the floor during a turn.

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Artificial_gravityBanking eliminates the need for expensive gravity plating in the walls, to keep you from skidding across the floor during a turn.

Ah, but the ships have something to deal with that already:
http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Inertial_damper

Also it doesn’t explain why the Enterprise D has been seen making sharp turns without banking.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Dylrob

As epic as this scene is, it does leave you scratching your head as to why the Enterprise didn’t just pitch up and target the Reliant’s broad underside?

That occured to a lot of people, and I strongly suspect that when the future Enterprise did exactly that maneuver against the Klingon ship in the final episode of TNG, it was to make amends for that scene.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by ApK

That occured to a lot of people, and I strongly suspect that when the future Enterprise did exactly that maneuver against the Klingon ship in the final episode of TNG, it was to make amends for that scene.

I missed that episode, but about to watch it now.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

I missed that episode, but about to watch it now.

<sigh> I envy you, being able to watch a TNG episode for the first time.