When the seemingly abandoned space arms race of yesteryear's Cold War suddenly appears in yesterday's headlines with China’s anti-satellite test, serious questions arise regarding the possibility of the realisation of science fiction yet again. Will George Lucas add the title of fortune teller to his other stellar credentials? When fears of the arming of space come fresh into society's conscience once more, one can't help but imagine the extrapolation of such events into the future.
Will we actually be manning gargantuan star destroyers and fighting stellar wars not over countries but for conquest of worlds in our vast galaxy? As ridiculous as that sounds, we cannot deny the numerous instances where science fiction already physically manifested itself in our real world.
Take for example, the recent advent of holographic technology used in advertising where companies such as Vizoo use advanced video design to make life-like holograms that even R2-D2 would be proud of. The holographic industry will see an end to Princess Leia's monopoly in it, with clients ranging from Virgin to Adidas catching hold of this revolutionary technology to market goods on a whole new level never attained before.
What about the legendary laser rifle? As part of the arsenal of the much feared Imperial Stormtroopers in George Lucas' epic saga, the idea of laser rifles may just have made its way into the arsenal of the United States Marine Corps in the form of the Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System or VMADS. Nicknamed the, "Ray Gun", it is capable of immobilising a target from as far as three quarters of a kilometer, using projected energy similar to microwaves to burn but not kill. With extrapolation of such technology in mind once again, the future generations, in local context, may be entering national service to train to become the very stormtroopers we have seen in Star Wars to begin with, armed with powerful laser rifles and with the bulky and fashionably disastrous uniform even.
Take for example, the recent advent of holographic technology used in advertising where companies such as Vizoo use advanced video design to make life-like holograms that even R2-D2 would be proud of. The holographic industry will see an end to Princess Leia's monopoly in it, with clients ranging from Virgin to Adidas catching hold of this revolutionary technology to market goods on a whole new level never attained before.
What about the legendary laser rifle? As part of the arsenal of the much feared Imperial Stormtroopers in George Lucas' epic saga, the idea of laser rifles may just have made its way into the arsenal of the United States Marine Corps in the form of the Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System or VMADS. Nicknamed the, "Ray Gun", it is capable of immobilising a target from as far as three quarters of a kilometer, using projected energy similar to microwaves to burn but not kill. With extrapolation of such technology in mind once again, the future generations, in local context, may be entering national service to train to become the very stormtroopers we have seen in Star Wars to begin with, armed with powerful laser rifles and with the bulky and fashionably disastrous uniform even.
How often have people laughed at the prophecies of science fiction claiming it to be the muse of acne-stricken video game geeks and nerds who win science fairs with outrageous inventions futile to the benefit of mankind, only to see such prophecies materialize?
Applying such extrapolations to the current threat of a possible space arms race since the Cold War, which saw both Russia and the States conduct anti-satellite tests, it is frighteningly easy to envision the extraterrestrial course of war as yet another realisation of science fiction throughout history. The Hollywood depiction of zero-gravity dogfights and lightspeed travel may even be the stuff of primetime news in the future; a future where interplanetary warfare reigns as chaos unfolds among the stars; and as the casualties increase, the title of the classic series, "Lost in Space", may become way too morbid.
Applying such extrapolations to the current threat of a possible space arms race since the Cold War, which saw both Russia and the States conduct anti-satellite tests, it is frighteningly easy to envision the extraterrestrial course of war as yet another realisation of science fiction throughout history. The Hollywood depiction of zero-gravity dogfights and lightspeed travel may even be the stuff of primetime news in the future; a future where interplanetary warfare reigns as chaos unfolds among the stars; and as the casualties increase, the title of the classic series, "Lost in Space", may become way too morbid.
As we reach the frontiers of space exploration, the possibility of the arming of space seems not just that, but more of an inevitability, with current events such as the shooting down of satellites making headline news. Soon the question of satellite defence will arise, and before you know it we might be taking war right into the realm beyond our atmosphere. What was known to us as an epic movie title may just be the scourge of a generation not a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but right here in Earth’s backyard in the not so distant future; an all too disturbing Star Wars reality. I’d surely prefer to keep viewing Star Wars on a cinema’s canvas screen with popcorn and a coke, rather than it being a clear and present danger looming in the stars above.
If all this ever materialises, will we be prepared to deal with its consequences? Will there be those who rise to the responsibility of policing our dangerous potential in space, like the noble and wise Jedi? It is a marvel how we have the power to make our dreams reality, but often do we find ourselves lacking the mettle to face the reality of it all. Is a Star Wars reality what we have to offer our grandchildren or the stellar but peaceful progress of the human race?
Written attempt for a published article.
1 comment:
hello im bored... update please.. something totally mindless preferably... i mean your writing skills are excellent no doubt but show your true colours damn it! haha... and for a cam whore you totally have a lack of pictures lol..
- pearl of the sea ;)
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