Worldbuilding the Space Squad 51 Universe…
Space travel is the lifeblood of the Sol system, connecting colonies scattered across planets, moons, and the far reaches of the Oort Cloud. Citizens of both the Inner and Outer Sol rely on spaceships of all shapes and sizes to travel between colonies, though most colonists never leave the world they were born on.
For those who do venture into the stars, opportunities abound. Some salvage abandoned ships and space debris, others transport cargo, and a few operate traveling businesses that journey from colony to colony. Among the more whimsical creations are amusement ships, mobile amusement parks that bring fun and entertainment to different worlds.
Most ships are capable of both atmospheric flight and deep-space travel, while others are designed for shorter journeys within a single colony’s skies. Orbital Rescue Services (ORS) employs ships called Hueys, reminiscent of Earth’s helicopters, paying homage to the early days of human rescue operations. CHOPs maintains a small armed fleet to protect the Sol and patrol its borders, but beyond that, ships are largely private and come in endless variations.
Every ship has an onboard AI to assist with navigation and operation. Interestingly, Outer Sol citizens often upgrade their AIs with more personality, despite these enhancements being illegal. Outlings must hide these upgrades from authorities, giving their ships a clandestine charm.
Humans have colonized as far as Planet X and explored partway into the Oort Cloud, but interstellar travel beyond the solar system remains unachieved. While humanity has yet to meet extraterrestrial life—aside from the carnivorous moss balls on Spaceberg—recent breakthroughs in fusion propulsion promise the first mission beyond the Sol system. A new era of long-term space travel is on the horizon, and the stars may finally be within humanity’s reach.
