A Comprehensive Comparison of Science Fiction Spaceships
Science fiction has captivated imaginations for decades, with its thrilling depictions of futuristic technologies and interstellar adventures. One of the most iconic elements of science fiction is the spaceship, a vessel that transports characters through the vast expanse of space. From the iconic Millennium Falcon of Star Wars to the sleek Serenity of Firefly, spaceships have become synonymous with the genre.
But just how big are these fictional spaceships? How do they compare to each other in terms of size and scale? Artist Dirk Loechel has created a comprehensive size comparison chart that brings together dozens of famous science fiction spaceships, allowing us to visualize their relative dimensions.
Methodology
Loechel’s chart is based on meticulous research and careful consideration of available data. He consulted various sources, including wikis, fan charts, and official size calculations, to determine the dimensions of each spaceship. In some cases, he had to rely on conjecture and educated guesses, especially for ships that lacked official size specifications.
Notable Spaceships
The chart features a wide range of spaceships from across the science fiction spectrum, including:
- Halo: UNSC Infinity, Pillar of Autumn, Spirit of Fire
- Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, Death Star
- Starship Troopers: Rodger Young, Tokyo Sky Tree
- Farscape: Moya, Leviathan
- Wall-E: Axiom, Zephyrus, Epiglottus
- Dead Space: USG Ishimura, USG Kellion
- Star Citizen: Bengal Carrier, Idris-M Frigate, Hammerhead Corvette
- Galaxy Quest: NSEA Protector, Thermian starship
- Space: Above and Beyond: Prometheus, Saratoga
- BattleTech: Dropship, WarShip, BattleMech
- Wing Commander: Tiger’s Claw, TCS Concordia, Kilrathi fighter
- StarCraft: Battlecruiser, Carrier, Thor
- Homeworld: Hiigaran Battlecruiser, Vaygr Destroyer
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Mothership
- District 9: Alien Mothership
- Dune: Ornithopter, Guild Heighliner
- Doctor Who: TARDIS
Size Comparisons
The chart reveals some fascinating insights into the relative sizes of science fiction spaceships. For instance, the UNSC Infinity from Halo dwarfs the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars, while the Death Star is orders of magnitude larger than both of them. The Bengal Carrier from Star Citizen is one of the largest ships in the chart, comparable in size to the Prometheus from Space: Above and Beyond.
TARDIS and Other Easter Eggs
Loechel’s chart is not only informative but also playful, featuring a few hidden gems for eagle-eyed viewers. For instance, the TARDIS from Doctor Who can be found tucked away in a corner of the chart. Other Easter eggs include the Axiom from Wall-E, which is depicted as a giant space turtle, and the Leviathan from Farscape, which resembles a massive jellyfish.
Conclusion
Dirk Loechel’s spaceship size comparison chart is a valuable resource for science fiction enthusiasts and anyone interested in the design and scale of these iconic vessels. The chart allows us to visualize the relative dimensions of different spaceships and appreciate the diversity and creativity of science fiction creators.