STAR WARS Technical Commentaries

These pages examine particular technical aspects of STAR WARS. The motivation of this project is to synthesise and explore a self-consistent reality for that universe. There is an emphasis on topics inadequately covered by offline references.

Over the years, these commentaries have been greatly enhanced as a result of debate and discussion involving many correspondents. Suggestions are welcome, although I cannot always give an immediate personal reply. All original contributions are acknowledged. Topic proposals for new STAR WARS technical commentaries are also welcome, but I'm already busy developing many other pages offline.

Visible and actual progress in these pages varies according to the demands of my “real life”. My own paid research takes precedence over this passtime. Also note that these pages have no relation to real physics work; the project intends to rationalise a fantasy. This hobby simply uses the methods and language of science to consider the question: “If the STAR WARS universe were real, how would its phenomena be understood?”

All contents are subject to revision and correction without notice: the primary objective for these pages is accuracy and rational consistency, not the development of any fixed dogmatic line. New items are identified in the site updates page. General issues regarding the site are answered among the frequently asked questions.

Technical Commentaries:

• Prequel Topics
  [ Naboo | Galactic Republic | Jedi & Sith | Separatists | Trade Federation | Tatooine | Technology | Text & Graphics | Continuity ]
  Initial reactions to miscellaneous technical issues raised by the new films.
• Novel References
  Novel reading notes; an accreting collection of passages having technical implications.
• Highlights:
  [ SWHS | The Great Heep ]
  Interesting technical items from screened STAR WARS.
• Exhibitions:
• Death Stars
  Dimensions, structure and capabilities of the planet-destroying battle stations.
• Warships of the Empire
  [ Visual Identification | Catalogue | Dimensional Data ]
  Common features and catalogue of the Imperial Starfleet's prime warship designs.
• Warships of the Mon Calamari
  [ Exhibition: Liberty ]
  Assessment of the converted warships dubbed the “Soul of the Rebellion”.
• Executor-class Star Dreadnoughts: “Super Star Destroyers”
  [ Exhibitions | Surface Details | History of the 5-Mile Fallacy ]
  The great command ships of the Imperial Navy.
• Star Destroyers
  [ Exhibition: Avenger | Exhibition: Devastator ]
  Common mile-long combat ships patrolling the Galactic Empire.
• Bridge Towers
  Signature of classes and sub-classes of Imperial warships.
• Military Walkers
  Catalogue of known walker classes and commentary on their military role.
• Hyperspace
  Phenomenological study and physical rationalisation of superluminal travel.
• Astrophysical Concerns
  Scope and scale of galactic civilisation; resolution of some physical conundrums.
• Planets
  Survey of the physical and orbital characteristics of the filmed celestial bodies.
• Endor Holocaust
  Ewok extermination due to impact of battle station debris.
• TIE Fighters
  [ Exhibition ]
  Quantitative examination of TIE capabilities and components; catalogue of known models.
• Military Organisation
  An overview of naval and military terminology, structure and insignia in the Galaxy.
• Insignia & Uniforms:
  Functional attire and rank decorations in the galaxy's armed forces.
  [ Rebel Alliance | Galactic Empire | Naboo ]
• Lambda-class Shuttles
  [ The Dimorphism Blooper ]
  Commonplace passenger ship of the Imperial Starfleet, and a yardstick of galactic technology.
• Injuries of Darth Vader
  The nature and extent of the Dark Lord's medical problems, and his cause of death.
• Death Star Survivors
  Some lucky Imperial personnel survived the Battle of Yavin.
• Jabba's Decorations
  Artistic treasures in the collection of Jabba the Hutt.
• Standard Units
  measurement standards in the STAR WARS galaxy: space, time, money and more.
• Miscellaneous Technicalities [ Power Technologies | Sublight Propulsion ]
  Assorted commentaries not fitting into the other pages.
• Humans & Humanoids
  Status, diversity and biological influence of the dominant galactic sapients.
• Mon Calamari
  The second most abundantly represented nonhuman species in the STAR WARS canon.
• Amanaman
  The most gruesome and exotic species represented at Jabba's court.
• Zoology
  Animal life as portrayed in filmed STAR WARS.
• Continuity, Canon and Apocrypha
  Resolving what is or is not genuine STAR WARS.

Support:

• History / Updates
  Chronological listing of updates to the commentaries.
• F.A.Q.
  Basic facts about this site, and their most commonly misunderstood features.
• Printing Advice
  In case of problems printing the commentaries.
• Images & Copyright
  A warning on the topic of intellectual property and plagiarism.
• Legalities
  Standard website disclaimers.
• Technical Links
  Useful references and other technical science fiction and sites.
• Star Wars Links
  Various fan and licensed sites in the STAR WARS genre.

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Original content is © copyright Dr Curtis Saxton 2001.
Index page last updated 11 February 2001.

This page was constructed and is maintained by Curtis Saxton.
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These important legal considerations are treated in more detail in a dedicated page.
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