/sci/ - Science & Math

TLDR most logical spaceship design

I suppose it would depend on how the craft is fueled, but I, regardless, have a question about spacecrafts. I have a rather rudimentary understanding of physics in general (specifically in an environment as foreign as space) but it seems like a lot of sci-fi designs are illogical.

If we take a look at Star Wars, Halo, or Mass Effect, we often see spacecraft with multiple, large thrusters situated on the back of the ship. We see these ships enter a planet's atmosphere and maneuver, hover, etc.... without any difficulties. I feel like this, however, simply wouldn't work. Wouldn't the ship have to be aerodynamic to pitch, yaw, and roll in atmosphere. Furthermore, wouldnt the ship have to move with extremely high constant acceleration to prevent it from hitting the ground similar to that of a bullet? If we assume that the ship doesn't have some antigravity mechanism, how the fuck does it climb vertically (let alone ascend at such a slow starting speed)? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8buh5A70loA

There must be a more rational design then the whole "multiple huge thrusters at the back" thing. In space, I assume these ships could move in a straight line fast but, with this stereotypical approach, it must be nigh impossible to turn fast or to ascend or descend. How, then, would one design the most realistic, sci fi spacecraft? Would the large ships simply have to be built in orbit and house crafts that can do multiple reentries to transport people? Would ships like pic related be able to do multiple reentries if they came down thrusters first?