/sci/ - Science & Math

>>7920543
Agreed, for the most part. Some applications might demand very rapid and aggressive translational maneuvers (i.e. the terminal stage of a guided missile, as with gif related), but as far as a combat ship itself goes, you're absolutely right. Pretty much the same exact reason why missiles have axisymmetric/cruciform fins/wings and fighter jets don't.
>>7920550
At what point does a combat spacecraft just become a fortified asteroid?

>>5635612

outer shell*

This is a kinetic kill vehicle designed for slamming into intercontinental ballistic missiles as they transit.

Obviously being tested here on Earth.