Explore how two iconic sci‑fi franchises portray space combat – from the grand, fantastical battles of Star Trek to the gritty, physics-driven engagements in The Expanse.

Space combat has long been a cornerstone of science fiction, inspiring generations with its blend of visionary technology and dramatic conflict. In this article, we compare the approaches of two influential franchises—Star Trek and The Expanse—in depicting space combat. With a focus on settings, technical aspects, vehicles, memorable battle scenes, and expert commentary, we unveil how each series uniquely engages audiences while reflecting different storytelling philosophies.

Settings and Context

Star Trek envisions a utopian future where humanity is a proud member of the United Federation of Planets. Set against a backdrop of interstellar exploration, the franchise presents advanced starships like the iconic USS Enterprise engaging in battles that resemble elaborate naval warfare. Warp drives, deflector shields, and energy weapons create a universe where imagination reigns over strict physics. As science advisor Andre Bormanis once noted, Star Trek’s technology

“has always been, at the core, an action-adventure series,”

prioritizing dramatic narrative over strict scientific plausibility.

In contrast, The Expanse is rooted in a near-future Earth where humanity has colonized the solar system. With political divisions among Earth, Mars, and the Belt, the series centres on the harsh realities of life beyond our planet. Its setting is notably grounded in realism: space travel adheres to Newtonian physics, and combat unfolds as a series of calculated manoeuvres dictated by inertia and momentum. This commitment to plausible science enhances the tension of every encounter, making its battles feel immediate and authentic.

Bobbie performs a high G manoeuvre in space scene from The Expanse, depicting the harsh physical realities of space flight. Image credit: SYFY/Amazon Prime

Technical Systems and Vehicles

Star Trek’s Advanced Combat

Star Trek’s starships are marvels of futuristic engineering. They feature:

• Phasers: Energy-based weapons adjustable from stunning to lethal levels.

• Photon Torpedoes: Self-guided, antimatter-powered yielders capable of devastating enemy vessels.

• Deflector Shields: Energy barriers that absorb and deflect incoming fire, allowing ships to sustain prolonged engagements.

The iconic design and features of Star Fleet vessels. Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

These systems evoke a sense of limitless possibility. For instance, during the Battle of Wolf 359 in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a fleet of Starfleet vessels clashes with a Borg cube using precisely these technologies. The dramatic interplay of phasers and photon torpedoes, coupled with strategic shield management, gives the battle a grand operatic quality.

The Expanse’s Real-World Physics

In The Expanse, combat and ship design are dictated by realism:

• Railguns: Electromagnetic launchers that propel projectiles at extreme velocities, emphasizing kinetic energy over exotic effects.

• Point Defence Cannons (PDCs): Turreted weapons designed to intercept incoming missiles and projectiles.

• Propulsion Systems: Ships use the Epstein Drive—a highly efficient fusion engine that enables continuous acceleration, creating realistic challenges in manoeuvring due to momentum and inertia.

Screen shot of a space battle showing the Railgun technology of The Expanse Vessels….. Image credit: SYFY/Amazon Prime

These technologies are not mere embellishments; they shape the core narrative. The battle involving the Martian warship Donnager, where railguns and PDCs are put to the test, illustrates how tactical decisions in combat are intricately tied to real-world physics.

Memorable Battles and Scenes

Iconic Conflicts in Star Trek

• Battle of Wolf 359: In this devastating clash, Starfleet confronts the overwhelming might of the Borg. The high-stakes tactical manoeuvring, combined with the visual spectacle of energy weapons and shield interactions, cements the battle as one of Star Trek’s most unforgettable.

Screenshot of the visually dramatic Battle of Wolf 359 displaying the weaponry of the Star Trek Universe. Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

• Nebula Battle in The Wrath of Khan: Here, environmental factors such as a nebula’s interference play a key role. Captain Kirk’s clever exploitation of natural phenomena exemplifies the series’ blend of fantasy and strategy.

Star Trek space battle of the Mutara Nebula. The USS Enterprise vs USS Reliant. The Wrath of Kahn. By Paramount Pictures. From @nuzzyfutzz

Grounded Engagements in The Expanse

• The Donnager Engagement: This battle highlights the brutal reality of space combat in The Expanse. As stealth ships ambush the massive Martian battleship, every decision—from missile intercepts to the coordination of railgun fire—illustrates the constraints of Newtonian mechanics.

Donnager Battle . By SYFY/Amazon Prime. From @thomasparkinson99

• Rocinante’s Skirmishes: The nimble crew of the Rocinante faces off against multiple adversaries in high-intensity close-quarters combat. These scenes emphasize the interplay of momentum, high‑G forces, and the unforgiving vacuum of space, where even slight miscalculations can be fatal.

The Expanse - The Rocinante Flips And Shoots Railgun. By SYFY/Amazon Prime. From @hightoppler

Physics, Movement, and Tactical Strategy

Star Trek’s Operatic Freedom

In the Star Trek universe, combat is reminiscent of classic naval engagements. Starships engage in broadside manoeuvres, and energy weapons allow for rapid, visually stunning exchanges.

A fleet of Federation starships engaged in an intense battle from Stat Trek Beyond (2016). Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The fictional warp drive enables ships to traverse vast interstellar distances almost instantaneously, liberating the narrative from the constraints of real physics. As such, Star Trek’s battles are as much about mythology and heroism as they are about tactics, offering a timeless appeal that has driven generations of fans.

The Expanse’s Scientific Rigor

The Rocinante disables an enemy vessel's engines using a bit of luck and precise tactics. Image credit: SYFY/Amazon Prime

The Expanse embraces a more rigorous application of physics. The absence of artificial gravity outside of ship-generated environments, the challenge of overcoming inertia without friction, and the gruelling effects of acceleration on the human body are accurately portrayed. In this universe, combat is a chess match of calculated thrusts and manoeuvres. Every shot fired and every defensive manoeuvre is a testament to the series’ commitment to realistic depictions of space physics, making its battles feel both futuristic and unsettlingly plausible.

Expert Commentary and Quotes

Both franchises have drawn on expert insights to shape their depictions of space combat:

• Andre Bormanis (Star Trek Science Advisor):

“When has any Star Trek show ever pretended to be scientifically accurate? Every Trek show has always been, at the core, an action-adventure series.”

• Naren Shankar (The Expanse Showrunner):

“The realistic physics are a crucial part of the plot and not just for realism's sake. Outrunning a missile in space isn’t as simple as many might think.”

The Rocinante evading a missile attack. Image credit: SYFY/Amazon Prime

These insights emphasize the divergent ethos: Star Trek’s battles are designed to inspire and captivate with larger-than-life heroics, while The Expanse challenges its audience with a believable and rigorous approach to space warfare.

Summary

In comparing the space combat realism of Star Trek and The Expanse, it becomes clear that each franchise excels in its own way. Star Trek’s operatic, optimistic vision brings a sense of wonder, unbound by the strictures of modern physics—it’s a celebration of human ingenuity and adventure. On the other hand, The Expanse’s commitment to realism underscores the harsh, unyielding nature of space, where every manoeuvre and weapon discharge must respect the immutable laws of physics.

For fans of space sci‑fi, the choice between these two philosophies depends on whether you prefer the poetic liberties of a utopian future or the grounded, visceral thrill of scientifically based combat. Regardless of which approach resonates more, both series continue to push the boundaries of imagination and technical storytelling, inspiring audiences to look up at the stars and wonder what battles lie ahead.

Whether you're a longtime Trekker or a dedicated enthusiast of The Expanse, these extraordinary portrayals of space combat remind us that the stars hold endless possibilities for adventure, challenge, and discovery.