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In deep space, the requirements for an escape pod scale up a bit. It will need:

A. Living space and amenities.

B. Artificial gravity.

C. Engines powerful enough to get you somewhere within your lifetime.

D. Enough supplies to last for the several years it'll take to make the trip.

So your escape pod is just going to be a second starship. What happens when it breaks?



You hope for help from an ethereal space dragon.

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For cost reasons, future space agencies are unlikely to provide an infinite loop of starships. When something does go wrong, the reality is going to be more like Apollo 13, with astronauts scrambling desperately to MacGyver up shit like air filters out of duct tape and plastic bags.

Remember, kids: once you take the Deep Space Plunge, there's no going back. Your ass is committed.

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