Technology level 8

Technology level 8 is the ninth of the Technology level classifications. The defining characteristics of a society reaching TL–8 is the construction and use of planetary wide computer communications networks. Using the increasing volume of data transmission capabilities offered by photonic communications and satellite systems. Rocketry becomes refined and reusable leading to exploration and exploitation of orbital space and nearby moons.

In terms of classification TL–8 is the Technological Period of Ur-Tech, the initial planetary bound cycle of development. It also occurs within the Technological Epoch know as the Processor Epoch.

Theoretical Technologies

Physical Science

Grand Unified theory for gravity control,

Material Science / Manufacturing

Photonics - Use of light as a communication medium, both in data channels and open communications systems

Micro-level manufacturing

advanced composites

Carbon fiber and Fullerenes

Rapid Prototyping

Biological Science

Gene therapy

Systems ecology

Genetically engineered crops

Cultural Science

Quality of Life Technologies

Energy

MHD Turbine

Superconductors,

Information

Voice Transcription

Massive Parallel computers

Low Data Robots

Communications

Hand Computer

Ubiquitous networking

Fiber optic communications

Medicine / Life sciences

Full functioning prosthetics

Artificial Organs

Metabolics

Laser surgery and light therapeutics

Environment

Orbital Settlements

Early Weather Control

Transportation Technologies

Land transportation

Triphibian Vehicles

Water

Early Artificial Gills

Air

Hypersonic Jet

Space

Orbital shuttles

Space Stations

Military Technologies

Technology level 8 features continued advances in electronics. Laser designators and pointers drop in mass, the latter to insignificant levels (less than 50 grams). Processing power and sensors advance to where programmable self-guided weapons are possible, but these are still of very large size, relying on aerodynamic lift, reaction engines, or both to achieve any reasonable range. The very long range and remotely guided munitions mean the early stages of a battle may take place without either side ever seeing the enemy. Minor differences in sensing technology may make major differences in one side to detect or target an opposing force with out being detected or targeted.

There are three weapons technologies that come out of laboratory development and into actual battlefield use during the TL–8 era. The Mass Driver, an electromagnetic gun firing solid slugs at high velocity. The Particle accelerator weapon, using an electric or magnetic field to fire sub-atomic particles at near light speed. And laser weapons, using highly focused beams of intense coherent light. All three weapons systems have much larger power requirements than other weapons systems. This limits their deployment to larger vehicles or static defensive positions.

See Also

Technology levels

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

• Technological Systemics
  • Technology Level
  • Tech Level Comparison Chart
  • Technological Epoch
  • Technological Period
  • Universal Technological Profile
• Foundational Period
  • Tool Making Epoch
    • TL–0
    • TL–1
    • TL–2
    • TL–3
  • Division of Labor Epoch
    • TL–4
    • TL–5
    • TL–6
  • Processor Epoch
    • TL–7
    • TL–8
    • TL–9
• Interstellar Period
  • Gravitics Epoch
    • TL–10
    • TL–11
    • TL–12
  • Biologicals Epoch
    • TL–13
    • TL–14
    • TL–15
  • Artificials Epoch
    • TL–16
    • TL–17
    • TL–18
• Galactic Period / Accelerating Tech Level
  • Matter Transport Epoch
    • TL–19
    • TL–20
    • TL–21
  • Transformations Epoch
  • Psionics Epoch
  • Trans-galactic Epoch
  • Pocket Universe Epoch
  • Post-Technological Period

References & Contributors

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

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• Marc Miller. Referee's Companion (Game Designers Workshop, 1988), 26-34.
• Geir Lanesskog. World Builder's Handbook (Mongoose Publishing, 2023), 58,83-86.Joe Fugate, J. Andrew Keith, Gary L. Thomas. World Builder's Handbook (Digest Group Publications, 1989), 58,83-86.
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• Greg Porter. Emperor's Arsenal (Imperium Games, 1997), .
• David Burden. Pocket Empires (Imperium Games, 1997), 51-52,108.
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• Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 94-95, 108-117.
• K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technological Paths", JTAS Online (2001)
• K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", JTAS Online (2001)
• Martin Dougherty, Hunter Gordon. The Traveller's Handbook (QuikLink Interactive, 2002), 378.
• Jeff Zeitlin. "An Analysis of Tech Levels." Freelance Traveller 012 (2010): 10-12.
• Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 502-507.
• Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Starships (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 223-237.
• Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Worlds and Adventures (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 19.