Re: Orbital Insertion

> >    Landing could be a problem, provided, of course, you found an 
> adequately >strong area to support the MASS 500 starship. This is a 
> starship the size of >small skyscraper! Look how long it takes to make
> the foundation of a >skyscraper!

> John M. "I'm Back, what did I miss?" Atkinson

One thing I'd consider is a heavy atmospheric inserter, not a lander.

The Assault Transport has enough point defense to deal with missiles
and fighters, so it might actually take _less_ damage than an
interface craft wave, especially as the Assault Transport will have
shields, and the interface craft would normally make multiple runs.

Once the AT slows to below Mach 1, it launches a _massive_
parachute/glider/anti-grav assault.  Then it zips back up into
space.

That works for dropping troops, resupply probably will require at
least basic port facilities.

Once you have a space port, you simply offload your troops and
supplies there and they take cheaper, atmospheric heavylift craft
to their area of operations.

Michael Sandy