Loading…
← Back to schedule
Big Target or Big Capability?
Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B
Discussion on whether large, expensive, manned systems are a capability or a liability, given what we know now. Are giant spaceships feasible anymore, or do singles ships, unmanned systems and AI dominate the future? The panel returns with fresh real world ammo: the B21 and the Defiant class (ST: DS9 vibes!) BBG.
Moderators
avatar for Jim Curtis

Jim Curtis

Author
JL Curtis is a retired Naval Flight Officer, retired engineer in the defense industry, an NRA instructor, and now lives in north Texas writing full time. He has novels out in three different series, The Grey Man (urban fiction), Rimworld (military science fiction), and a new series... Read More →
Guests
avatar for Tim Gilliland

Tim Gilliland

Author
Born in the malarial fever swamps of Memphis TN, Tim was raised on corn squeezin’s, bent nails and broken glass. After a rough-and-tumble childhood in the upper middle class, he went to high school at old-line catholic school for 'bad boys.' Once the bruises healed he went into... Read More →
avatar for Charles Prael

Charles Prael

STEM
Charles Prael is a long-time fan and west coast SMOF of dubious repute, with a resume that looks like a scarf by its length. At the moment I'm launching a hedge fund that will fund several different space/satellite projects, and may wind up paying for a lunar mining base - among other... Read More →
avatar for Nathan Balyeat

Nathan Balyeat

Author
A USMC veteran, Nathan has written the fantasy short stories in the "Fellblade" and "Powers of the Night" settings and is working on a science fiction novel based on the life of the William Marshal. He has a degree in history and his hobbies include weightlifting, martial arts, and... Read More →
avatar for Daniel M. Hoyt

Daniel M. Hoyt

Author, STEM, Past Special GoH
Daniel M. Hoyt is a systems architect for trajectory physics software, when not writing or wrangling royalty calculations. Dan has appeared in premier magazines like Analog and several anthologies, notably the recent Paladins of Valor and Bonds of Valor, with connected stories in... Read More →
avatar for Nick Braker

Nick Braker

Author
Nick A. Braker is a sci-fi author blending interstellar intrigue, time travel, and cosmic alliances in series like Galactic Satori Wars & Essence Chronicles. A LibertyCon panelist on space opera, he also crafts gothic albums like Masquerade of Shadows. Drawing from Indiana roots... Read More →
Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B Chattanooga Marriott Downtown 2 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA
  Literary/Publishing, Panel

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Event Planning Software • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link