If there's a spaceship, is it science fiction?

No. There are real - life spaceships. For instance, the SpaceX Falcon rockets are spaceships that are used for practical purposes such as sending satellites into orbit. So a spaceship can be a real - world object and not part of science fiction.

In science fiction, secret spaceship launches often serve as a plot device to add mystery and suspense. It could be a government's top - secret project to send a crew on a dangerous mission, like exploring an unknown planet. Maybe they're trying to avoid attracting the attention of alien races or other rival nations.

The Death Star from 'Star Wars' is often considered one of the largest spaceships in science fiction. It's a moon - sized battle station with a powerful superlaser that can destroy planets.

The Millennium Falcon from 'Star Wars' is often considered one of the fastest. It has a hyperdrive that allows it to make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, which is a remarkable feat of speed in the Star Wars universe.

In 1930s science fiction, steel spaceships were often depicted as large, bulky vessels. They were usually seen as symbols of human progress and exploration. For example, in some stories, they were the means by which humans reached other planets, with their steel hulls protecting the astronauts from the perils of space.

Well, technological innovation is a big theme. In spaceship science fiction, we often see advanced propulsion systems, amazing life - support systems, and incredible communication devices on spaceships. These technological elements drive the plot forward as the characters interact with and rely on them. Another common theme is the transformation of humanity. Through their experiences on spaceships and in space exploration, characters might change their views on life, society, and the universe. For instance, they might become more united as a species or more aware of the fragility of life on Earth.

The USS Enterprise from 'Star Trek' is a great one too. It represents exploration, peace, and the spirit of discovery. With its advanced technology and diverse crew, it has journeyed through the galaxy on many important missions.

Arthur C. Clarke is one of the most well - known. His works often feature detailed descriptions of spaceships and space travel. For example, in '2001: A Space Odyssey', he introduced the iconic Discovery One spaceship. Another famous author is Isaac Asimov. His stories sometimes revolve around spaceships in a galactic context. And Robert A. Heinlein also wrote many great works in this genre, with his spaceships being important elements in stories that explored various aspects of human nature and the future of humanity.

In science - fiction, the first launch of a spaceship can be traced back to different works. For instance, H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' also had the idea of a spaceship coming from Mars to Earth. While not exactly a 'first launch' in the sense of humans sending a ship, it was one of the first to depict an interplanetary spaceship journey, which influenced later works on the concept of spaceship launches.

One key feature is the concept of a self - sustaining ecosystem. Since the spaceship is a generation ship, it has to support multiple generations of humans. This means having systems for food production, like hydroponics or artificial farms. Another feature is the social structure. There are often complex social hierarchies and rules to ensure the long - term survival and harmony of the enclosed community. Also, the psychological aspects of living in a confined space for generations are explored, such as dealing with claustrophobia and a sense of isolation from the outside world.