Space Hand Slang

Space Hand Slang - This entry is for terms used by space hands used to long service in outer space rather than planet-side. The terms developed by space workers are unique to their culture.

For more general information on slang, click here.

TERMS:

Going 11': Term originated in the atmospheric forces of the United States of North America, quickly stolen for use in many other areas. It means taking a piece of equipment and exceeding its technical specifications--whether that applies to speed, altitude/depth, or anything else. Can also be heard as 'Pushing 11'.

'It Looks Like Rain': This refers to collisios in planetary orbit (usually Earth) with micro-fragments or particles still floating from older space material/debris. On a small ship, this will refer to small debris. On a larger ship, the debris will be correspondingly larger.

'Pancake': This refers to a sudden massive increase in G-forces on a crew, usually to the point of internal injury or even death. Most pancakes have been caused by human error. Two were caused by 'malfunction' (the WLN Kyrie and Irruption Technologies Co.'s Jupiter Scoop-2), though in both instances several terrorist groups claimed credit for the ships' destruction. The use of 'pancake' for space hands is different than its use by military forces.

'Sweet spot': This refers to the location on a space craft where artificial gravity does not work and an individual(s) can remain floating in weightlessness. For spacers, this is a pleasant experience. The danger comes when a person leaves the weightless area. Done improperly, gravity can increase quickly which may lead to injury.