The Black Star Passes by John W. Campbell:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

A sky pirate armed with superior weapons of his own invention....

First contact with an alien race dangerous enough to threaten the safety of two planets....

The arrival of an unseen dark sun whose attendant marauders aimed at the very end of civilization in this Solar System....

These were the three challenges that tested the skill and minds of the brilliant team of scientist-astronauts Arcot, Wade, and Morey. Select an invention:

Altitude Suit
Special gear for venturing out at high altitude or even space.

Gyroscope Seats
Your best bet for remaining at the right angle to the force of acceleration.

Helicops
Small, private flyers for business commuting.

Lux
A bar of solidified light.

Mother Ship - first use of expression
A large spacecraft that serves as home base for other (usually smaller) ships.

Ray Gun (Handheld)
A weapon shaped like a handgun that shoots rays of energy.

Ray Pistol
A handheld device for projecting radiative force of some kind.

Solar-Powered Aircraft
A plane powered entirely by solar energy.

Space Lock
An airlock on a spacecraft.

 

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