On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 02:58:39AM -0400, Richard Aiken wrote:
> Realistic space combat would be handled by computer control, with
> total combat times being conveniently measured in single-digit
> seconds (and that would be for a *long* fight).

That's totally dependent upon what weapon and defense technology is
available for use.  If by "realistic" you mean pretty much current
day, then space combat would be essentially just killing sitting
ducks.  Nothing we have in space can defend itself worth a damn.  The
end result would be a bunch of debris in orbit, and no space assets
left for anyone.

Given different assumptions about how technology could plausibly
develop in the future, everything about space combat changes
radically.

- Tim