Multi-Stage Missile

The Multi-Stage Missile (MSM) is a varient of space-based anti-ship missile incorporating the ancient concept of staging, using multiple redundant engines to dramatically boost range.

Concept
While in space any weapon can have a theoretically infinite range due to the utter lack of friction, in practice this is impractical for use in war. Many armchair strategists have insisted that missiles could expend their fuel rapidly after launch to give them a terrific coasting speed, and attacking the target on a ballistic course. While possible, this leaves missiles exceedingly vulnerable to point defence fire as they cannot manoeuvre to dodge. Similarly, missiles can also not alter course to track an evading target if all their fuel is used up. Therefore, throughout history most space warship commanders have elected to close to a range with the enemy where missiles can be powered all the way to their targets, ensuring maximum effectiveness. Thus, militaries have always striven to increase the range of their missiles to give them the range advantage.