IMPULSE ENGINE CONTROL

	The impulse propulsion system is commanded through operational 
software routines stored within the spacecraft main computers. As with the 
warp propulsion system command processors, genetic algorithms learn and 
adapt to ongoing experiences involving impulse engine usage and make 
appropriate modifications in handling both voluntary external commands and 
purely autonomic operations. Voice commands and keyboard inputs are 
confirmed and reconciled by the current active main computer, and then 
handed off to the IPS command coordinator for routing to the engines for 
execution. The IPS command coordinator is cross-linked with its counterpart 
in the WPS for flight transitions involving warp entry and exit. Specific 
software routines react to prevent field energy fratricide (unwanted conflicts 
between warp fields and impulse engine fields). The command coordinator is 
also crosslinked with the reaction control system (RCS) for attitude and 
translational control at all speeds.  Æ