Start with miniature spacecraft...
http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/080819-acs-micro-spacecraft.html#commentsAdd algorithms from behavior-based robotics.
Then add directed-energy weapons.
Garnish with international politics.
What do you have? Warring orbital machines that change colors! Whoohoo!
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Seriously, when I read the article linked above, I first thought of the anime, "Planetes", and the difficulties in tracking small orbital debris. Then, I realized the potential for sci-fi material and decided to share.
Printer-friendly view of this topic
