If a civilization can cross interstellar space, the war is already decided.

In this episode of Entropy Rising, we examine planetary invasion through the lens of real physics. No cinematic dogfights. No convenient alien weaknesses. Just propulsion energy, orbital mechanics, and strategic reality.

Any ship capable of traveling between stars already carries extinction-level energy. Once an invading force controls orbit, they don’t need to land troops. They can freeze a planet with solar shades, redirect stellar energy to overheat it, scatter relativistic debris, or enforce a blockade. Gravity favors whoever owns space.

We also explore the rare equal-footing scenario. What if two interstellar civilizations are technologically comparable? That leads to layered defenses, weaponized megastructures, and deeply entrenched planetary infrastructure.

Finally, we ask the deeper question: why invade at all? With abundant resources in space, planetary conquest may be the least efficient option.

Planetary invasion sounds dramatic. Under real physics, it becomes colder, faster, and far more decisive.

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