space opera 

Generally speaking, refers to an epic adventure in space that focuses less on the technical details and more on good vs. evil and action. The mechanics of how things work ('hyperspace', 'the force') tend to be glossed over, as opposed to traditional "hard sci-fi", like Poul Anderson's "Tau Zero", where realism is emphasized, generally leading to stories smaller in scope.

Not an absolute term - Star Wars is more space opera than Star Trek, which itself is more space operaish than Deep Impact

Star Wars
Mass Effect
Bio of a Space Tyrant
Dune
space opera

space opera by regulargonzalez February 4, 2010

space opera 

An increasingly popular genre of Science Fiction. The term is largely self explanatory in that a space opera is a drama that is simply put in the context of science fiction. Although it can be "hard" science fiction, space operas typically focus on the characters to a point where the actual setting (space obviously, but more specifically, a technological future) is largely unimportant.

Have you seen Cowboy Bebop or that new Battlestar Galactica show?

No, I've never been a fan of space operas.

space opera by draque February 15, 2005

space opera 

A space opera is a grand epic drama or adventure set in a distant sci-fi future. What precisely fits into this genre is notoriously difficult to define, as it appears to encompass everything from Star Trek to the Culture universe.

'Excession' (Iain M Banks), 'A Fire Upon The Deep' (Vernor Vinge) and 'Second Foundation' (Isaac Asimov) are instantly recognisable as space operas.

space opera by Tactical Grace June 26, 2005

Space Opera 

A cool science fiction that generally takes place in outer space. Generally, space opera places more emphasis on the characters, the plot and the adventures rather than on the technology. The space adventures are also normally romanticized, melodramatic, "swash-buckling" and epic.

Examples of space opera:

-The "Green Lantern" comics by Geoff Johns (before his writing turned into crap)

-Jim Starlin's tales involving Thanos and Adam Warlock for Marvel Comics

-Jeff Lemire's "Trilium" series for Vertigo comics

-Rick Remender's "Fear Agent" series

-Various Image Comics series such as "Descender", "Saga", and others

-Star Wars

-Star Trek

-The anime Cowboy Bebop

-The anime Heroic Age

Space opera is a pretty cool science fiction genre that has epic, melodramatic adventures in outer space.

Space Opera by Wahrsager350 July 26, 2015

Space Opera 

a.
Boring science fiction that puts the classic hero storyline in space.

b.
A musical genre that blends sci-fi, horror and fantasy with electronic music.

c.
Holy Scientologist scripture.

You know more Space Opera!

Space Opera by Toby-Won July 29, 2010

Space Console Operator 

a. A term often used to refer to a person who has just been released from Basic Military Training, and then proceeds to be placed in charge of all operations in a multi-billion dollar installation. Preferably while the rest of his or her "seasoned" crew sleeps.

b. A person who counts the number of objects flying over head in outer space, while attempting to ignore the b-movie marathon that is going on in the background.

Note: Once a Space Console Operator has developed enough knowledge to not fail at his or her job, they are ready immediately to be placed in a less taxing position where there focus can be placed on more entertaining sorts of things, like card games and naps.

Oh look a 352 piece break up! Let's go take a nap, watching the Space Console Operator work always makes me so tired.

Space Console Operator by The Fallen Charly March 6, 2011