Rackham-Von Schmidt Antarctic Foundation: The Rackham-Von Schmidt Antarctic Foundation is a well respected independent research and campaigning organisation that has been influential in maintaining the Antarctic region of Earth, Sol as an unspoilt conservation area for many centuries - managing to prevent many proposals to open up the interior to economic exploitation and uncontrolled tourism, and being the driving force behind strong Imperial conservation legislation (indeed the famous Imperial Conservation and Protection Act 3098 became the enabling legislation now used to support the Imperial Anthropological Institute's controversial regression colony policies).
It is said, jokingly, that "nobody goes to the Antarctic without RVSAF permission". The Institute even survived the antitechnological period of the 22nd centruy (old style).
Now with branches on a number of worlds (thanks to generous funding from respected charitable foundations) the RVSAF has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the field of conservation and ecological protection.

Radharkrishnan. An independent world in Quadrant 1. Member of the Seven Worlds Defence Alliance. Peoples Committee is the key body, members of which are elected by People's Regional Conferences. Fairly keen on government control of most aspects of the colony's life. Tend to take a while to do things because they like to discuss everything thoroughly. In 3207 the President and Chair of the People's Committee is Quinton Diffey.

Radiation Warhead:  A specialised type of Heavy Missile warhead that is designed to maximise crew casualties.

Rathbone, Lord Henry, His official title is the First Citizen of the Solar Republic of Earth. More commonly known as the Emperor of the Earth Empire (the older title has fallen in disuse except in diplomatic, Earther government and constitutional circles).

Ram Ship. Small and highly maneuverable armoured ship designed to ram and board enemy ships and deliver marines.

Raptor Racing. A popular sport on frontier colonial worlds. This involves the capture and training of semi-wild hunting creatures, usually indiginous, and encouraging them to race each other. Races often degenerate into the raptors fighting each other tot he death. There is some criticism (usually from soft wooly liberals from Quadrant Zero) that this is just some sort of barbaric 'blood sport'. Adherents claim that it is in fact ecologically sound - and that "the creatures enjoy a nice run now and again.." (See also 'Don Fighting').

Razor-Blade War (2872-5) A rather bloody civil war affecting the whole of Earth in which a number of powerful hegemonies struggled for supremacy. Finally, under on grouping, with considerable compromise and negotiation, Earth finally achieved planet-wide unity

Reconnaisance and Scouting. See entry for Scouting and Reconnaisance.

Red Mercury. This is a mineral that is widely mined on many worlds and asteroids. It actually does not contain the element mercury, the name is a reference to a rare ballotechnic substance found on old Earth. Red mercury is essential for high technology, particularly important in fusion processes and advance material preparation and plasma energy weapons. Red mercury exports are often a major source of income for struggling colonies.

Red Rok:  Venerian colony in Q7.  Governer is Red Ken Dedrock.

Red Spot: An isolated world located inside the Dark Nebula in Quadrant 6. Location of the largest Exterminator base ever discovered. This base was destroyed by Human forces in 3200. system map

Religion: Humanity has many belief systems which continue to influence the conduct of individuals or even states. List of principle religions.

Repair Yard. An orbital facility capable of repairing ships, and conducting routine refit and maintenance. Most polities have at least one repair yard (typically 2) in each quadrant.

Replicant Warship. An ancient theoretical ship design which, like the Exterminators, was able to cannibalise itself to build automatic factories and mines to make more warships. This was to use robotic compoents and bright slave AI to controll the processes - but this was thought to be too dangerous and inflexible and the whole idea was dropped.

Riot Foam:  Specialised, quick-hardening foam, designed for use in civil disorder situations.

Rollerball. A team game played in a banked circular arena. Teams are armoured and on rollerblades, with gyrocycles to add impetus. This game was partiularly popular during the late 2900s, but fell out of favour after the Emporium Arena Massacre on New Edo in 2999. Subsequent enhanced regulation was regarded by fans as emasculating and support dropped in favour of the much more photogenic and 'safe' Spaceball.

Rusties. A slang term of abuse for those born on Asteel, sometimes also applied to Citizens of the GFA.. Its origin is obscure, some suggest it refers to 'Rustics' indicating the simplicity of the original farmer-colonists of Asteel. Others suggest is is a play on the 'Steel' part of the name Asteel - implying that they are rusty and worn out.