• The_Jewish_Cuban [he/him]
    ·
    edit-2
    3 years ago

    Perpetual means never ending or changing, perpetually in this case is used to mean fueled forever.

    • TankieTanuki [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      Permanently fueled? Perpetual makes me think of something that is constantly being fueled as it is depleted.

      • The_Jewish_Cuban [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        Yeah I thought it was an odd word choice as well, but due to the additional context provided that was the only way to interpret it. To me when I hear the word it means to repeat a process or status that never changes or ends. "It's fuel must be perpetually replaced every X years". However based on the definition which may not exactly reflect it's modern usage it does make sense in that situation, even if it seems a little strange.

        • GrouchyGrouse [he/him]
          ·
          3 years ago

          Your good-faith interpretations were correct. I should have said "permanently" or perhaps even further clarifying it by saying they cannot be "ready to launch" at all times.