PowerSat (Satellite)
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| |
| PowerSat | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Use | Energy Collection Communications |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
| Chassis Type (Size) | Satellite (Medium) |
| Equipment Rating | |
| Introduced | Succession Wars era |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 45 tons |
| Structural Integrity | 1 |
| Station Keeping Thrust | .1G (.02G Flank) |
| Power Plant | Electric (Solar) |
| Fuel (Type/Range) | None |
| Armament | None |
| Armor | BAR 3 |
Contents
Description
In the age of fusion power, the PowerSat Satellite is an anachronistic fallback: a solar power satellite. Positioned in a geosynchronous orbit, it transmits the energy that its solar collectors gather to planet-based transmitter stations as a microwave beam. Unhindered by athmosphere or terrain, it could collect energy as much as 144% as effectively as a planet-bound solar farm, up to 24 hours a day due to the high levels of solar radiation it would constantly be surrounded by.
Originally developed during the earliest days of the Terran Alliance, the developement and spread of cheap fusion power made solar energy obsolete. A revival was only necessary centuries later, after the loss of technology that came with the fall of the Star League and its system of technological dependance had left the Taurian planet of Pinard without energy sources. Taurian engineers were quick to redevelop the technology and save the planet from backsliding into pre-industrial times.
Of the various solar power satellite models, the small PowerSat was created for small colonies which were struggling with the lack of energy and communication that befell Concordat during the First Succession War. It was only during the Second Succession War that the Successor States began to readapt the technology as well.[1]
Equipment & Capacities
The PowerSat features an armored chassis with .5 tons of BAR 3 grade armor as protection against micro-asteroids. 1 ton worth of Communication Equipment allows the PowerSat to be used as cheap and small communications satellite, and the 14 tons of solar collectors and microwave power transmitters are used supply their planet-side recipient with energy.
Additionally, the satellite can carry .5 tons of cargo, such as repair tools or replacement parts.
Equipment Rating
C/X-D-D/D
Notes
As of this writing there is no published record sheet for the PowerSat.
References
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex p. 136