PowerSat (Satellite)
Sarna News
| |
| PowerSat | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Pinard-Dicolais Electronics[1][2] |
| Production Year | 2798[3] |
| Use | Energy Collection Communications |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere (Advanced)[1][2] |
| Chassis Type (Size) | Satellite (Medium)[1][2] |
| Equipment Rating | C/X-D-D[2] |
| Cost | ??? |
| Introduced | 2798 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 45 tons[1][2] |
| Structural Integrity | 1[1][2] |
| Station Keeping Thrust | 0.1g (0.2g Flank)[1][2] |
| Power Plant | Electric (Solar)[1][2] |
| Fuel (Type/Range) | None[1][2] |
| Armament | None[1][2] |
| Heat Sinks | None[1][2] |
| Armor | Commercial Armor[1][2] |
| Barrier Armor Rating (BAR) | BAR 3[1][2] |
| Crew | None[1][2] |
| BV (2.0) | ??? |
Contents
Description
In the age of fusion power, the PowerSat Satellite is an anachronistic fall-back: a solar power satellite. Positioned in a geosynchronous orbit, it transmits the energy that the solar collectors gather to planet-based transmitter stations as a microwave beam. Unhindered by atmosphere 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.[1][2]
Originally developed during the earliest days of the Terran Alliance, the development 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 dependence had left the Taurian planet Pinard without energy sources. Taurian engineers were quick to redevelop the technology and save the planet from backsliding into pre-industrial times.[1][2]
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 the Concordat during the First Succession War. It was only during the Second Succession War that the Successor States began to re-adapt the technology as well.[1][2]
After the Jihad, Pinard-Dicolais Electronics began producing the PowerSat in record numbers to plug gaps in the Taurian Concordat's power grid.[4]
Equipment and Capabilities
The PowerSat features an armored chassis with 0.5 tons of BAR 3 grade armor as protection against micro-asteroids. 1 ton worth of Communication Equipment allows the PowerSat to be used as a cheap and small communications satellite, and the 14 tons of solar collectors and microwave power transmitters are used to supply their planet-side recipient with energy.[1][2]
Cargo
Additionally, the satellite can carry 0.5 tons of cargo, such as repair tools or replacement parts.[1][2]
Variants
At this time there no known variants.
Notes
As of this writing there is no published record sheet for the PowerSat.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, p. 136, "PowerSat"
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 134, "PowerSat"
- ↑ online date for the PowerSat (Satellite)
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 126, "Satellite Support Vehicles"