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| PowerSat | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Taurian Concordat |
| Use | Orbital Power Station Basic Communication Relay |
| Type (Shape) | Satellite (Medium) |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
| Cost | ??? |
| Introduced | 2798[1] |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 45 Tons |
| Structural Integrity | 1 |
| Length | |
| Engine (Type) | Electric (Solar) |
| Safe Thrust | 0.1 |
| Maximum Thrust | 0.2 |
| Fuel | None |
| Burn Rate | None |
| Armament | None |
| Armor | BAR 3 |
| Heat Sinks | None |
| Crew | None |
| Passengers | None |
| BV (1.0) | |
| BV (2.0) | |
Description
The PowerSat is a satellite which is used as to collect solar power. The collected power is converted to microwave energy which is then transmitted to a receiving ground station for use on-site or to supply a local power grid.
History
In the desperate days of the First Succession War, the chaos resulting from the fall of the Star League disrupted the energy grids and resource distribution systems of various worlds in the Inner Sphere, extending in some cases even to worlds in the Periphery. In the Taurian Concordat, engineers would dig through archives to rediscover the forgotten solar power technology which had been abandoned with the widespread use of fusion power.
On the basis of this technology, the PowerSat was created as the basis of a sustainable local power system. The design was recognized as responsible for preventing the Taurian world of Pinard from sliding back into a preindustrial level of technology. As was the case on many worlds, this was due to the need to replace the crumbling Star League-built infrastructure. Without a steady supply of replacement parts and maintenance support, these facilities could not be kept in service. The Taurian Concordat's engineers answered the need with a solar-collecting satellite of moderate size that could be placed in orbit wherever power was needed. With minimal ground facilities needed, the system can be set up quickly and operate reliably in the long term, whether to power a far-flung colony world or render aid to a devastated high-tech world where the technology was desperately needed to sustain life.
The Inner Sphere powers during the course of the Succession Wars, would soon turn to solar satellites to replace lost technology in throws of near Armageddon. Typically, these satellites would be used singularly or teamed in clusters to power cities and supplement planetary power plants.[2][3]
Equipment and Capabilities
The PowerSat is construction basic Inner Sphere technology, which was sustainable during dark days of the Succession Wars. Engineers would use only the most basic equipment in order for it perform it's primary function as power relay satellite. The vehicle is Solar Powered, using minimum of thrust to typically hold and maintain geosynchronous orbits above ground receiving station. The craft's hull is protected with minimum of half ton of BAR 3 Rated armor to give means resist micro debris hitting it.
The vehicle's main mission equipment is it's 14 ton low-density Power Collector and Microwave Transmitter (PCMT). The device broadcasts solar energy it collects and broadcasts it to a power collection station on the ground. These relay stations are usually several kilometer wide.
The vehicle also features a 1 ton communication equipment to allow it to communicate to ground station and provide basic communications for colonies below and in orbit.[4][5]
Notes
As of this writing, there are no published record sheets or any battle value assigned to this vehicle.
References
- ↑ MUL Profile for the PowerSat (Standard) - Introduction Date Only
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex p. 136 - PowerSat - Satellite's basic background info and what it does.
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 134 - Background information on the PowerSat
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 134 PowerSat - Stats
- ↑ TechManual, p. 336 Power Collector and Microwave Transmitter - PowerSat is mentioned as one of the examples of this type of satellite.