Powersat
Sarna News
You must add a |reason= parameter to this Cleanup template – replace it with {{Cleanup|October 2015|reason=<Fill reason here>}}, or remove the Cleanup template.
Cleanup tagged articles without a reason field
| |
| 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 used 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 constructed using basic Inner Sphere technology, which was sustainable during dark days of the Succession Wars. The design is severely functional, almost minimalist. Station-keeping thrusters powered by the collection array provide just enough thrust to maintain an assigned geosynchronous orbit above a collection station and make minor corrections. The satellite's hull is protected against collision with micrometeorites and minor debris, but not much else, with a half-ton of BAR 3 rated armor.
The vehicle's main mission equipment is its 14-ton low-density Power Collector and Microwave Transmitter (PCMT). The device collects solar energy and broadcasts it in microwave form to a power collection station on the ground. These relay stations are often several kilometers wide.
The vehicle also features a ton of communication equipment to allow it to communicate with the ground station and function as basic communications relay 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.