PowerSat (Satellite)
Sarna News
| |
| PowerSat | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Pinard-Dicolais Electronics[1][2] |
| Use | Energy Collection Communications |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere [1][2] |
| Chassis Type (Size) | Satellite (Medium)[1][2] |
| Equipment Rating | C/X-D-D[2] |
| Cost | ??? |
| Introduced | 2798[3] |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 45 tons[1][2] |
| Structural Integrity | 1[1][2] |
| Safe Thrust | 0.1 [1][2] |
| Max Thrust | 0.2 [1][2] |
| Power Plant | Electric (Solar)[1][2] |
| Fuel (Type/Range) | None[1][2] |
| Communications System | Unspecified |
| Targeting Tracking System | Unspecified |
| Armament | None[1][2] |
| Heat Sinks | None[1][2] |
| Armor | Commercial Armor[1][2] |
| Barrier Armor Rating (BAR) | 3[1][2] |
| Crew | None[1][2] |
| BV (2.0) | ??? |
Contents
Description[edit]
In the age of fusion power, the PowerSat is an anachronism: a solar power satellite. Positioned in a geosynchronous orbit, it transmits energy gathered from its solar collectors to planet-based receiver stations via a microwave beam. Unhindered by atmosphere or terrain, it can collect energy as much as 144% more efficiently than a planet-bound solar farm, and depending on its orbital position can potentially do so around the clock.[1][2]
Solar power satellites were developed during the earliest days of the Terran Alliance, but the development and spread of cheap fusion power made solar energy obsolete. A revival occurred centuries later after the loss of technology that came with the fall of the Star League. Solar power satellites became particularly popular in the Taurian Concordat during the Second Succession War, where Taurian engineers were quick to redevelop the technology in order to save planets like Pinard from backsliding into preindustrial times.[1][2]
Although larger satellites are available, a PowerSat is often an adequate power-generation solution for a small settlement. Additional satellites can be deployed as needed, making such a system completely scalable.[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[edit]
The PowerSat is constructed using basic Inner Sphere technology, and thus could be easily produced even during the darkest days of the Succession Wars. The design is highly utilitarian, 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 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 relay energy to a planetside receiver.[1][2]
Cargo[edit]
The satellite can carry 0.5 tons of cargo, which is usually limited to repair tools and replacement parts.[1][2]
Variants[edit]
At this time there no known variants.
Notes[edit]
As of this writing there is no published record sheet for the PowerSat.
References[edit]
- ↑ 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 1.18 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 2.19 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 134, "PowerSat"
- ↑ MUL Profile for the PowerSat (Standard)
- ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 126, "Satellite Support Vehicles"