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Difference between revisions of "PowerSat (Satellite)"

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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 Concordat|Taurian]] planet [[Pinard]] without energy sources. Taurian engineers were quick to redevelop the technology and save the planet from backsliding into pre-industrial times.<ref name="TRO:VAp136"/><ref name="TRO:VArp134"/>  
 
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 Concordat|Taurian]] planet [[Pinard]] without energy sources. Taurian engineers were quick to redevelop the technology and save the planet from backsliding into pre-industrial times.<ref name="TRO:VAp136"/><ref name="TRO:VArp134"/>  
  
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.<ref name="TRO:VAp136"/><ref name="TRO:VArp134"/>  
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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 revive the technology.<ref name="TRO:VAp136"/><ref name="TRO:VArp134"/>  
  
 
After the [[Jihad]], [[Pinard-Dicolais Electronics]] began producing the PowerSat in record numbers to plug gaps in the [[Taurian Concordat]]'s power grid.<ref name="TRO:VArp126">''Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised'', p. 126, "Satellite Support Vehicles"</ref>
 
After the [[Jihad]], [[Pinard-Dicolais Electronics]] began producing the PowerSat in record numbers to plug gaps in the [[Taurian Concordat]]'s power grid.<ref name="TRO:VArp126">''Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised'', p. 126, "Satellite Support Vehicles"</ref>

Revision as of 14:27, 16 March 2022

PowerSat.jpg
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]
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) ???

Description

In the age of fusion power, the PowerSat (Satellite) is an anachronism: 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 revive the technology.[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 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 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. 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. 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"
  3. MUL Profile for the PowerSat (Standard)
  4. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 126, "Satellite Support Vehicles"

Bibliography