terraforming_probe
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terraforming_probe [2022/06/10 15:13] conan [Terraforming Probe] |
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| Probe clusters are staged vehicles, clumped together and designed to split apart into smaller clusters and then their individual constituent probes. They would have originally been propelled to near-lightspeed by massive hydrogen fusion engines, which would have almost universally detached when they got up to speed near the Sol heliopause, and in some cases returned using more efficient ion propulsion. Probe clusters were typically attached to each other via a light connective structure, which allowed communication and coordination, often overseen by a programmed intelligence. The overall structure of the probe clusters was expected to cruise through the interstellar void, and as a result has very little shielding or protective elements. | Probe clusters are staged vehicles, clumped together and designed to split apart into smaller clusters and then their individual constituent probes. They would have originally been propelled to near-lightspeed by massive hydrogen fusion engines, which would have almost universally detached when they got up to speed near the Sol heliopause, and in some cases returned using more efficient ion propulsion. Probe clusters were typically attached to each other via a light connective structure, which allowed communication and coordination, often overseen by a programmed intelligence. The overall structure of the probe clusters was expected to cruise through the interstellar void, and as a result has very little shielding or protective elements. | ||
| - | Once it drew near to a candidate system, the guiding intelligence would cause a number of clusters to break off and divert towards it. The probe clusters would use directional thrusters to plot a course into the system that allowed stage gravitic deceleration, ending in the orbit of the target planet. Deceleration from 0.95c using gravity effects alone would often take tens or hundreds of years. Once it had slowed down enough and achieved orbit around a planet, the probe cluster would break apart and send probes falling towards the planet. Probes would then impact at strategic locations around the planet and deploy their terraforming systems. Each probe cluster contains a variety of probe types, each with a number of different systems for affecting the atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere of a planet. Once they have deployed, probes maintain a linked network to coordinate their activities and compensate for irregularities or the loss of individual probes. | + | Once it drew near to a candidate system, the guiding intelligence would cause a number of clusters to break off and divert towards it. The probe clusters would use directional thrusters to plot a course into the system that allowed staged gravitic deceleration, ending in the orbit of the target planet. Deceleration from 0.95c using gravity effects alone would often take tens or hundreds of years. Once it had slowed down enough and achieved orbit around a planet, the probe cluster would break apart and send probes falling towards the planet. Probes would then impact at strategic locations around the planet and deploy their terraforming systems. Each probe cluster contains a variety of probe types, each with a number of different systems for affecting the atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere of a planet. Once they have deployed, probes maintain a linked network to coordinate their activities and compensate for irregularities or the loss of individual probes. |
| Individual probes tend to be cylindrical and heavily shielded to protect from re-entry. They vary in size from about half a metre to ten metres in diameter, depending on the specific type and probe iteration. Most probes are designed to anchor themselves in hard substrate, and have tapered forms (usually coated with depleted Uranium or other super-dense elements) designed to penetrate the ground on landing. Once they impact the surface, they may unfold specialised equipment such as solar collectors, mirrors, sampling equipment or stabilisers, but the majority of their equipment is internal. The controls and intelligence core are usually located towards the top, where they are less likely to be damaged on impact. | Individual probes tend to be cylindrical and heavily shielded to protect from re-entry. They vary in size from about half a metre to ten metres in diameter, depending on the specific type and probe iteration. Most probes are designed to anchor themselves in hard substrate, and have tapered forms (usually coated with depleted Uranium or other super-dense elements) designed to penetrate the ground on landing. Once they impact the surface, they may unfold specialised equipment such as solar collectors, mirrors, sampling equipment or stabilisers, but the majority of their equipment is internal. The controls and intelligence core are usually located towards the top, where they are less likely to be damaged on impact. | ||
terraforming_probe.txt ยท Last modified: 2022/06/10 15:16 by conan
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