FFS designs
Satellite Beacons
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Date: Fri, 17 Nov 1995 23:06:28 -1600
From: Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
Subject: Satellite Beacons
Following on from Andy Davis' post regarding satellite beacons, I've (very
quickly) knocked up two examples. Both use fusion power plants, and the
radio beacon itself is by far the greatest consumer of power.
URLI Model 44B satellite beacon (TL-12)
Size: 2 tons (28 m^3)
Mass: 55.34t
Power: 22MW Fusion power plant
Equip: 1 x 1000 AU radio transmitter
1 x 60,000km passive EMS
1 x Mod. 12 Flt computer.
Price: MCr 3.825/3.055 (quantity)
The URLI 44B is representative of a great number of satellie navigations
deployed throughout the Last Imperium. The 44B is typically deployed at
system jump and gas giant refuelling points, it's powerful radio transmitter
can be detected from anywhere in the system.
Passive EMS and optical sensors provide information to the Model 12 Flt
computer, which continually updates positional and navigational data.
Transmissions are fully programmable, normally by remote transmission to the
unit's inbuilt radio receiver.
The satellite contains a low thrust (0.01G) ion drive for station keeping,
and sufficient ionizates for 10,000 hours operation. Power plant fuel is
sufficient 5 years operation.
The 44B has 4 m^3 and 1.39 MW spare capacity, which can be used for a
variety of applications.
URLI Model 43 satellite beacon (TL-12)
Size: 1 ton (14 m^3)
Mass: 33.26t
Power: 12MW fusion power plant
Equip: 1 x 300,000km radio transmitter
1 x 60,000km passive EMS
1 x Mod. 12 Flt computer
Price: Mcr 2.623/2.098 (quantity)
The URLI 43 is a smaller version of the 44B, using a less powerful radio
transmitter. The Model 43 is typically deployed in far orbit around the
system's mainworld, and provides realtime navigational and traffic control
data. The Model 43 is also deployed in great numbers on the surface of many
worlds - providing instant 'E' class starport facilities to any cleared area
where it is deployed.
The ion thruster and power plant fuel specs are identical to that of the
Model 44B.
The 43 has 0.5 m^3 and 0.39 MW spare capacity.
Michael Bailey (pd82495@wapol.gov.au)
"I was implying that the Honorable Member for Wentworth was like a lizard on
a rock - alive, but looking dead"
Prime Minister Paul Keating (on former Opposition Leader John Hewson)