Difference between revisions of "Habitat Systems"

Revision as of 11:34, 14 April 2010

Habitat Systems refers to all of the components of the Habitat which are critical to its functioning including the Habitat itself. The development of high-quality systems is one of the OCESS's main objectives, and their maintenance is critical to the well-being of the astronauts during the mission.

The current Habitat configuration is the Hawking III.

Habitat Systems as described here and in all associated articles are considered to be in the Beta reality. Thus, while an article may describe the fusion reactors employed in the AYSE drive, it is understood that Spacesim does not actually possess this technology, and that these are merely simulated for the purposes of the mission.

Communication Systems

Main article: Communications Systems

The Habitat uses both radio, laser, and IEST communications systems in order to maintain contact with Mission Control and transmit data back to Earth.

Radio

The radio system uses amplitude modulation, and is the primary method of voice communication.

Laser

The laser system is used to transmit text-based data and computer files to the SIMSAT communications satellite in Earth orbit.

IEST

The IEST is an experimental device based on the spin dynamics of electrons that is being developed to replace the Laser system.

Engineering Systems

Main article: Engineering Systems

Engineering Systems refers to the electronic and mechanical systems of the Habitat including Energy Generation and Propulsion, but excluding mechanisms used in Environmental Systems. Engineering Systems are monitored on the Power Grid software according to the Engineering Procedures.

Power

Habitat Reactor

A pair of deuterium-tritium Tokamak Fusion reactors.

Reactor Containment (R-CON1,2)

AYSE Reactor

Fuel Cell (FC)

A hydrogen fuel cell.

Batteries (BAT)

Fuel

Liquid Hydrogen.

Propulsion Systems

Reaction Control Thrusters (RCSP)

Vernier CO2 thruster system for attitude control

Ionizers (ION1-4)

Ionizes fuel to prepare it for the Accelerators

Accelerators (ACC1-4)

Accelerates ions created in the ionizers to produce thrust

Graviton Projection Device (GPD1-4)

Engine which generates quickly evaporating micro-singularities in front of the AYSE Drive

Other Engineering Systems

Radiation Shields (RAD-S1, S2)

System generates an electromagnetic field around the Habitat to divert oncoming radiation

Artificial Gravity (A GRAV)

Inertial dampening system to reduce acceleration strain on Habitat occupants and equipment

Communications (COM)

Power to the radio component of the Communications Systems

Lights(ln1-3)

Master switch for the lights in the 1) C&C, 2) Interlock and Hotlab, 3)Longhouse, Bathroom, and Airlock

Transformers (TRN)

Tranform voltages between power buses.

Tachyon-Tardyon Collider TTC

An archaic and now backup power generation system

Solid Rocket Booster (SRB)

Solid chemical propellant based booster for liftoff from Earth

Parachutes

Docking Arm

Environmental Systems

Main article: Environmental Systems

The Environmental Systems provide or control atmospheric pressure, fire detection and suppression, oxygen levels, waste management, and water supply. The Habitat is not an environmentally closed system.

Vents

High-powered fans move gasses in and out of modules

Atmospheric Filters

Various filters to scrub Dust, C02, and Humidity

Water Recycler

Low-efficiency water reclamation unit

Fire Suppression

Smoke Detectors and Extinguishers

Waste Management

Chemical Toilets (no water is reclaimed)

Hull & Superstructure

Main article: Category:Hull & Superstructure

Hull and Superstructure refers to the overall physical design of the Habitat: its shape, subdivisions, and composition.

Shape

In outer shape, the Hawking III can be described as a rectangular prism with a hemispherical dome on one of the larger faces. To each corner of the prism is then attached the cylindrically-shaped engines. This configuration of the Habitat is depicted in the works of Spacesim artist Chen-tao LaRochelle.

Subdivisions

The interior of the Habitat is divided into three main decks: the Storage Deck, Habitation Deck, and Engineering Deck.

Storage Deck

Main article: Storage Deck

The Storage Deck is located in the dome structure on the Habitat, and contains tanks for gasses used in the Environmental Systems and for fuel. The Storage Deck is inaccessible from the Habitation Deck.

Habitation Deck

Main article: Habitation Deck

The Habitation Deck of the Hawking III is located inside the rectangular structure of the Habitat, and is divided into seven modules, each with its own bulkhead and environmental controls. These modules are the Airlock, the Bathroom, Command and Control, the Engineering Closet, the Hotlab, the Interlock, and the Longhouse. The Habitat Deck is accessible to the Astronauts.

Engineering Deck

Main article: Engineering Deck

The Engineering Deck is located in the rectangular structure of the Habitat below the Habitation Deck, and in inaccessible from the Habitation Deck. This deck contains the Reactor and Docking Clamps. All of the control systems for the systems in the Engineering Deck are located in the Habitation Deck, except for various manual shut-offs.

Composition

Main article: Hull Plating

The Habitat is protected by a series of ablative armour plates. These plates are laminated and spaced away from the Habitat, forming what is known as an "ablative spaced-laminate". It is a combination of several techniques used to protect tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles.

Navigation and Astrometrics

Radar

Wiki Project

Main article: Category:Habitat Systems

Habitat Systems are the subject of a major wiki project, initiated by Alex Foo in 2006-07. The project seeks to define all of the systems used at Spacesim whereas the true definition of the technologies employed is often nebulous and fudged over with references to physics classes and science fiction. The project is ongoing as of April 2010.

See Also

• The Habitat Systems Project Page