Habitat Systems
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.
Contents
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
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
- Life Support (Life Sup)
- Without power to Life Support, the Vents and Water Recycler will not operate.
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 of multi-purpose armour protecting the various modules (rooms) inside. A hemispherical heat-shielding dome for re-entry is on one of the larger faces. To each corner of the prism are triangular protruding shapes, armoured hull protecting the cylindrically-shaped ion engines inside. 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.
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.
