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 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.
Habitat Systems can be broadly divided into five broad categories:
- Communications Systems
- Engineering Systems
- Environmental Systems
- Hull & Superstructure
- Navigation and Astrometrics
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.
The Habitat's radio system uses amplitude modulation, and is the primary method of voice communication.
The Habitat's laser system is used to transmit text-based data and computer files to the SIMSAT communications satellite in Earth orbit.
The IEST is an experimental device based on the spin dynamics of electrons that is being developed to replace the Laser system.
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 dome part of the Habitat contains tanks for gasses used in the Environmental Systems and for fuel.
The rectangular part of the Habitat has an inaccessible lower level referred to as the Engineering Deck (except by Earth-based maintenance personnel), which contains the Reactor and Docking Clamps. Above the Engineering Deck in the rectangular part of the Habitat is the Habitation Deck, which is where the astronauts reside, and where all of the controls for the systems on the Engineering Deck are located.
The habitation deck of the Hawking III 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.
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.
