Editing Comstar class Commo Satellite

{{InfoboxShip
 |name         = Comstar class Commo Satellite
 |image        = Distant Fringe Logo.gif
 |caption      = [[Distant Fringe]] object.
 |tdes         = SW
 |type         = Communications Station
 | 
 |size-cat    = ACS
 |size        = 5
 |hull        = Cylinder Hull
 |aerodynam   = Partially Streamlined Hull
 |TL          = 9
 | 
 |model       = Model 1/bis
 |jump        = 0
 |g           = 1
 |fuelTreatment = 
 | 
 |hp          = 1
 |weapons     =
 |screens     = 
 | 
 |staterooms  = 0
 |bunks       = 
 |seats       = 
 |lowberths   = 
 | 
 |crew        = 0
 |officers    =
 |enlisted    =
 |pilots      =
 |marines     =
 |frozenwatch =
 |passengers  = 0
 |steerage    = 
 |Lpass       = 
 | 
 |cargo       = 0
 |fuel        = 
 |craft       =
 |features    =
 |reserved    = 
 |
 |construction = 
 |origin      = Distant Fringe
 |manufacturer = 
 |IOC         =
 |EOS         = 
 |
 |cost        = 10.235 
 |architect   = 
 | 
 |QSP         = W-1C10
 |USP         = W–03011R0–400000–00000-0
 |
 |blueprint   = Yes
 |illustration = Yes 
 | 
 |alsosee     =
 |canon       = 
 |designer    = Ade Stewart
 |designSystem = High Guard
 |era         = 1105
 |ref         = Fan: Ade Stewart
 |footnote    = 
}}
The [[Comstar class Commo Satellite]] is a {{TL|9}} [[Satellites|satellite]].
* Please also see [[AAB]] article: [[Ships of the Distant Fringe]].

== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
The Commo Satellite is rugged design that serves in a variety of roles. Most typically it is positioned in a stable orbit around a [[world]] and serves as both a defense-related early warning system and a [[Communications Equipment#Shipboard Communications|communications relay]]. Its onboard [[Ship Sensor Suite|sensor array]] may occasionally be used as a scientific observatory or for survey purposes, typically monitoring weather patterns and [[star|stellar]] conditions. Similar designs have been in use from the time the [[Distant Fringe]] was first settled.

Multiple ''Comstar'' units may be tethered together to carry out specific functions.

=== Image Repository ===
# A ''Comstar'' class Commo Satellite. <br> [[File:J0 5dT Commo Satellite.jpg|500px]]
# A typical ''Comstar'' performing its function. <br> [[File:Comstar Satellite.png|500px]]
# Linked ''Comstar''s operating as a single unit <br> [[File:Multiple Comstars.png|500px]]

=== General Description & Deck Plans ===
The hull is a simple shallow-domed cylinder with a diameter of approximately 5 [[meter]]s, a height of 4.5 [[meter]]s, and a conical base with a height of approximately 0.6 meters. The hull, the extendable stellar collectors, and the communications and sensor arrays give the craft a total volume of approximately 67 [[kiloliter|cubic meters]].

# A basic [[deck plan|plan]] of the satellite indicating the general layout and positioning of major elements. <br> [[File:Comstar class Satellite Plan.png|600px]]

=== Basic Ship Characteristics ===
Following the [[Imperial Navy]] and [[IISS]] [[Universal Ship Profile]] and data, additional information is presented in the format shown here. The [[small craft]] factor indicates the number of squadrons (...of ten [[subcraft]]) carried on the [[ship]]. [[Ton]]nage on the [[universal ship profile]] is shown in [[kiloton]]s (...thousands of [[ton]]s) where necessary. {{Page cite|name= Fighting Ships |page= 10 |version= Classic Traveller}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"|'''Basic Ship Characteristics''' {{Page cite|name= Fighting Ships |page= 10 |version= Classic Traveller}}
|-
! No.
! Category
! Remarks
|-
| 1.
| [[Ton|Tonnage]] / [[Hull]]
| The Commo Satellite is constructed using a 5 [[Ton|dTon]] [[hull]] built in a generally [[Cylinder Hull|cylindrical]] configuration. The [[hull]] is [[Partially Streamlined Hull|partially streamlined]], giving a relatively limited [[Atmosphere|atmospheric]] performance that is reliant on its onboard [[Gravity Control Technology|gravitic]] systems: once it is emplaced the satellite rarely leaves its orbital position.
* Individual sections of the satellite are divided by [[Bulkhead Wall|bulkhead wall]]s.
* Access to the interior can be gained via an access hatch.
* The satellite has sturdy [[Landing Gear|retractable legs]], allowing it to stand on level surfaces such as decks.
|-
| 2.
| [[Crew]]
| Total Crew Complement: 0 (the satellite is automated).
Maintenance [[technician]]s may occasionally board the satellite to perform duties such as refueling, routine maintenance, applying [[software]] updates and hardware upgrades, and downloading collected data.

''Accommodations'' <br>
A cramped operations compartment is the only crew-accessible part of the satellite: no extended accommodations are provided.

The compartment is fitted with [[grav plate]]s and [[inertial compensator]]s and have basic [[Life Support|life support]] and [[Ship Environmental Control|environmental systems]].
* The satellite does not have an [[airlock]]: if the access hatch is opened [[Life Support|life support]] integrity is lost.
* There are internal monitoring and security systems throughout the satellite.
* There is an [[emergency locker]].
|-
| 3.
| [[Maneuver Drive|Performance]]
| The satellite mounts a [[Maneuver Drive|Maneuver]]-1 drive and a [[Power Plant]]-1, giving performance of up to 1-G acceleration (though generally the drives are only used for orbital positioning) and producing 0.06 [[Energy Point]]s. The satellite has an agility rating of 1. The internal [[Fuel Tank|fuel tankage]] gives the [[power plant]] 7 [[week]]s duration at full output: the satellite generally operates in a reduced power mode, drawing additional power from a stellar array, increasing its endurance exponentially.
* The engineering section is controlled from the main control room. Access to the machinery can be gained via a sealed hatch.

''Stellar Array''

The satellite mounts an auxiliary fixed [[Solar Power Plant|stellar collector array]], capable of generating enough [[Megawatt|power]] to independently run the onboard [[Communications Equipment#Shipboard Communications|communications equipment]].
* The array has an area of 27m² and typically generates around 0.7 [[Megawatt|Mw]] (less than 0.003 [[Energy Point]]s), depending on the [[star]] type and satellite's orbital distance from it. This trickle of power is enough to maintain powered down onboard [[electronic]]s and the [[Ship Sensor Suite|basic sensor]]s almost indefinitely.
* The mountings and equipment for the array have a volume of 0.2 [[Ton|dTon]]s and costs [[MCr]]0.054 to replace.
* The array is dismountable for ease of transport. The component parts can be disassembled and packed into a 6.25m³ (0.5 [[Ton|dTon]]) storage unit.
* The array is relatively fragile and may collapse if subjected to significant stresses such as acceleration while it is deployed.
|-
| 4.
| [[Ship's Computer|Electronics]]
| The operations compartment contains an [[acceleration couch]] and [[Control Panel|control equipment]]. The satellite is run by an autonomous [[Model/1 Computer#Model.2F1bis|Model/1bis Computer]]: there is a backup [[Model/1 Computer#Model.2F1bis|Model/1bis Computer]].
* There are multiple [[Control Panel|control point]]s throughout the satellite.
* The satellite is fitted with [[Communications Equipment#Shipboard Communications|communications equipment]] and a standard [[Ship Sensor Suite|sensor array]].
** It is fitted with a backup commo system.
* It has a [[Transponder|transponder]] unit that can be deactivated on command.
|-
| 5.
| [[Ship's Hardpoint|Hardpoints]]
| 1 [[hardpoint]].
The satellite has no inherent capacity to mount [[Ship Weapon|weapon]]s systems.
|-
| 6.
| [[Ship's Weapon|Armament]]
| The Commo Satellite is unarmed.
|-
| 7.
| [[Ship's Defense|Defenses]]
| The [[hull]] is plated and structurally reinforced, giving it an [[Heavy Armor|armor]] rating of 4.
The satellite is not fitted with [[screen]]s or other passive defensive systems.
|-
| 8.
| [[Smallcraft|Craft]]
| The satellite carries no [[subcraft]].
|-
| 9.
| [[Fuel Purification Plant|Fuel Treatment]]
| The satellite has internal [[Fuel Tank|fuel tankage]] of 1 [[Ton]].
* It is not equipped with [[fuel scoop]]s or [[fuel purification]] equipment.
|-
| 10.
| [[Imperial Currency|Cost]]
| The basic cost of the satellite is [[MCr]]10.029.
* The satellite is a standard design. Detailed architectural plans are widely available and no design fee is chargeable.
* If multiple examples of the design are ordered all of the satellites in the production run qualify for a 20% discount, which reduces the price of each unit to [[MCr]]8.024.
|-
| 11.
| [[Naval Architecture|Construction Time]]
| 24 [[week]]s (5.5 months) as standard.
* Build times can be reduced by mass production and the efficiencies such processes generate, by increased financing, and by allotting additional yard resources and facilities to the construction contract.
|-
| 12.
| Comments
| The satellite has no [[Cargo Hold|cargo capacity]].

The Satellite is operated by an autonomous [[Model/1bis Computer]], with another [[Model/1bis Computer]] serving as a backup and acting as additional processing capacity.
* The satellite is capable of locking itself down in an emergency.
* The operations compartment, engineering section and [[Control Panel|control panel]]s may not be accessed without the appropriate protocols and security clearances.
|-
|}

== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
The Commo Satellite serves as a component in a [[Satellite Communication Network]]. The autonomous onboard [[Model/1 Computer#Model.2F1bis|computer]] systems have a good processing capacity but almost no storage, acting primarily as relays for [[world|planetary]] [[Communication Technology|communications]]. Technically, the satellite is a [[small craft]]: its ability to function as such is very limited.
* Commo Satellites are generally deployed in small groups into geosynchronous orbits around a [[world]], relaying data between each orbital unit and the surface.

The Commo Satellite is representative of designs used throughout the [[Distant Fringe]].  It is rugged and durable giving it a long service life: the tough hulls are often stripped and refitted with upgraded [[electronics]]. Large numbers of variants exist, particularly with regard to the onboard [[electronics]].

=== Distant Fringe Vessels ===
The [[Distant Fringe]] is said to be a far [[rimward]]-[[trailing]] area inhabited by colonists and refugees originating on [[Terra (world)|Terra]]. The region is extremely isolated, lying hundreds of [[parsec]]s from the rest of [[Charted Space]] and separated from it by almost uncrossable [[rift]]s that were once broached by a system of [[calibration Point]]s and the use of [[tanker]]s. Those few academics within [[Charted Space]] who have found references to the [[Distant Fringe]] regard it as little more than a [[tall tale]]. Likewise, many of the inhabitants of the [[Distant Fringe]] believe the existence of [[Charted Space]] to be mythical.{{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}

[[Vessel]]s originating within the [[Distant Fringe]] are very rarely encountered outside of the region. However, [[misjump]]s do occur and [[Astrographic Phenomenon|anomalies]] with bizarre [[spacetime]] and [[Jumpspace]] effects exist: as such, [[Vessel|craft]] of this type are not entirely unknown within [[Charted Space]]. Data about stations and facilities may be known from records found aboard such far-flung craft.{{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}

=== Class Naming Practice/s & Peculiarities ===
A number of [[Consumer goods, Manufacturing, Heavy Industry, and Aerospace|companies]] manufacture satellites equivalent to the ''Comstar'' class. They vary in hull shape and internal layout but all share the same basic design and all have very similar capabilities and performance characteristics.
* Each variant class is named by the [[Consumer goods, Manufacturing, Heavy Industry, and Aerospace|company]] that produces it: these organizations generally draw on approved naming protocols. It is not uncommon for a historical class name to be reused.
* Individual examples of the class are issued specific serial numbers and [[Transponder|transponder]] codes.

=== Selected Variant Types & Classes ===
{{Ship referral tree|name=Communication Satellite|tdes=SW | class1=Civilian Ship | class2=Communication Ship}}

== References ==
{{Metadata}}
{{Intermediate}}
{{CT-Ship-Design}}
{{Sources
|S1= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus [[Adie Alegoric Stewart]] of the [[IISS]]
}}

[[Category: Distant Fringe Ship]]
{{LEA|Satellite|Ships}}