Comstar class Commo Satellite

Comstar class Commo Satellite
Distant Fringe object.
Type: W Smallcraft
Size	5 Tons
Hull Configuration	[[Cylinder Hull]]
Streamlining	Partially Streamlined Hull
Tech Level	TL–9
Engineering
Computer	Model/1 bis
Jump	J-0
Maneuver	1 G
Armaments
Hardpoints	1
Accommodations
Staterooms	0
Personnel
Crew	0 (automated)
High/Mid Passengers	0
Payload
Cargo	0 Tons
Fuel tank	0 Tons
Construction
Origin	Distant Fringe
Year Operational	No information yet available.
Price
Cost	MCr10.235 (base) MCr8.188 (qty)
Architect fee	MCrAde Stewart
Statistics
Quick Ship Profile	W-1C10
Images
Blueprint	No
Source
Also see	Satellite
Canon	Published, fan design
Reference	Ade Stewart
This spacecraft is designed with the Classic Traveller format, using Book 5 High Guard

The Comstar class Commo Satellite is a satellite.

It is a civilian ship and a small craft.
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 defensive installation and a communications relay. Its onboard sensor array may occasionally be used as a scientific observatory or for survey purposes, typically monitoring weather patterns and stellar conditions. Similar designs have been in use from the time the Distant Fringe was first settled.

The satellite is a TL-9 design.

Image Repository

A Comstar class Commo Satellite.

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 craft) carried on the ship. Tonnage on the universal ship profile is shown in kilotons (thousands of tons) where necessary. ^[1]

**Basic Ship Characteristics** ^[2]
No.	Category	Remarks
1.	Tonnage	The Commo Satellite is constructed using a 5 dTon hull built in a generally cylindrical configuration. The hull is partially streamlined, giving a relatively limited atmospheric performance that is reliant on its onboard gravitic systems: once it is emplaced the satellite rarely leaves its orbital position. Individual sections of the satellite are divided by bulkhead walls. Access to the interior can be gained via an access hatch. The satellite has sturdy retractable legs, allowing surface landings.
2.	Crew	Total Crew Complement: 0 (the satellite is automated). Maintenance technicians may occasionally board the satellite to perform duties such as refueling, routine maintenance, applying software updates and hardware upgrades, and downloading collected data. Accommodations A cramped operations compartment is the only crew-accessible part of the satellite: no extended accommodations are provided. Accessible areas of the satellite are fitted with grav plates and inertial compensators and have basic life support and environmental systems. The satellite does not have an airlock: if the access hatch is opened life support integrity is lost. There are internal monitoring and security systems throughout the satellite. There is an emergency locker.
3.	Performance	The satellite mounts a 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 Points. The satellite has an agility rating of 1. The internal fuel tankage gives the power plant 7 weeks duration at full output: the satellite generally operates in a reduced power mode, 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 stellar collector array, capable of generating enough power to independently run the onboard communications equipment. The array has an area of 27m² and typically generates around 0.7 Mw (less than 0.003 Energy Points), depending on the star type and satellite's orbital distance from it. The mountings and equipment for the array have a volume of 0.2 dTons and costs MCr0.054 to replace. The array is dismountable for ease of transport. The component parts can be disassembled and packed into a 6.25m³ (0.5 dTon) unit. The array is relatively fragile and may collapse if subjected to significant stresses such as acceleration.
4.	Electronics	The operations compartment contains an acceleration couch and control equipment. The satellite is run by an autonomous Model/1bis Computer: there is a backup Model/1bis Computer. There are multiple control points throughout the satellite. The satellite is fitted with communications equipment and a standard sensor array. It is fitted with a backup commo system. It has a transponder unit that can be deactivated on command.
5.	Hardpoints	1 hardpoint. The satellite has no inherent capacity to mount weapons systems.
6.	Armament	The Commo Satellite is unarmed.
7.	Defenses	The hull is plated and structurally reinforced, giving it an armor rating of 4. The satellite is not fitted with screens or other passive defensive systems.
8.	Craft	The satellite carries no subcraft.
9.	Fuel Treatment	The satellite has internal fuel tankage of 1 Ton. It is not equipped with fuel scoops or fuel purification equipment.
10.	Cost	The basic cost of the satellite is MCr10.029. 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 MCr8.024.
11.	Construction Time	24 weeks (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 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 panels 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 computer systems have a good processing capacity but almost no storage, acting primarily as relays for planetary 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 allotted weapons systems and onboard electronics.

Class Naming Practice/s & Peculiarities

A number of 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 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 codes.

Selected Variant Types & Classes

Satellites:

Type W class Orbital Facility

References & Contributors (Sources)

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Classic Traveller Book 5 "High Guard", GDW, 1980. (Design protocols used)
Traveller: The New Era Fire, Fusion, & Steel, (Game Designers Workshop, 1994), 65. (Design protocols used)
Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science

↑ Timothy B. Brown. Fighting Ships (Game Designers Workshop, 1981), 10.
↑ Timothy B. Brown. Fighting Ships (Game Designers Workshop, 1981), 10.

[1] Timothy B. Brown. Fighting Ships (Game Designers Workshop, 1981), 10.

[2] Timothy B. Brown. Fighting Ships (Game Designers Workshop, 1981), 10.

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