Difference between revisions of "Megastructure"

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A [[Megastructure]] is a colossally-large structure built for various reasons, but usually for reasons of function, prestige, or technical accomplishment.  
 
A [[Megastructure]] is a colossally-large structure built for various reasons, but usually for reasons of function, prestige, or technical accomplishment.  
 
----   
 
----   
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** [[Starship]]s simply aren't that rare in the [[Third Imperium]] or the rest of [[Charted Space]].  
 
** [[Starship]]s simply aren't that rare in the [[Third Imperium]] or the rest of [[Charted Space]].  
 
** Unique or noteworthy [[Starship]]s are noted elsewhere.
 
** Unique or noteworthy [[Starship]]s are noted elsewhere.
−
----
 
  
−
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
+
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
−
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
+
A '''Megastructure''' is a very large sophont-made object. The actual definition of a ''megastructure'' is highly disputed by Imperial scholars. Some only apply the term to especially large, tall, or otherwise impressive buildings while others only feel that the term should apply to enormous structures built in space such as [[Highport]]s. Others define a ''megastructure'' as a self-supporting artificial construction. And even others only feel that a ''megastructure'' should be qualified as a product of "megascale engineering" or "astro-engineering."
−
{{:Referral-Tree-Cultural-More}}
+
 
 +
Whatever a megastructure actually is, they are tremendously impressive, and modern, interstellar states (polities) often build megastructures for prestige or to achieve impressive engineering or technical goals.
 +
 
 +
=== Megastructure Representative Types ===
 +
Megastructures are mostly commonly built on terrestrial planets or in space. Some structures are not built on terrestrial planets, but are still entered into the ''Terrestrial (Planetary) Megastructures'' category. Some of these structures might be located on inhabitable moons, or non-terrestrial planets.
 +
 
 +
All entries also indicate the [[Technology level|Tech Level]] that was required to build the structure. For structures using a [[Technology level|Tech Level]] above the (TL-15) capability of the [[Third Imperium]], this TL rating is often estimated, so such TL projections cannot be considered accurate.
 +
 
 +
Some entries are marked in a '''bold''' font.
 +
* These entries represent unique structures or structures specific to [[Charted Space]].
 +
* These unique structures, whenever possible, indicate the builder and/or owner with the preposition "of". (i.e. '''The [[Moot Spire]] of the [[Third Imperium]]''')
 +
* These entries also typically indicate the location of the unique structure with the preposition "at". (i.e. '''The [[Ancients]] [[Ringworld]] at [[Leenitakot (world)|Leenitakot]]''').
 +
 
 +
==== Terrestrial (Planetary) Megastructures ====
 +
Some kinds of terrestrial megastructures include:
 +
 
 +
* Commercial Megastructures
 +
** [[Lowport]]s (TL-9+) (Surface Spaceports)
 +
** [[Beanstalk]] (TL-10+) (AKA '''[[wikipedia:Space elevator|Space Elevator]]''', '''Orbital Elevator''', or '''Orbital Beanstalk''')
 +
*** '''The [[Beanstalk]] of {{WorldS|Gateway (Da 1331)|Dagudashaag|Argi|1331}}''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The [[Beanstalk]] of {{WorldS|Shigkhu|Dagudashaag|Iiradu|2605}}''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The [[Beanstalk|Space Elevator]] of {{World|Yggdrasil|Trojan Reach|Yggdrasil|0815}}''' (TL-10+)
 +
** Skyhook (Tl-10+)
 +
** [[Space Elevator]] or Beanstalk (TL-10+)
 +
** Space Fountain (TL-13+)
 +
** Please see '''Megastructures in Space (Vacuum)''' for [[Highport]]s (Space-based Spaceports).
 +
 
 +
* Habitation (Residential) Infrastructure (TL-1+)
 +
** Underground Cities (TL-4+)
 +
** [[Skycraper]]s (TL-6+)
 +
*** Domed Cities (TL-7+) (Sealed City)
 +
**** '''The Domed Cities of {{World|Arna|Dagudashaag|Iiradu|2601}}''' (TL-7+)
 +
**** '''The Eco-domes of {{World|Ekhor|Dagudashaag|Zeda|0227}}''' (TL-7+)
 +
**** '''The [[monadium|Monadium]] Dome of {{World|Mondome|Gakghang|Rho|3014}}''' (TL unknown)
 +
** [[Arcology]] (Also known as "Hyperstructures") (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Arcologies of [[Azun (world)|Azun]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Arcologies of [[Cronor (world)|Cronor]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Arcologies of [[Irap (world)|Irap]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Super-reinforced Arcologies of the [[Gl'lu]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Arcologies of [[Lurammish (world)|Lurammish]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The Arcologies of [[Narya (world)|Narya]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
** Megacity (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Vargr Megacity at {{World|Taknarkag|Gvurrdon|Kfan Uzagou|0630}}''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** Habitation Dome or Dome/hab (TL-10+) (Protected Environment)
 +
**** '''The Hab Domes of [[Namidshur (world)]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
** [[Megascraper]]s (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Pylon Cities of [[Bellerophon (world)|Bellerophon]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
*** '''The [[Moot Spire]] of the [[Third Imperium]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** [[Vertical Farm Tower]]s (TL-10+)
 +
** Megaships (Seagoing Cities) (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The [[Makranii]] (Ship Cities) of [[Dawn (De 1336) (world)|Dawn (De 1336)]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The City ships of [[Mer (world)|Mer]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
** Under-ice Cities (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Ice Cities of [[Geka (world)|Geka]]''' (TL-13+)
 +
** Undersea Cities (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Colony Domes of {{World|Sarrad|Reaver's Deep|Drexilthar|2129}}''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Domed [[Arcology|Arcologies]] of [[Maelstrom (De 2522) (world)|Maelstrom (De 2522)]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''[[Karrigashu Undersea Habitat]] of [[Shudusham (world)|Shudusham]] (Core 2214)''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Sea-bottom Complexes of [[Bellerophon (world)|Bellerophon]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Shoal Ocean Metroplexes of [[Vincennes (De 1122) (world)]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
*** '''The Undersea City of Zlodh on  [[Darrian (world)]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
** Floating Cities (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Grav Cities of [[Vincennes (De 1122) (world)]]''' (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Grav Cities of [[Darrian (world)]]''' (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Floating Palace of [[Drinax (world)]]''' (TL-13+)
 +
** [[Xenoempathy Dome]] (TL-16+)
 +
 
 +
* Hydraulic Infrastructure (TL-1+)
 +
** [[Aquaduct]]s (TL-1+)
 +
** [[Dam]]s (TL-1+)
 +
 
 +
* Manufacturing (Industry) Infrastructure (TL-4+)
 +
** Planetary Nanofac Network (TL-19+)
 +
 
 +
* Military Infrastructure (TL-1+)
 +
** Planetary Defense [[Meson Gun]] Emplacements (TL-11+)
 +
** Defensive Megastructures (Great Walls, etc.) (TL-2+)
 +
 
 +
* National Prestige Megastructures (TL-1+)
 +
** [[Pyramid]]s (TL-1+)
 +
*** [[Ziggurat]]s (TL-1+)
 +
** '''The [[Consortium Trinary]] of the [[Third Imperium]]'''
 +
** '''The [[Imperial Palace]] of the [[Third Imperium]]''' (TL-9+)
 +
 
 +
* Planetary Communications System (TL-7+)
 +
** Ansible (TL-19+) (FTL Communications System)
 +
 
 +
* Power (Energy) Infrastructure (TL-4+) (Planetary Power Generation & Distribution System))
 +
** Planetary Energy Grid (TL-4+)
 +
** [[Hydroelectric Power Plant]]s (TL-4+)
 +
** [[Core Tap]]s Geothermal Power Plants or Thermal Boreholes (TL-10+)
 +
** [[Thermocline Transducer]] Power Plant (TL-13+)
 +
** Quantum Converter Complex (TL-19+)
 +
** [[Bulk Matter Transmitter]] (TL-20+)
 +
 
 +
* Planetary Transit System (TL-4+)
 +
** [[Downport]]s ([[Starport]]s) (TL-7+)
 +
** [[Hyperloop]] (TL-10+)
 +
** [[Subsea Trunkline]] System (TL-10+)
 +
** Trans-Global Highway (TL-10+)
 +
** [[Gravity Train]] (TL-13+)
 +
 
 +
* Science (Research) Infrastructure (TL-4+)
 +
** [[Supercollider]] (TL-7+)
 +
 
 +
* Weather Control (Climate Control) Infrastructure (TL-10+)
 +
** Atmospheric Scrubbers (TL-8+)
 +
** Cloud Seeding (TL-8+)
 +
** '''The Pesta-wasakeswasa (Weather Control Installations) of [[Wesaswek (world)|Wesaswek]]''' (TL-10+)
 +
 
 +
==== Megastructures in Space (Vacuum) ====
 +
Some kinds of megastructures, located in space, include:
 +
 
 +
* [[Artificial World]]s (TL-16+)
 +
** [[Mobile Artificial World]]s (TL-19+)
 +
*** '''The Billion-ton Mobile Planetoids of the [[Lurent]]'''
 +
*** '''The [[World Class Ship]] That Waged the Fourth Doctrinal War of the [[Yaskoydri Technocracy]]'''
 +
** [[Sphereworld]]s (TL-20+)
 +
*** See [[Dyson sphere]] under "Stellar-Scale Megastructures" in this entry.
 +
** [[Ringworld]]s (TL-25+)
 +
*** '''The [[Ancients]] [[Ringworld]] at {{World|Leenitakot|Hinterworlds|Kandra|1432}}''' (Partially-built or Unfinished)
 +
*** '''The [[Northstar (world)|Northstar]] [[Ringworld]] of [[The Beyond Sector|Beyond]] Sector.
 +
 
 +
* Galactic-Scale Megastructures
 +
** '''The [[Galactic Stock Exchange]] of the [[Third Imperium]]'''
 +
** '''[[X-Boat]] System of the [[Third Imperium]]'''
 +
** '''The [[Longbow]] (Long Baseline Observation Window) Project of the [[Third Imperium]]''' (TL-15+)
 +
 
 +
* Planetary-Scale Megastructures
 +
** None known.
 +
 
 +
* Satelite-Scale Megastructures
 +
** [[Genetic Ark]] (TL-9+)
 +
** [[Soletta]] or [[Space Mirror]] (TL-10+)
 +
*** None known.
 +
 
 +
* [[Space Station]]s or Orbitals (TL-9+)
 +
** Lagrangian [[Space Station]]s (TL-9+)
 +
** [[Highport]]s (TL-10+) ([[Orbital Complexes]])
 +
** [[Deep Space Habitat]] (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Space Cities (Manned Habitats) of {{World|Enrique|Massilia|Keum|0212}}''' (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Space Cities of [[Vincennes (De 1122) (world)]]''' (TL-13+)
 +
*** '''The Space City of [[Mainserai (world)]]''' (TL-13)
 +
 
 +
* Stellar-Scale Megastructures
 +
** [[Jupiter Brain]] (TL-23+)
 +
** [[Matrioshka Brain]] (TL-23+)
 +
** [[Starlifting]] (Stellar Engine) or [[Shkadov Thruster]]s (TL-25+)
 +
** [[Alderson Disk]] (TL-25+)
 +
** [[Dyson Sphere]]s (TL-27+) ["Sphereworld"]
 +
*** '''The [[Ancients]] [[Dyson Sphere|Sphereworld]] of {{WorldS|Sphere|Nooq|3201}} inhabited by the [[Inheritors]]'''
 +
 
 +
* System-Scale Megastructures
 +
** [[Rosette]]s (TL-15+) (Klemperer Rosette)
 +
** '''[[Ancients]] Rosette at {{WorldS|Tireen|Knaeleng|2910}}'''
  
−
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
+
* World Megastructures (Built-out planets)
−
A '''Megastructure''' is a very large sophont-made object.
+
** [[Agropolis]] or Farm World (Agricultural [Ag] World) (TL-12+)
−
* The actual definition of a ''megastructure'' is highly disputed by Imperial scholars. Some only apply the term to especially large, tall, or otherwise impressive buildings while others only feel that the term should apply to enormous structures built in space such as [[Highport]]s. Others define a ''megastructure'' as a self-supporting artificial construction. And even others only feel that a ''megastructure'' should be qualified as a product of "megascale engineering" or "astro-engineering."
+
** [[Ecumenopolis]] or City World (TL-13+)
−
* Whatever a megastructure actually is, they are tremendously impressive, and modern, interstellar states (polities) often build megastructures for prestige or to achieve impressive engineering or technical goals.
+
*** {{World|Irap|Zarushagar|Oasis|2630}}
 +
*** {{World|Tobia|Trojan Reach|Tobia|3215}}
 +
*** {{World|Yaskoyloyt|Datsatl|Yaskoy|1602}}
 +
** [[Ergostásiopolis]] or Factory World (Industrial [In] World) (TL-13+)
 +
** [[Topopolis]] or Deep Space City (TL-25+)
  
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
Megastructures can be built a early as [[TL-1]], but these early constructions are not very impressive compared to later megastructures.  
 
Megastructures can be built a early as [[TL-1]], but these early constructions are not very impressive compared to later megastructures.  
  
−
=== Historical [[Terran]] Megastructures ===
+
=== TL:1-3 Historical Terran Megastructures ===
 
Some of the first megastructures built on [[Terra]] (Earth or Sol System) in ancient times were called the "Wonders of the World."  
 
Some of the first megastructures built on [[Terra]] (Earth or Sol System) in ancient times were called the "Wonders of the World."  
  
Line 38: Line 195:
 
Many of the ancient [[Terran]] megastructures were later destroyed in the incessant conflicts that characterize early [[Terran]] history.
 
Many of the ancient [[Terran]] megastructures were later destroyed in the incessant conflicts that characterize early [[Terran]] history.
  
−
== [[World]]s & [[Sector]]s ([[Astrography]]) ==
+
==== Expected Megastructure Development Sequence ====
−
No information yet available.
+
MACRO LEVEL:
 +
* [[TBD]] ([[TL:1-9]]) → [[TBD]] ([[TL:10-18]]) → [[TBD]] ([[TL:19-27]]) → [[TBD]] ([[TL:28-30]]) → [[TBD]] ([[TL:31-33]])
  
 
=== World Listing: 1105 ===
 
=== World Listing: 1105 ===
Line 45: Line 203:
 
{{ClusterWorlds2}}
 
{{ClusterWorlds2}}
  
−
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
+
=== See Also ===
 +
{{:Referral-Tree-Cultural-More}}
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 
{{Intermediate}}
 
{{Intermediate}}
−
{{Detail}}
 
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
|S1= {{CT}} [[Nomads of the World Ocean|Adventure 9: Nomads of the World Ocean]] (Seagoing & Undersea Cities)
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Nomads of the World Ocean}} (Seagoing & Undersea Cities)
−
|S3= {{CT}} [[Shadows/Annic Nova|Double Adventure 1 Shadows/Annic Nova]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Shadows/Annic Nova}}
−
|S4= {{CT}} [[Library Data (N-Z)|Supplement 11 Library Data (N-Z)]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Library Data (N-Z)}}
−
|S5= {{CT}} [[The Traveller Book]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=The Traveller Book}}
−
|S6= [[GURPS Traveller]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 15}}
−
|S7= [[MegaTraveller]] [[Imperial Encyclopedia]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 23}}
−
|S8= [[MegaTraveller]] [[Rebellion Sourcebook]]
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Travellers' Digest 1|article-'Orbital Complexes'}}
−
|S9= Periodical: [[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 23]]
 
−
|S10= Article: 'Orbital Complexes' {{TDref|1}}
 
−
|S11= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
−
|S12= Author & Contributor: Lord and Master of Sophontology (Marquis) [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
  
 
{{LE|Architecture|Charted Space|Technology}}
 
{{LE|Architecture|Charted Space|Technology}}

Latest revision as of 06:21, 11 November 2025

Imperial-Sunburst-Sun-Scouts-wiki.png

A Megastructure is a colossally-large structure built for various reasons, but usually for reasons of function, prestige, or technical accomplishment.

Megastructures have the following basic properties.

  • Megastructures can be built on planets or in open space.
  • Megastructures are sophont-made.
  • Megastructures are a product of technology.
  • While some megastructures are static (fixed), others are mobile.
  • Megastructures are rare and often unique (They inspire awe), so modern starships are not megastructures despite being the product of "megascale engineering," or "astro-engineering," and their often enormous size.

Description (Specifications)[edit]

A Megastructure is a very large sophont-made object. The actual definition of a megastructure is highly disputed by Imperial scholars. Some only apply the term to especially large, tall, or otherwise impressive buildings while others only feel that the term should apply to enormous structures built in space such as Highports. Others define a megastructure as a self-supporting artificial construction. And even others only feel that a megastructure should be qualified as a product of "megascale engineering" or "astro-engineering."

Whatever a megastructure actually is, they are tremendously impressive, and modern, interstellar states (polities) often build megastructures for prestige or to achieve impressive engineering or technical goals.

Megastructure Representative Types[edit]

Megastructures are mostly commonly built on terrestrial planets or in space. Some structures are not built on terrestrial planets, but are still entered into the Terrestrial (Planetary) Megastructures category. Some of these structures might be located on inhabitable moons, or non-terrestrial planets.

All entries also indicate the Tech Level that was required to build the structure. For structures using a Tech Level above the (TL-15) capability of the Third Imperium, this TL rating is often estimated, so such TL projections cannot be considered accurate.

Some entries are marked in a bold font.

  • These entries represent unique structures or structures specific to Charted Space.
  • These unique structures, whenever possible, indicate the builder and/or owner with the preposition "of". (i.e. The Moot Spire of the Third Imperium)
  • These entries also typically indicate the location of the unique structure with the preposition "at". (i.e. The Ancients Ringworld at Leenitakot).

Terrestrial (Planetary) Megastructures[edit]

Some kinds of terrestrial megastructures include:

  • Manufacturing (Industry) Infrastructure (TL-4+)
    • Planetary Nanofac Network (TL-19+)
  • Military Infrastructure (TL-1+)
    • Planetary Defense Meson Gun Emplacements (TL-11+)
    • Defensive Megastructures (Great Walls, etc.) (TL-2+)
  • Planetary Communications System (TL-7+)
    • Ansible (TL-19+) (FTL Communications System)
  • Weather Control (Climate Control) Infrastructure (TL-10+)
    • Atmospheric Scrubbers (TL-8+)
    • Cloud Seeding (TL-8+)
    • The Pesta-wasakeswasa (Weather Control Installations) of Wesaswek (TL-10+)

Megastructures in Space (Vacuum)[edit]

Some kinds of megastructures, located in space, include:

  • Planetary-Scale Megastructures
    • None known.

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

Megastructures can be built a early as TL-1, but these early constructions are not very impressive compared to later megastructures.

TL:1-3 Historical Terran Megastructures[edit]

Some of the first megastructures built on Terra (Earth or Sol System) in ancient times were called the "Wonders of the World."

These included:

  • 1. A Garden Ziggurat (a sort of stepped pyramid)
  • 2. A Gigantic Lighthouse
  • 3. A Gigantic Statue
  • 4. A Gigantic Temple
  • 5. A Gigantic Tomb
  • 6. A Great Wall
  • 7. Several Pyramids

Many of the ancient Terran megastructures were later destroyed in the incessant conflicts that characterize early Terran history.

Expected Megastructure Development Sequence[edit]

MACRO LEVEL:

World Listing: 1105[edit]

There are known Megastructures located in the following systems and on the following worlds:

47 of 47 World articles in Megastructure
Afeakter  •  Arkiirkii  •  Azun  •  Banasdan  •  Bellerophon (SR 1519)  •  Capital  •  Chronor  •  Dawn (De 1336)  •  Drinax  •  Ekhor  •  Enrique  •  Forine  •  Gateway (Da 1331)  •  Geka  •  Harlequin  •  Irap  •  Irshe  •  Kanorb  •  Kubishush  •  Kukulcan  •  Leenitakot  •  Lilad  •  Lurammish  •  Maelstrom (De 2522)  •  Mainserai  •  Mer  •  Mondome  •  Mora  •  Muan Gwi  •  Namidshur  •  Narya  •  Northstar  •  Platon  •  Sarrad  •  Serpent's Reach  •  Shigkhu  •  Shudusham  •  Sphere  •  Taknarkag  •  Tireen  •  Tobia  •  Vard  •  Varen's Planet  •  Vincennes (De 1122)  •  Vland  •  Yaskoyloyt  •  Yggdrasil  •  
startbacknext(47 listed)


See Also[edit]

Cultural Mores[edit]

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

References[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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