Space Command Service Headquarters

The Space Command Service Headquarters.

The Space Command Service Headquarters (SPCSHQ) is a critical part of the infrastructure of the Sayaffallan Space Program linking Sayaffallah's Micrasian hub of operations with its operations in deep space on the planet of Westes.

Development

SPCSHQ structure

The structure of the SPCSHQ is two large steel reinforced rings encased in synthetic carbon fiber with 30 pods projecting out of the outer rings at various points supporting docking platforms and also habitation biomes for experimentation purposes. The structure is designed to lock into place and was transported into space in fragments in the early days of its construction and once fully extended and locked into place other part attachments and extensions were established. Within the inner structure there is a fulcrum supporting the key systems that support life on the SPCSHQ. The fulcrum remains stationary and does not engage in a rotational movement at any point in time and contains the key communications and command observation post areas of the vessel.

The inner fulcrum is designed out of reinforced steel with a dense carbon fiber coating around it along with an electromagnetic array providing support for the outer wings. The fulcrum is a structural element designed to anchor the two outer rings of the SPCSHQ and to balance it out. The fulcrum contains structural extensions that ground and anchor the remaining aspects of the SPCSHQ with two docks at either end to allow for quick access by arriving crews onto the decks of the SPCSHQ.

Electrical systems

A diagram depicting the radioisotope thermoelectric generator used on the SPCSHQ for heating and energy generation beyond the photo-voltaic cells .

The electrical systems on the SPCSHQ are self-contained and powered through a variety of solar power systems attached to the mainframe of the outer rings of the SPCSHQ. In addition to this the concentric slow rotation of the outer rings opposite from one another generates power as it turns creating self-sufficient electricity and providing the primary method of slow heating the entire complex so that the overall temperature remains balanced and stabilized. There are portions that, because of the electricity's self generation, are able to stabilize the various life support systems in the event of an emergency because the unused electricity is frequently stored in generation capsules that can be activated if the electrical systems overall fail. Electrical systems also include overrides that can isolate areas within the SPCSHQ in the event of fire or malfunction.

Another aspect of electrical and heating systems within the SPCSHQ is that of the usage of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators otherwise known by its acronym of RTG. RTG utilizes thermocouples which is a device containing two electrical conductors that form electrical junctions at different temperatures in order to convert thermal energy from a heat source such as the sun or other gaseous plants with high energy yields into direct electrical energy. To make it even simpler the RTG merely takes radioactive interaction between a gaseous planet with high yield heat reactions and transfers that radioactive exchange into direct electrical output through a series of complex exchanges.

Typically the RTG receives so much radiation that it creates excess electrical energy that must either be stored or disposed of. This means that the electrical storage areas are at a constant state of full charge providing virtually constant electricity even if the entire system of generation were to fail or malfunction. However because there is excess beyond the energy that is stored within the generation reserve chambers there must be a way to dispose of excess energy. And to accomplish this there are several radiating plates which redirect radioactive exchange away from the SPCSHQ and into deep space itself thus mitigating any extra energy that is not needed for the operation of SPCSHQ and its external auxiliary functions.

Thermal control

The ability to control thermal environment within the SPCSHQ is an important one as the SPCSHQ is constantly bombarded with solar radiation from the sun and other gaseous plants with strong heat reactions on its surface. The SPCSHQ achieves its thermal control through a variety of different methods which are aimed at mitigating the intense amount of radiation that is directed towards it on a constant continual basis.

Diagram of the Active Thermal Control system.

The first method utilized is that of MLI or Multi-layer insulation which takes advantage of the Stefan–Boltzmann law which dictates that a surface within a space environment typically will radiate 400 watts per square meter so as a thin layer is placed approximately a centimeter off of the main surface it will reduce the radiate down to half which is 230 watts and as more layers are placed the wattage will be reduced until radiation has no longer become a threat to the integrity of the vessel. As long as the emissivity of the layers remains at a constant state it will ensure the reduction of wattage through the vessel.

The second method is through a special coating of carbon fibre on the outside of the MLI that further reduces the absorption rate of radiation directly into the SPCSHQ. The coating is composed of various chemical compounds that when together creates an absorptive shield that reflects away radiation and heat exchange keeping it off of the MLI almost altogether and preserving the integrity of the MLI from excessive heat absorption. The coatings coupled with the MLI are an effective tool but what makes the coating even more effective is that it contains nano-sensors designed to monitor and report and record the overall temperatures that are bouncing off the MLI and the paint coatings which can be viewed on the control monitors from within the SPCSHQ at any given time.

The third method comes from small silicon piping that is small enough to fit within the MLI and a third layer of piping small enough to fit within the steel frame itself that pumps liquefied and cooled ammonia which cools the materials and fabric as well as the steel frame itself to keep it from warming up too much during solar exchange. The ammonia serves as a type of refrigerant and works to regulate the temperature internally within the habitation areas to ensure that they remain constant and do not fluctuate or cause concerns for the health of personnel in these habitation zones.