Planetary Defence Network

The Planetary Defence Network comprised a series of orbital defence platforms used by the Natopian Spacefleet and Space Command of the Raspur Pact for the defence of Micras against intruding enemy spacecraft. The platforms of the planetary defence network had been seeded in a geosynchronous equatorial orbit within the world's gravity well and constituted a layered defence of varying weaponry types, including railguns, particle beam systems, and anti-ship missiles (colloquially referred to as "torpedoes").

Initially conceived and developed in secret during the period of prolonged contact with the Safir Alliance, which demonstrated the need for the space faring powers of Micras, such as Natopia, to take the lead in developing defences against intrusions by off-world and alien powers, the Planetary Defence Network was delayed by the Sxiro-Jingdaoese Confrontation which had evolved into a protracted conflict between the Raspur Pact and the USSO. Natopia, as a founding member of the Raspur Pact and key ally of Shireroth, found itself pitted in an arms race with Haifo-Pallisica, the most capable USSO member-state when it came to launching military spacecraft. As such, the resources of the Natopian Spacefleet were devoted to fleet maintenance and expansion, particularly the construction programme of the Damocles-class orbital bombardment platforms, with the Planetary Defence Network becoming very much a second order priority.

The Safirian Exodus of 1663 AN, the orchestrated mass emigration of Shirerithian safir and their allies, consisted of Safirian spaceships picking up Safirian citizens and allies during the second week of Qinamu. This operation, both in scale and duration, represented the largest incursion into the Atos system ever recorded. That these ships were able to arrive in orbit, complete their mission, and depart entirely unopposed was a cause for great concern and helped to stimulate a renewed interest in orbital defences on the Joint Military Council of the Raspur Pact.

Operational history

M1724 Orbital Mine: an experimental system developed via an urgent operational requirement, as a consequence of lessons learnt during the Theogiorickan incursion. Deployable variants expected to be ready by 1730 AN &ndash: 1732 AN.

The existence of the Planetary Defence Network was unveiled to the world during the so-called Theogiorickan incursion of 1721 AN – 1722 AN. Notably the Theogiorickan armada had lured the Natopian Spacefleet out of position through bad faith negotiations before feigning departure from the Atos System before returning via blind spot (from the view of Micran space observation, using gravitational lensing and hiding behind other objects), and attempting to descend upon the site of Theogiorick (the location of first contact between survey parties from whence they derived their name in the Common Tongue). Surprised by Micras's orbital defence systems, the Theogiorickan ships took a beating, with 21 of the 53 intruding ships shot down, with debris scattered across the Antarctic region. The Kaiser Ayreon was spared, possibly on the direct orders from orbital command, and landed in Theogiorick as the only ship to make it to the surface. The other 31 ships retreated from Micras into space, seeking refuge from the orbital strikes.

Developing point defence systems are expected to be delivered for the Planetary Defence Network via the Nouvelle Alexandrie Orbital Defense Initiative by 1727 AN. Until then orbital assets are protected by the Natopian Spacefleet's stagnant number of exospheric flight capable fighters, gun-cutters, and shuttlecraft.