Interstellar Research and Communication Array

Interstellar Research and Communication Array
Type	Space exploration and communication system
Status	Fully operational (7 of 7 satellites deployed)
Location	Primary: Beaufort, North Lyrica Secondary: Neridia Spaceports, Natopia
Start Date	1730 AN
Completion	1746 AN
Cost	NAX€47.2 billion (total through 1751 AN)
Participants	Nouvelle Alexandrie, Natopia, Javelin Industries, Dingo Enterprises
Objective	Deep space communication, interstellar exploration, and scientific research
Outcomes	Quantum-entangled communication, Alexandrium propulsion technology, exoplanet discovery

The Interstellar Research and Communication Array (Alexandrian: Réseau Interstellaire de Recherche et Communication; Martino: Red Interestelar de Investigación y Comunicación), commonly known by the acronym IRCA, is a space exploration and communication system initiated in 1730 AN, with funding and leadership provided by Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia. The full array of seven deep-space communication satellites became operational in 1746 AN, following a construction period that experienced delays due to supply chain disruptions from the East Keltian Collapse and technical challenges integrating Alexandrium technologies. As of 1751 AN, IRCA represents one of the most advanced deep-space communication networks on Micras.

Overview

IRCA is a collaborative project between the Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate, the Federal Space Force, and aerospace corporations Javelin Industries and Dingo Enterprises. The project maintains its primary ground control complex in Beaufort, North Lyrica, with a secondary facility at Neridia Spaceports in Natopia.

The array utilizes advanced Alexandrium alloys in its construction, providing signal clarity and power efficiency. Molecular manipulation techniques developed between 1739 AN and 1742 AN enabled the implementation of self-repairing materials in the satellite structures, improving their operational lifespan in deep space conditions.

History

Planning and early development (1730-1738)

Project planning began in 1730 AN when the governments of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia signed a bilateral agreement for joint space exploration. The initial design phase lasted four years, with the first satellite launched in 1734 AN. The primary ground control facility in Beaufort was completed in 1736 AN, followed by the deployment of the second and third satellites in 1738 AN.

Construction delays (1741-1745)

The fourth satellite, equipped with upgraded Alexandrium power systems, was deployed in 1741 AN. However, the project subsequently experienced delays in deploying the remaining three satellites. Supply chain disruptions following the East Keltian Collapse affected component availability, while technical challenges arose in integrating the latest Alexandrium advances into the satellite systems.

The Department of Research and Development commissioned a technical review in 1743 AN to address integration issues. The review resulted in design modifications that resolved compatibility problems between the original satellite architecture and newer Alexandrium-enhanced systems.

Completion and operational status (1746-present)

The fifth satellite was deployed in VI.1744 AN, followed by the sixth in XII.1744 AN, and the seventh in III.1745 AN. Full system integration and calibration was completed in 1746 AN, with the array declared fully operational on 15.VIII.1746 AN.

Since achieving operational status, IRCA has undergone two software upgrades and one hardware enhancement. The 1749 AN upgrade integrated quantum computing elements developed under the Force 1752 initiative, reducing signal processing latency by approximately 35 percent.

Technical specifications

Satellite constellation

The IRCA constellation consists of seven deep-space communication satellites positioned at varying distances from Micras. Each satellite incorporates Alexandrium-enhanced power cells providing approximately 300 percent greater energy density than conventional systems, molecular-level radiation shielding, and self-reconfiguring antenna arrays capable of adapting to signal disruptions.

Communication capabilities

The operational array maintains clear signals at distances up to 4.2 light-years while processing and transmitting data at rates exceeding 1.8 petabytes per second. The system can compensate for signal degradation caused by stellar phenomena and establish secure quantum-encrypted channels.

In 1742 AN, IRCA successfully completed the first test of quantum-entangled communication protocols, enabling near-instantaneous transmission verification across interplanetary distances. This capability was refined through subsequent testing and became fully operational in 1747 AN.

Ground facilities

The primary ground control facility in Beaufort employs approximately 420 scientists, engineers, and support personnel. The facility houses the central data processing center, mission control operations, and research laboratories. A NAX€85 million expansion completed in 1750 AN added additional antenna arrays and upgraded computing infrastructure.

The secondary facility at Neridia Spaceports provides redundant command and control capabilities and serves as the primary interface with Natopian space assets. Data sharing agreements between the two nations ensure continuous coverage and coordinated operations.

Propulsion research

IRCA serves as a testbed for advanced propulsion technologies developed jointly by Javelin Industries and Dingo Enterprises. Alexandrium-enhanced propulsion systems tested through the project have achieved efficiency gains of 42 percent beyond original projections.

Research conducted through IRCA has contributed to propulsion systems now incorporated in the MSS VoyagerX deep space exploration probes. The NatAlex Launch Alliance has announced plans to incorporate Alexandrium-243 power sources developed through IRCA research in upcoming interplanetary missions.

Scientific discoveries

Exoplanet observations

Using the array's high-resolution sensors, IRCA researchers have catalogued radio emissions from over 340 stellar systems. In 1748 AN, the project announced the detection of unusual periodic signals from three systems within 2.8 light-years of Micras, prompting ongoing analysis by teams from the Royal University of Parap and University of Punta Santiago.

Collaboration with ACE

IRCA maintains data-sharing arrangements with the Array for Cosmic Exploration, the ground-based radio telescope facility in Santander. Joint observations combining IRCA's space-based sensors with ACE's ground array have enabled more precise mapping of distant radio sources. A coordinated observation program established in 1747 AN allocates dedicated time for collaborative research projects.

Funding

Total investment in IRCA through 1751 AN has reached approximately NAX€47.2 billion, exceeding the original budget projection of NAX€25 billion. Cost increases were attributed to construction delays, integration of upgraded technologies, and facility expansions.

IRCA Funding by Phase (through 1751 AN)

Phase	Period	Amount (NAX€ billions)
Initial development	1730 AN-1738 AN	12.4
Satellite deployment	1734 AN-1745 AN	18.7
Ground facility construction	1734 AN-1750 AN	8.3
Technology upgrades	1741 AN-1751 AN	5.1
Operational costs (cumulative)	1734 AN-1751 AN	2.7
Total		47.2

Funding is shared between Nouvelle Alexandrie (62 percent) and Natopia (38 percent) under the terms of the bilateral agreement. The governments approved additional funding of NAX€8.5 billion through 1755 AN to support extended mission operations and planned technology upgrades.

Governance

IRCA operates under joint oversight by the Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate and the Natopian Space Administration. A Joint Steering Committee comprising representatives from both nations meets quarterly to review operations, approve research priorities, and allocate observation time.

Day-to-day operations are managed by the IRCA Operations Directorate, headquartered at the Beaufort facility. The current Director is Dr. Esperanza Mendoza, appointed in 1749 AN.

Future development

Planning is underway for IRCA Phase II, which would add three additional satellites to extend the array's range and redundancy. Preliminary designs incorporate next-generation Alexandrium-243 power systems and improved quantum communication protocols. A decision on Phase II funding is expected by 1753 AN.

Researchers have also proposed linking IRCA with the Concord Alliance Treaty Organization's integrated communications infrastructure, which would enable coordinated space-based observations across all CATO member states. Technical feasibility studies are ongoing.

See also

• Neridia Spaceports
• Alexandrium
• Array for Cosmic Exploration
• Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate
• Aeronautics and Space Administration of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Dingo X
• Javelin Industries
• MSS VoyagerX
• NatAlex Launch Alliance
• Force 1752 initiative
• Concord Alliance Treaty Organization