Outposts
Outposts are temporary science research or mining operations deployed to asteroids, moons, or uncolonized planets.
Last updated
Outposts are temporary science research or mining operations deployed to asteroids, moons, or uncolonized planets.
Last updated
Outpost installations are composed of specialized dropships, each designed to serve a specific purpose, such as cargo storage, living quarters, science labs, or ore processing. Outposts are designed to be modular and rapidly deployed. Depending on the mission requirements, one or more dropships may be deployed, where they can be quickly interconnected to form a fully operational base.
Outposts are intended for short to medium-term operations, usually lasting from a few weeks to several months, depending on the mission. However, some mining outposts may remain in place longer, requiring periodic resupply missions.
When an outpost's mission is complete, it is dismantled. The dropships are designed to be reusable, lifting off to rendezvous with transport ships in orbit for redeployment or return to base.
Outposts can vary depending on their purpose and the environment they are deployed in. Common types include:
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH: Used for studying planetary environments, conducting biological, geological, or atmospheric research. Equipped with advanced laboratories and scientific instruments to collect data from remote locations.
MINING: Set up for resource extraction, these outposts house ore processing facilities and storage for raw materials like minerals or gases. Often deployed to asteroids or moons rich in valuable resources.
EXPLORATION: Established temporarily for survey missions to gather initial data on uncolonized planets or moons, assessing their potential for future colonization or resource exploitation.
SUPPORT: These provide logistical or operational support to larger missions. They may serve as refueling stations, storage for supplies, or relay points for communications.
Outposts fall into two categories depending on where they are deployed:
REGISTERED: Outposts deployed within controlled space are subject to licensing and registration. Controlled space includes intra-stellar space within the solar systems of established colonies, or inter-stellar transport routes through deep space sectors between colonies that are monitored by the Space Administration. These outposts are monitored and regulated to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. Unauthorized outposts detected in controlled space may face search and seizure by security forces. These regulations are enforced to maintain order and safety in populated and strategic areas.
UNREGISTERED: Outposts established outside of the Space Administration's controlled sectors are not subject to licensing or registration. However, they forgo access to key Space Administration support systems, such as secure message relays, sector security monitoring, and emergency access to administration space stations. Operating in these unregulated regions presents higher risks but also provides greater freedom from administrative oversight. Outposts in these areas are often used for more independent, high-risk ventures where regulatory intervention is minimal. Corporations funding outposts will commonly contract for private security, transport, and other logistics supports are part of operating the outpost.
Operating outposts, especially in uncontrolled space sectors, comes with several challenges:
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Extreme temperatures, lack of atmosphere, or high radiation levels can make outposts difficult to maintain without specialized equipment.
RESOURCE LIMITATIONS: Since outposts are temporary, they often rely on pre-shipped resources. Running out of supplies like oxygen, water, or power could jeopardize the mission.
SECURITY RISKS: In unregulated areas, outposts may be vulnerable to piracy, unauthorized interference, or natural threats without the backing of Space Administration security.
