The ISDC’s Vessel Development Program is responsible for sourcing, prototyping and implementing the technology required to launch a deep-space capable vessel. This requires taking scientific theory and making it reality through the application of research and captured alien technology.
The ISDC’s Vessel Development Program is responsible for the design and development of the vessel’s systems. This work has been divided amongst a number of specialist programs which will each deliver a number of related systems. The attached diagram provides an overview of the programs, the systems they will deliver and the relationships between programs.
The Generation Program will be responsible for the design and development of the vessel’s fusion reactor, which is itself broken down into a number of key systems:
Generation systems will be controlled by the Reactor Control Management System (RCMS).
This program will deliver the vessels power distribution network (PDN), made up of various distribution conduits that distribute power from generation sources to the systems that use it, including:
The program will deliver a management system that will control routing of power across the heavily redundant network, to compensate for vessel damage or unusual power loading requirements.
The program will also deliver auxiliary power systems such as backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and other emergency power storage systems.
This program will deliver the vessel’s key propulsion systems, including:
The program will also deliver a helm console system to control propulsion systems and an interface to the vessel’s navigation systems.
The navigation program will deliver long-range (FTL) and short-range (operating environment) navigation systems, including systems to compensate for relatavistic issues arising from FTL travel.
The program will deliver an interface to the vessel’s sensor and helm systems.
The program will also deliver a system capable of maintaining and updating stellar navigation charts.
The sensor program will deliver a range of optical/spectrographic and radio telescope systems to assist with navigation, mapping and exploration.
The program will deliver systems for recording, interpreting, presenting and managing information gathered.
The program will also deliver interfaces to the vessel’s navigation and tactical systems.
This program will deliver a range of systems for the defence of the vessel, including active weapons systems:
The program will deliver countermeasure systems to defend the vessel against similar active weapons deployed against it.
A fire-control system to manage these weapons systems will be delivered.
An electronic warfare system will be delivered that interfaces with both sensor systems and the fire control system, for identifying and tracking potential targets and managing firing solutions.
The communications program will deliver systems for near-range and long-range communications, including the ability to detect, identify and parse non-standard (extra-terrestrial) communication. The program will also deliver a system for displaying, storing and managing communications as well as cryptographic systems,
The program will deliver an exo-linguistic management system for interpreting communications in other languages.
The spaceframe program is responsible for the design and construction of the vessels hull and superstructure.
The Vessel Command and Control Management System will implement the monitoring and control interfaces for all vessel systems, including information storage and retrieval systems.