The Tactical Operating Environment (TOE) is the area of space surrounding the vessel that requires active management, due to possible navigational hazards or tactical threats. The TOE is defined by the range of tactical sensors, which locate and track non-mapped objects.

Depending on environmental conditions, the TOE extends to a radius of approximately 15 million kilometres.

Maintaining the TOE is the primary task of the vessel’s tactical team. This includes detection and tracking of unmapped objects around the vessel and if necessary developing firing solutions to any object deemed a threat to the vessel’s safety.

TOE Grid

The TOE grid (example top right) represents the vessel’s operating environment. It displays all mapped astronomical objects such as stars, planets, moons and other major bodies, as well as any mapped man-made objects such as space-stations.

The TOE grid also displays any other objects detected by sensors and deemed to be of significance to the vessel’s operation (see TSMOs below).

The grid is oriented to the orbital plane of the star system currently being navigated.

TSMOs

Tactically Significant or Maneuvering Objects (TSMOs, pronounced sumo) are un-mapped objects detected in the vessel’s operating environment that are of tactical significance.

All maneuvering objects – objects capable of altering their own course - are of tactical significance because it is assumed that a maneuvering object is of artificial construction and therefore a vessel of some kind. Naturally occurring objects that are capable of maneuvering are extremely rare.

TSMOs are detected by EMDAR (see below) and designated as a 'track' (tracked contact) if considered significant. Once tracked, the TSMO is displayed on the TOE grid for as long as detection is maintained (or if the TSMO is undesignated).

Fixed objects or those with defined movement (such as an orbit) may also be of tactical significance either because they may represent a possible threat - such as a weapons or sensor platform (in the case of a satellite or unmapped space station) - or because they may provide cover from detection.

Detection

The goal of tactical sensor systems is to detect a threat TSMO before it can achieve counter-detection, without giving away the location of the vessel in the process.

Combat Overview

EMDAR

Electro-Magnetic Direction and Ranging (EMDAR) is a passive sensor technology that detects EM emissions. The system is passive because it detects EM emitted by another vessel and calculates likely distance based on dispersal patterns. This is unlike an active sensor system that emits EM to bounce off a target, which is detected and analysed.

The advantage of the passive system is that it does not provide any EM emission for an opposing vessel to detect. The disadvantage is that passive systems can only achieve relatively weak readings, sometimes difficult to distinguish from background radiation. Dispersal patterns also become increasingly less predictable over distance, making range estimations less certain. 

The EMDAR detection process is therefore as much an art as it is a science. It requires an operator to spot patterns across multiple windows and make accurate estimates as to whether that pattern is a vessel (TSMO). If it is, then estimates as to range, heading and speed will be needed to help the commanding officer make tactical decisions.

More on EMDAR

Contacts

Broadband EMDAR can detect EM from anywhere around the vessel. If EM is detected, the EMDAR crew will declare a contact to the bridge along with whatever information they can provide such as heading, range, maneuvering patterns, etc.

The contact will appear on the Contact Board along with range and bearing to its last identified location. This location is a point in space that represents where the crew thinks the contact is likely to be, which cannot be used to track the contact or target weapons. 

Additional contacts will be added to the board over time, creating a pattern which indicates the contact's course.

Tracking

The crew will then work to refine the contact's suspected location until they believe they are close enough to attempt to track the contact using narrowband EMDAR.

Narrowband EMDAR provides greater detail from EM detections but only cover a narrow area of space. The improved EM analysis possible allows sensors to maintain contact with the contact as it moves, providing continuous updates on the contact's actual location.

If trained on an area of space that contains a contact the narrowband sensors will begin to track the contact, which is now referred to as a tracked contact (or "track").

Targeting

Once a TSMO's location is being tracked, it can be targeted by weapons systems.

Firing Solutions

A firing solution consists of information necessary to guide a torpedo to a contact if the need arises. This includes the TSMO’s bearing and its estimated speed and heading, as well as a definition of the search area the torpedo will use once it goes active.

This data only becomes a firing solution when the estimates are considered accurate enough to ensure a reasonable chance of a successful hit. This is determined by factors such as the strength of the EMDAR detection profile, range and the relative speed of the target and vessel.

More on Firing Solutions

Endeavour’s mission is one of exploration and discovery. In an unknown and distant environment however, the vessel must be able to defend itself if needed. There are already known threats to the ISDC’s mission from other terrestrial deep space programs and potentially other alien species. Even under the best circumstances, first contact in some completely new language risks misunderstandings that might escalate to conflict.

In the vastness of space, the ability to detect and counteract a potential threat before it can inflict harm is vital. This can be achieved with asynchronous tactical capabilities: the ability to track without being detected or to deliver combat payloads while outside the weapons range of the threat.  Ideally, both.

Asynchronous Detection

Tactical sensors with the longest possible range might allow detection of a threat before counter-detection can be made, but this requires the use of passive sensor systems. Passive systems simply ‘watch’ space looking for emissions across the electromagnetic (EM spectrum). They interpret whatever emissions reach their detection pods and so their use does not give away the scanning vessel’s position.  

Active sensors systems use directed or broadcast EM or energy emissions whose interactions with objects in space are detectable. Active sensor systems make detection much easier and accurate but conversely require easily detectable emissions to function.

Prosecution

A vessel operating with the advantage of asynchronous detection needs weapons systems with sufficient range to prosecute that advantage. Given the capabilities of tactical sensor systems this may be in the range of hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Directed energy weapons are the staple of science fiction and are increasingly deployed terrestrially, but neither detection or targeting systems can support accurate firing over distances in space. Passive sensors are not accurate enough for targeting except within visual range (a range of just thousands of kilometers). Ranging shots might assist with refining target location but the first shot would immediately identify the exact location of the firing vessel, completely reversing the tactical advantage.

Even with accurate targeting, the smallest error in the angle of fire is magnified by distance. Over a relatively short range of 100,000KM a variance of just 0.0006° in firing angle would miss the target by an entire kilometer. Targeting and sensor technology – current or in development - does not provide anything close to the capabilities needed for the use of directed energy as the vessel’s primary weapons system.

Guided Weapons

Weapons which can be guided close to their target and then use their own active sensor systems to home in on the target can deliver prosecution capabilities at required ranges. In the naval tradition the ISDC refers to these self-guided weapons as torpedoes.

Aside from a brief burst of energy at launch, self-guided weapons can maneuver themselves towards a target, so their track cannot be used to directly trace their source. Torpedoes will retain contact with the vessel during their early track, using data from the launch vessel’s more powerful passive sensors. The torpedo need only engage its own active sensor systems when relatively close to the target, where even though detectable, the torpedo’s small physical profile, speed and close range will be challenge to counter.

Combat Cadence

It is unknown what combat operations in space will actually look like. Simulations will begin to provide some idea, but given how little is known about the combat capabilities of species yet to be contacted, only mission experience will tell.

Combat is unlikely to resemble the battles depicted in science-fiction, however. Vessels blazing away at each other from within easy visual range is an unlikely tactical outcome. Even the theoretical use of defensive shielding technology (currently unknown to the ISDC) doesn’t alter the fact that a vessel would still begin inflicting damage on another as soon as it was within weapons range, rather than waiting for an (admittedly more telegenic) close-range battle.

Combat operations in space are therefore expected to occur at extreme range, relying heavily on asynchronous detection. Even if the target manages to detect its attacker, maintaining range gives either a greater chance to slip from detection and make another attempt at gaining tactical advantage.

Invisibility will be the most effective armour in space.

Not all combatants are expected to use the same weapons systems. Vessels which rely on directed energy weapons may choose active sensors to improve target acquisition but will likely still need to close range significantly before their weapons become accurate enough. And maneuvering directly towards an incoming torpedo would likely be an unsuccessful – and short-lived – tactical gambit.

Torpedoes are relatively slow compared to directed energy weapons, which operate at the speed of light. However, a torpedo presents a persistent threat until it can be outrun or neutralised. Still fast enough to easily overtake a vessel operating at safe impulse speeds, an active torpedo severely limits the maneuvering and tactical options available to a defending commander.

Asynchronous Technology

Contact with extra-terrestrial species has so far delivered little information on the tactical systems they use. It is anticipated they will deploy unfamiliar weapons technology which will likely be superior to our own. Conversely, terrestrial weapons systems may be so different to what other species are familiar with that they may struggle to defend against them, providing a countervailing tactical advantage.

Given these unknowns, asynchronous detection becomes even more important to ISDC commanders. Regardless of its technical superiority, a weapon that cannot find a target cannot inflict harm.

This raises questions about the likely detection capabilities of other species. The tell-tale emissions of a vessel are usually generated by propulsion systems and it is known that extra-terrestrial propulsion technology is significantly different to our own. If they also rely on passive detection a lack of familiarity with the detection profile of magnetoplasma-propelled vessels may put them at a tactical disadvantage. The ISDC at least has some experience with alien propulsion systems resulting from encounters on Earth.

Power Distribution Network (PDN) block schematics provide an overview of the network and to allow for the configuration of network components. Distribution nodes and the power sources and vessel systems connected to them are all represented on the PDN as nodes. Nodes are connected by conduits which provide an overview of available distribution pathways for power.

Nodes

Nodes manage the distribution of power around the PDN. Nodes are represented by rectangular symbols which provide basic information about each node. Tapping a node symbol opens that node's configuration interface..

Depending their type, a node can receive power via its upstream interface and supply power via its downstream interface. 

Each interface can accommodate up to three 'taps' which connect to conduits to receive or supply power. 

Depending on the requirements of the schematic design, node symbols can be oriented with the upstream interface on the left (as in the examples shown) or reversed so that the upstream interface is on the right.

Node Symbols

Node types are represented by three symbols. The symbols may also have different colours to indicate their function (or their current status).

Distribution Nodes

Distribution nodes are the most common type of node. They receive power via their upstream interface and distribute power to other nodes (possibly after converting to a different power standard) via their downstream interface. 

The symbol for a distribution node is a rectangle enclosing data regarding the node’s designation and rating. The narrow vertical line to one side of the symbol represents the node’s upstream interface. The wide vertical line to the other side of the symbol represents the node’s downstream interface.

UPS Nodes

UPS nodes are distribution nodes that also contain battery power storage, to cover temporary outages in power for critical systems. UPS node symbols use the same layout but are coloured green.

Node Symbol Data

Node symbols display data about the configuration of that node.

Upstream Interface Standard: This identifies the power standard the node can receive.

Node ID: This is the node's UID. 

Rated Capacity: This identifies the node's rated power distribution capacity.

Downstream Interface Standard: This identifies the power standard the node distributes.

PDN Designation

System Nodes

System nodes are the next most common type of node. They are represented by a different symbol to reflect that they only receive power for consumption and so only have an upstream interface. The upstream interface is represented by a narrow vertical line on one side of the symbol.

Node Symbol Data

Node symbols display data about the configuration of that node.

Node Standard: This identifies the power standard the system can receive.

Node ID: This is the node's UID. 

System Code: This identifies the system represented by the node. Where there are multiple systems of the same type, each system is given an additional number designation.

Generator Nodes

Generator nodes produce power and so only have a downstream interface. As such, the symbol used for a generator is slightly different from a distribution node and the symbol's colour is purple.

The downstream interface is represented by the wider vertical line on one side of the symbol.

Node Symbol Data

Node symbols display data about the configuration of that node.

Power Standard: This identifies the power standard the node delivers.

Node ID: This is the node's UID. 

System Code: Generators have system codes to assist with the identification

Rated Capacity: This identifies the node's rated power generation capacity.

Conduits

Power is delivered between nodes by conduits. A node connects to a conduit via a conduit tap on either its upstream or downstream interface.

The node supplying power to a conduit is the upstream node. The node receiving power from a conduit is the downstream node.

Conduit Symbols

Conduits are represented by coloured horizontal or vertical lines, with a different colour representing each distinct conduit.

Conduits never connect to other conduits, only to nodes. If a conduit crosses another on a schematic, no connection between the two is implied.

A conduit tap (connecting to a node) is represented by an angled line which ‘flows’ in the direction of power delivery. For example, a conduit tap to a node’s upstream interface will always meet the node symbol at a point vertically lower than it meets the connecting conduit.

The Power Distribution Network (PDN) is made up of a number of nodes located around the vessel. A power distribution node is a junction where multiple conduits meet for the purpose of power distribution. Nodes may also perform conversion between power standards.

Correctly identifying each component node relies on a designation protocol, which includes a seven-character unique identifier (UID) and additional codes to identify the node's supported power standards and power ratings.

The designation protocol is used on control consoles where PDN nodes are monitored and managed.

Node UID

The first three characters of the UID indicates its location on the vessel, in the order DECK-SECTION-PORT/STARBOARD.

For example 5FS indicates the node is located on deck five, section F, on the starboard side.

The remaining four characters are a unique numeric code.

Power Standard

1DN: designates the node as part of the primary distribution network supplying medium voltage (1000V) DC power.

2DH: designates the node as part of the secondary distribution network supplying high-frequency (400Hz) AC power at 440 volts.

2DL: designates the node as part of the secondary distribution network supplying low-frequency (50Hz) AC power at 240 volts.

Power distribution nodes are used to route and convert power across the vessel's Power Distribution System (PDN).

Each node can receive power from up to three sources via its upstream interface. The supplied power is aggregated and made available for allocation to up to three other nodes via its downstream interface.

Power is distributed to and from a node via connected conduits.

Distribution nodes typically have a number of both upstream and downstream conduits to ensure redundant power routing options and for efficient power distribution.

Standards Conversion

A node can convert power standards before distributing to downstream nodes if equipped to do so. This capability is specific to the node's hardware and is not a configurable option.

UPS Nodes

Distribution nodes can be equipped with battery storage to provide Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) capability.

More on UPS Nodes

Node Variants

A number of node variants perform specific functions in the PDN.

Supply Nodes

Supply nodes are connected directly to a power generation source such as a reactor or auxiliary power system and so only have a downstream interface (to deliver power).

System Nodes

System nodes are connected directly to a ship system that uses the supplied power and so only have an upstream interface (to receive power).

In addition to the power connection there is also telemetry connectivity between a system node and the ship system being supplied with power. This enables a system node to monitor and report on the status of the connected system via the node's diagnostic interface.

Control Interface

Each node has a control interface which manages the distribution of power from upstream to downstream interfaces and provides system status and diagnostic information.

The control interface can be launched from a PDN console panel, or from a console that includes a system node using the associated POWER button.

More on Node Control Interface

System Groups

A system group is a functional grouping of system nodes that represent an operating vessel system.

For example the vessel's main MIE engines operate using plasma generators, plasma thrusters and impulse accelerators, each of which are represented by a system node. The MIE system group presents these component systems to assist with rapid diagnosis and configuration.

The monitoring overlay interface for system groups has a significantly different layout to PDN nodes. It can be launched from condition monitors or from a console that includes a system group using the associated SYSTEM button.

More on System groups

The vessel’s Power Distribution Network (PDN) is a highly redundant, layered distribution system for delivering power from generation and auxiliary power sources to vessel systems.

The system is made up of a network of electrical conduits which link distribution nodes, creating a web-like network that provides multiple paths between power sources and consuming systems. Power can be routed around the network to meet operating requirements or to bypass damage and is transformed to the voltages and frequencies required by various vessel systems.

The PDN also monitors and reports on the status of the systems connected to it.

Structure

The Power Distribution Network is layered, with the first layer (the primary distribution network) providing maximum distribution capacity between primary generation sources and first-layer distribution nodes. Some high-consumption systems such as propulsion are supplied directly from the primary network.

From the first-layer distribution nodes, a second layer (the secondary distribution network) uses a range of smaller-capacity conduits to deliver power to distribution nodes closer to the systems consuming it.

Distribution Nodes

Distribution nodes receive power from up to three sources via an upstream interface. The supplied power is aggregated and converted to the required distribution standard (voltage and current) which can then be delivered to up to three destinations via a downstream interface.

Each node has a configuration interface that allows power allocation between downstream outputs to be adjusted, which determines how much power the connected downstream nodes receive. 

Some nodes are supply only (such as generators).

More on Nodes

Node Priority

Nodes can accept up to three supply inputs and can output up to three downstream systems.

The three outputs are prioritised, with the first output having the highest priority. If available power drops below what has been allocated, power will be unallocated from the lowest priority output first.

System Nodes

System nodes are vessel systems which only consume power and aren't involved in distribution. Power management for system nodes can be configured from the relevant system's control console.

Conduits

Distribution nodes are connected by conduits. 

The voltage and current that can be handled by each conduit is limited by the physical parameters of the conduit (for example the size of the cable cores making up the conduit, their insulation and shielding, etc).

Conduits typically have significant redundant capacity over that needed for their nominal distribution role to support additional load due to alternative routing of power around damage.

Power Standards

Primary Distribution Network (1DN)

The DC output of the reactor is immediately regulated to medium voltage (1000V) DC. This is distributed via the Primary Distribution Network (1DN), consisting of a relatively small number of high-capacity conduits linking generation systems to layer-one distribution nodes and directly to propulsion systems.

The network includes redundant conduits which are installed along physically different routes throughout the vessel to minimise the effect of damage on the network’s minimum delivery capacity.

Secondary Distribution Network (2DN)

The Secondary Distribution Network (2DN) consists of a large number of lengthy mid-capacity conduits linking distribution nodes with distribution boards supplying vessel systems.

The DC supply from the 1DN is inverted to AC at the distribution node. Depending on the downstream requirement, inversion will be to either high-frequency (400Hz) or low frequency (50Hz) AC.

400Hz Secondary Distribution Network

The high-frequency 400Hz 2DN is an AC system rated at 440 volts.

High-frequency AC (HFAC) power offers advantages over standard frequency AC in a number of applications:

• Electric equipment can be much smaller and lighter. For example, doubling frequency generally permits electric machines to be 75% smaller. Other grid components (such as transformers, filters and circuit breakers) can also be smaller.
• Electric motors can achieve higher speeds. High-speed induction motors can be directly used for compressors, high pressure pumps and turbines.
• Acoustic noise is reduced dramatically due to a higher frequency mechanical vibration.
• Harmonics in HFAC systems are at a higher frequency and so are more easily removed by filters.

HFAC presents grid safety challenges. Circuit breakers must react faster to overload conditions in high frequency transmission scenarios to prevent damage.

50Hz Secondary Distribution Network

The standard frequency 50Hz 2DN is a three-phase AC system rated at 240 volts. Most supplied systems use a single phase, with the use of individual phases limiting cross-system interference.

Network Management

Each PDN node can be managed remotely from engineering consoles. This includes the ability to reallocate power between upstream sources and downstream nodes, and diagnostic monitoring.

Monitoring

The condition of each node is monitored. Alerts or alarms are displayed on the master systems panel. 

Mapping

The PDN is visualised as a schematic map on a dedicated console configuration, viewable in different sections or from the perspective of each major system. The PDN map provides direct access to the control interface for each node.

PDN Schematics

Systems Telemetry

Each system connected to a PDN node passes telemetry to the node on the system's condition. This allows connected systems to also be monitored on the master systems panel as well as by the master systems indicators on any console managing that system.

The ISDC is a multi-national organisation established by secret international treaty, dedicated to establishing and maintaining a human presence in deep space. The motivation for this initiative and source of the technology that makes it possible derives from recent contact with extra-terrestrial visitors.

Background

The ISDC’s formation resulted from the secret defection to Australia of group of scientists from a US military program. They brought with them technology – much of it recovered from captured alien vessels – that makes the launch of an interstellar vessel possible.

The creation of an alternative program was considered necessary to provide additional strategic options for engaging extra-terrestrial visitors. While the US program emphasises demonstration of force as the means to provide Earth’s security, the ISDC’s founders believe that communication will secure peaceful relations. In their view, aggression risks provoking unnecessary conflict with highly advanced civilisations.

Conflict could not be completely ruled out however, especially when it became apparent that extra-terrestrial visitors may represent more than one species. The increasingly hostile behaviour of their craft suggests at least one species has belligerent intent and may be turning their attention to Earth.

Australia was chosen as the base of operations for an alternative program as it offered appropriate infrastructure, remote but accessible locations and was unlikely to attract suspicion as a close ally of the US. Importantly, Australia's president was a close personal friend of one of the scientists and was instrumental in garnering the international support needed for the creation of the ISDC.

The Organisation

Although the ISDC is a multi-national organisation, the degree of knowledge and official sanction of the ISDC's operation varies by country, depending on local political sensitivities.  Any involvement is highly classified and knowledge of the ISDC is restricted to key ministers and officials.

Personnel are drawn from the military, industry and academia of member nations. The organisation's structure is designed to ensure that these groups are able to work together successfully during both the construction of the interstellar vessel and when it begins operating in deep space.

While not strictly a military organisation, The ISDC's operational activity is governed by a military-style chain of command structure, which provides clear guidance for all personnel on their responsibilities. This clarity is considered vital when operating in unpredictable and potentially dangerous environments expected in deep space.

The Need for Secrecy

Geo-strategic concerns make it necessary for the ISDC's work to remain highly classified. An elaborate network of secret finances and cover-stories has been created to allow the ISDC to pursue its mission and to 'hide in plain sight'.

The Milesham Organisation, an apparently well-endowed philanthropical organisation dedicated to climate change research, is one of the principal covers for the ISDC’s activities.

The need for secrecy is two-fold. Firstly, publicly acknowledging the existence of extra-terrestrial civilizations would incite an unpredictable and likely adverse reaction from the general population and in particular their governments.

Secondly, the US military continues to operate a similar program and the ISDC could therefore be misconstrued as a threat. It is thought likely steps would be taken to destroy the ISDC if its existence became known.

The Mission

The ISDC has a multi-faceted mission in deep (interstellar) space, involving exploration, diplomacy and defence.

The mission's emphasis is on exploration - mapping and documenting stellar and planetary phenomena in the vast reaches of deep space. The focus of efforts will be on areas thought most likely to harbour intelligent life, with a view to initiating first contact with new civilizations.

Once first contact has been made, every effort will be made to establish diplomatic relations, create alliances and gather defensive technology.  Where peaceful relations cannot be established, the ISDC is responsible for defending Earth from extra-terrestrial threats.

Building an Interstellar Vessel

Before the organisation can carry out its primary mission, it must complete development of an interstellar vessel, using scientific knowledge and technology available to the ISDC from a variety of sources.

Construction of the vessel will take place in space under the cover of the ACROSS orbital climate research station, with component modules ferried into space under the guise of extending and supplying the space station.

These design principles for ship construction have been issued by the ISDC's Naval Architecture Group. They outline the requirements and objectives that the completed vessel will be expected to fulfill.

The ISDC requires a vessel that is capable of:

• achieving the superluminal relativistic speeds necessary for interstellar travel;
• providing an independent scientific exploration and research platform in deep space; and
• defending itself and the interests of ISDC treaty partners

Architectural Principles

The vessel's mass must be constrained so as to ensure effective performance within the capability of current power generation and propulsion technologies.

The vessel is intended for operation only in space. Capabilities for operation in planetary atmospheric or gravitational conditions or for landing planetside are not required.

The expected design life is fifteen years. It is expected that this will be achieved through a modular design, allowing key systems and habitation spaces fitted to the spaceframe to be swapped out and upgraded throughout the vessel's design life.

Range

In order to maximise the benefit of each mission, it is expected that the vessel will operate in deep space for extended periods of time before returning to Earth.

Operating Range

The vessel must be capable of sustained, independent operation in deep space (operating range) for up to six months, with the capability of operating under emergency conditions for a further six months. This will require consideration of storage capacity for fuel, supplies and spares. Installations and equipment must also have certified reliability (MTBF) ratings appropriate to this range.

Traversal Range

The vessel must be capable of traversing a sufficient number of light years between returns to Earth (traversal range) to make the operating range effective.

This range may be achieved with a combination of fuel storage capacity and the ability to reliably gather fuel while operating.

Environmental

Living conditions aboard ship are considered a major contributor to the success of extended missions in the challenging and isolated environment of deep space. Ensuring the physical and psychological wellbeing of the crew (not all of whom will be from the military) is considered vital for efficient and safe operation. 

The vessel must provide a "shirt-sleeves" operating environment: Earth-normal atmospheric, gravity and background-radiation environmental conditions.

Habitation spaces must not be overly confined or restrictive. The space available for habitation spaces must be balanced with equipment and operating spaces, within the constraints on the vessel's mass and the demands of environmental systems. 

Safety

In the short to medium term the ISDC will have only one vessel capable of interstellar travel which will severely limit the rescue options available should a catastrophic event occur.

The vessel's design must therefore incorporate redundancy and system duplication that is sufficient to ensure the availability of core systems in all but the most catastrophic of scenarios.  The vessel must also have sufficient repair capabilities to ensure that core systems can be restored within timeframes that do not threaten the safety of the crew.

Exploration Functions

The vessel's exploration functions will extend beyond the collection of raw data for delivery back to laboratories on Earth. The vessel will be required to carry a team of scientists and provide them with equipment and laboratories so as to maximise the advantage of proximity to planetary discoveries and stellar phenomenon.

The vessel must function as an independent scientific exploration and research platform, equipped to complete first-level analysis of discoveries (for example from orbit) in sufficient detail to allow more detailed secondary exploration activity (for example planetary landings and surveys).

Data recording and sample collection/storage facilities must be sufficient to allow the capture and retention of all information considered significant enough for further detailed analysis back on Earth.

Defence Functions

The vessel must be capable of effective self-defence in a largely unknown strategic environment. This will require versatility from defence systems.

The primary tactical scenario anticipated will be combat between vessels. It is expected that key tactical drivers in such scenarios will include the ability to avoid detection and maintain distance from threat vessels while maintaining a capability to project force at such distances.

Tactical sensory systems must be capable of identifying and tracking potential threats at the longest possible range while avoiding detection of the vessel itself.

Weapons systems must be capable of delivering tactically decisive payloads to targets at distances consistent with the safety of the ship.

Countermeasure systems must be capable of preventing or minimising damage to the vessel from threat weapon systems. It is anticipated that both kinetic and energy weapons are likely to be encountered - countermeasures to both system types are required.