Mattikistan
29-07-2004, 01:47
As we believe the exploration of the next frontier -- space -- is in humanity's best interests, Mattikistan maintains an 'open door' policy in regards to its space program. Provided agreements are signed before hand to share all similar developments, the CSA will happily share its own knowledge and technology with their peer organisations. And as such, an update is required on the progress of their one, only and major project, begun six years ago.
The Confederacy Space Agency is currently a small organisation operating out of Mattikistan Central University. As of yet, no space missions have been launched -- although the intention is there, they are currently using other nations' experiences as a guide.
Instead of joining the 'space race', our scientists have recommended that we take a step-by-step approach, so that our own first space mission is successful, if not groundbreaking. They have already embarked on a five-step 'Ladder to Space', as they call it.
1) Evaluate other nations' experiences in space, analyse mistakes, and draw up ideas for the next four stages. Locate suitable exploration location -- Complete
2) Develop ion engines for long-term propulsion; solve acceleration issues -- Complete
3) Research, develop and construct a working prototype of a new power source. Project Fusion is the most important scientific undertaking in Mattikistan history, and is showing significant promise. The goal is to construct a working fusion reactor prototype; a prototype which will ultimately power our spacecraft, and hopefully be converted to civilian use to augment and replace our ailing national power grid. The cleanest, safest, most efficient energy source thought to be possible; the first prototype is already under construction at Camp Jelargo Military Bunker. Significant government and corporate funding is keeping it going -- In Progress
4) Design and build a totally new space-frame, large enough for an extended manned voyage. Fit newly-developed ion engines and fusion generators for power. Launch to geosynchronous orbit for testing -- Not yet ready -- estimate 20 years.
5) Assuming 1-4 completed successfully, stage five will hopefully include manned exploration of at least two planets in this solar system -- Not yet ready -- estimate 27 years.
As there are no other projects in the pipeline BUT the Ladder to Space, the entire funding of the CSA has been dumped into their laps. In addition, various companies, such as Mattikistan Aerospace Industries and Ugo-T Ltd, have taken an interest in various technologies being developed for the project, and have donated substantial funds in the hope of gaining some rights in their future development. Sceptics have argued that it is too soon, or too costly with insufficient benefits or that it will fail due to its scope, but the CSA is confident it will succeed. The people agree; with nearly 80% of the population voting in favour of the project each year.
Steps one and two have been successfully completed in the last six years. Step two borrowed heavily off existing research. I'm no scientist, just a politician, but as I understand, the acceleration problem inherent to ion propulsion has been solved by storing some sort of 'explosive' charge of energy. During cruise mode, this 'capacitor' would be recharged in the event that more acceleration is required. A small ion plate would be present on the front of the ship, to allow for deceleration and/or reversing. The details are either incomplete or simply beyond me; perhaps the Minister for Science and Technology would be better equipped to explain.
Scientists have given an estimate; in another 30 years, they guarantee to have men in orbit of Mars, and then on to Jupiter. A lofty promise, some believe, but given the funding being thrown at them it is entirely possible -- and it is assuming no breakthroughs are made by other people in the meantime. The fusion generator will directly power the ion engine emitters, and the rest of the ship. Initial designs of the generator are looking promising, if below expected output ratios. The prototype is already under construction at Camp Jelargo Military Bunker; an old, decommissioned underground facility. The idea is, that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong -- catastrophically wrong -- minimal damage is done. Given that Jelargo is an old Cold War nuclear bunker, it has the additional advantage of being isolated and far from towns or villages. The final, complete generator shall be tested in orbit after the ship is manoeuvred into position with conventional rockets.
The CSA has extended an invitation to any scientists, regardless of nationality, to attend an 'open evening' at Camp Jelargo to discuss the various technologies, breakthroughs and problems they have found and are working on.
Good wishes to all the nations on behalf of the people of the Confederacy;
Mr. Matt Matthews,
Democratically Elected Prime Minister of the Confederacy of Mattikistan
Office of the Prime Minister,
Halls of Government,
Mattikistan Central City,
Mattikistan
PO: MV2 - 281
Telephone: (+2828) 00119 8281 19
The Confederacy Space Agency is currently a small organisation operating out of Mattikistan Central University. As of yet, no space missions have been launched -- although the intention is there, they are currently using other nations' experiences as a guide.
Instead of joining the 'space race', our scientists have recommended that we take a step-by-step approach, so that our own first space mission is successful, if not groundbreaking. They have already embarked on a five-step 'Ladder to Space', as they call it.
1) Evaluate other nations' experiences in space, analyse mistakes, and draw up ideas for the next four stages. Locate suitable exploration location -- Complete
2) Develop ion engines for long-term propulsion; solve acceleration issues -- Complete
3) Research, develop and construct a working prototype of a new power source. Project Fusion is the most important scientific undertaking in Mattikistan history, and is showing significant promise. The goal is to construct a working fusion reactor prototype; a prototype which will ultimately power our spacecraft, and hopefully be converted to civilian use to augment and replace our ailing national power grid. The cleanest, safest, most efficient energy source thought to be possible; the first prototype is already under construction at Camp Jelargo Military Bunker. Significant government and corporate funding is keeping it going -- In Progress
4) Design and build a totally new space-frame, large enough for an extended manned voyage. Fit newly-developed ion engines and fusion generators for power. Launch to geosynchronous orbit for testing -- Not yet ready -- estimate 20 years.
5) Assuming 1-4 completed successfully, stage five will hopefully include manned exploration of at least two planets in this solar system -- Not yet ready -- estimate 27 years.
As there are no other projects in the pipeline BUT the Ladder to Space, the entire funding of the CSA has been dumped into their laps. In addition, various companies, such as Mattikistan Aerospace Industries and Ugo-T Ltd, have taken an interest in various technologies being developed for the project, and have donated substantial funds in the hope of gaining some rights in their future development. Sceptics have argued that it is too soon, or too costly with insufficient benefits or that it will fail due to its scope, but the CSA is confident it will succeed. The people agree; with nearly 80% of the population voting in favour of the project each year.
Steps one and two have been successfully completed in the last six years. Step two borrowed heavily off existing research. I'm no scientist, just a politician, but as I understand, the acceleration problem inherent to ion propulsion has been solved by storing some sort of 'explosive' charge of energy. During cruise mode, this 'capacitor' would be recharged in the event that more acceleration is required. A small ion plate would be present on the front of the ship, to allow for deceleration and/or reversing. The details are either incomplete or simply beyond me; perhaps the Minister for Science and Technology would be better equipped to explain.
Scientists have given an estimate; in another 30 years, they guarantee to have men in orbit of Mars, and then on to Jupiter. A lofty promise, some believe, but given the funding being thrown at them it is entirely possible -- and it is assuming no breakthroughs are made by other people in the meantime. The fusion generator will directly power the ion engine emitters, and the rest of the ship. Initial designs of the generator are looking promising, if below expected output ratios. The prototype is already under construction at Camp Jelargo Military Bunker; an old, decommissioned underground facility. The idea is, that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong -- catastrophically wrong -- minimal damage is done. Given that Jelargo is an old Cold War nuclear bunker, it has the additional advantage of being isolated and far from towns or villages. The final, complete generator shall be tested in orbit after the ship is manoeuvred into position with conventional rockets.
The CSA has extended an invitation to any scientists, regardless of nationality, to attend an 'open evening' at Camp Jelargo to discuss the various technologies, breakthroughs and problems they have found and are working on.
Good wishes to all the nations on behalf of the people of the Confederacy;
Mr. Matt Matthews,
Democratically Elected Prime Minister of the Confederacy of Mattikistan
Office of the Prime Minister,
Halls of Government,
Mattikistan Central City,
Mattikistan
PO: MV2 - 281
Telephone: (+2828) 00119 8281 19