NationStates Jolt Archive

Official Press Release, Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/berrik/ANLogoLarge.jpg

Over the past few decades, tensions have continuously risen around the world; nation after nation has gone at each other's throats and a continuing arm race with increasingly high-tech weapons has swept the globe.

Furthermore, Axis Nova's population has continued to swell-- nearly seven billion people are crammed into an area extending over only six hundred kilometers. This situation cannot last forever-- Axis Nova resources are greatly strained, and a campaign of conquest to expand our borders is not practical at this time.

However, a technical solution presents itself, in the form of the Icarus Project.

The goal of this project is to establish a series of space colonies in the Lagrange Points near the Earth and the Moon, and transfer as much of Axis Nova's population as possible into space.

To that effect, this project consists of several major parts:

1. Construction of an orbital elevator from Numonica, which is quite close to the equator and thus well-located for such an endeavour. This large-scale elevator will be neccesary to transfer the large number of people to orbit as conventional launch techniques are not suitable. In addition, it will allow the cheap movement of much of the equipment neccesary for the Project.

2. Recovery of raw material for colony construction must also be done. This can be concurrently done while the elevator is being constructed, and consists of various things such as greatly expanding our space-based infrastructure to handle the project, and the aquisition of raw materials in the form of lunar rock and asteroids from the Asteroid Belt.

3. The colony construction itself. This will be the largest part of the Project, and is expected to take quite some time.

4. Transfer of population to colonies. This can be done in stages as colonies are constructed-- thus allowing the clearing of a possible bottleneck.

This endeavour will not be cheap-- it will consume a massive amount of resources for many years to come, and as such, Axis Nova will be scaling back some of it's more ambitious and expensive foreign and military projects in stages, including, but not limited to, it's covert support of several nations, it's active support of Hataria, it's deployment of offensive space-to-ground weapons systems, and it's military airship construction program.

Investors in the project are quite welcome, and will be given discounts on use of the elevator and preferred status in trading agreements in the future. In particular, a large amount of money and resources is needed for the orbital elevator-- the design is greatly more complex than might be expected due to certain design concessions that must be made due to a volatile world.

(OOC: In simple terms, this is the announcement of the commencement of a decades-long project to transfer the majority of my population to space. There are numerous reasons to do so for me at this point, though the chief reason is population pressure and lack of ability to expand adequately.)

(bump; what, no one has anything to say about this one way or the other? =p)

OOC: So would this elevator be similar to the one explained in this article (http://science.howstuffworks.com/space-elevator.htm) or are you proposing something entirely different?

And am I correct in my assumption that this is PMT?

EDIT: Oops, just saw the title again. Nevermind the PMT comment.

OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC MESSAGE

To: Axis Nova
From: Asgarnieu

Given our history with Axis Nova, it would not be expected of us to congratulate this nation. However, we do wish to congratulate Axis Nova on their plans to expand and alleviate the immense pressure being put on to that nation.

We do have one inquiry, however. We wish to know where Axis Nova is planning to expand to.

Good luck with your project. God Speed.

(ooc: Quite a bit of a different design actually; it'll be built with multiple carbon nanotube chains so that large, high capacity elevators can be used, and the outside will need to have various defense systems mounted on it to deter people from shooting or nuking it).

The L1 and L2 points will be the focus for the initial colony clusters, and further expansion to the L5 and L4 points will be done if neccesary. That, however, is a long time in the future.

(OOC: Heh. New Paradigm. Cool.

Well, since I'm not MT, and hence have no presence in MT, I'll just make an OOC statement of Support.

Hakurabi supports Axis Nova's redistribution of resources towards the conquest of space, from mere conquest.)

OOC:
Axis Nova, i'll post something ICly tomarrow in responce to this. Until then, added to subscriptions.

Two of the largest of the New Manthian megacorporations, Alexandria Steel and Oil Corp and Reisschart Aerospace have floated ideas of forming a partnership to invest in the Icarus Project.

However, they will still need to be convinced that the project will proceed on a sound technical footing before committing resources to Icarus in earnest. Reisschart Aerospace has already considered similar projects, though on a much smaller scale, and their engineers are standing ready to report on the plan's feasibility, just as soon as they have a chance to study it in detail...

Axis Nova will gladly share the plans for the basic framework of Jacob's Ladder (the elevator) for any who wish to see them.

The initial part of construction will consist of many carbon-nanofiber cables strung down from the orbital anchor point to a base unit in Numonica, used as a framework to build the rest of the elevator around. The main cargo elevator, in the center, will be able to lift thousands of tons, while there will be multiple sub-elevators as well to allow the lifting (or dropping) of smaller objects while the main cargo elevator is in use.

To deter attacks upon the elevator infrastructure, defensive systems will be emplaced on the outer skin of the elevator, which itself will be hardened against accidents and attacks.

The reason for such measures is rather simple: if one of the cables were to fall, it would cause global devastation as it would be too dense to break up on atmospheric re-entry and thus as it fell, would be draped across large portions of the globe by gravity as it's speed increased.

The space-side anchor point will consist of a nickel-iron asteroid, maneuvered into the proper place.

Do you need a supplier of cheap carbon nanotubes? In 2008 we began mass production of carbon nanotubes using the Arkema Process. Our initial capacity was 10 tons of carbon nanotubes. Our production capacity has doubled every year since then. Carbon nanotubes have become ubiquitous in our sporting and military equipment. We could provide half our current capacity circa 2020 for use in your elevator-- 10,000 tons of carbon nanotubes.

You can buy polymer carbon nanotube composites fairly cheaply for baseball bats, tennis rackets, military, and commercial uses from us. This provides enough tensile strength for a space elevator with lower initial cost. We will gladly supply the carbon nanotubes and polymer carbon nanotube composites in exchange for technical transfer of any new scientific discoveries in building the elevator.

Regards,

Mimi Ohyes, Minister of Trade

(bump)

While we appreciate the offer, for security reasons, we will be producing all the nanofibers used in the fabrication of the cables ourselves.

Dear Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs,

Here at Rydell Microprocessor, we have been on the breaking edge of research into the development of an extraterrestrial colony. The Last Anarchy Order has been plagued by an ever-growing population, and an ever sinking amount of land. We wish to volunteer 5,000 of our most brilliant Computer Engineers to assist on the formation of a reliable software system to support not only the Jacob's Ladder, but of the colony itself.

In return, we only ask to have access the software we help design, and to the blueprints, so that we can, after the Icarus Project is completed, begin developing an extraterrestrial colony of our own. Thank you for the consideration of this request, and good luck on all future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Libre
CEO Rydell Microprocessor

http://usera.imagecave.com/CaptainDeath/VariousShazbotdom/Government-Seal.gif
FROM THE OFFICE OF SUPREME EMPEROR GEORGE A. LOAK
It has come to my attention that you are withdrawing your support for Hataria. We feel that this is a good move on the part of the Government of Axis Nova.

And we would like to give our support for you morally for this gigantic project that you are undertaking currently. It is difficult to build something of this magnitude effectively but we hope for the best that your nation finishes the job and does it well. We also wonder if this project would be open for anyone who wishes to ride on it round trip just for kicks, or if it is just for your nations use? I would be really anxious to ride on one of these things as none of the allies of the Dark Empire of Shazbotdom has something quite like this. It would be a thrill that would surpass most that I have done in my life.

I eagerly await your responce.

Official Communication, Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs


To: Shazbotdom
Re: Inquiries


The orbital elevator, once completed, will be useable by others as well as by Axis Nova, for a small service fee, of course. Naturally, during construction of the colony clusters, a majority of lifts will be used for Project-related cargo, but there will certainly be excess space available for possible commercial use.

Once completed, of course, much more space will be available.

To: The Ruling Government of Axis Nova
From: Axe & Hammer Industries' Public Relations Department
RE: Icarus Project Interests

The private investors who own Axe & Hammer Industries have voiced that they wish to invest heavily into the completion of your nation's current pet project. They have stated that they will be giving 90% of the company's assets to the developement of the space elevator and the subsequent construction of orbiting space colonies, which includes, but is not limited to:

-Land, Air, and Naval defense of Axis Nova as a whole.
-Material provisions from Axe & Hammer Industries to be overseen by Axis Novaean officials.
-Construction of a space mining and defense fleet that will cater to the interests of both Axis Nova and Axe & Hammer Industries.

The only request that the private investors have is free unlimited access to the space elevator at all times after the completion of its construction, and that ten percent of all income generated by the elevator from use by other nations be wired to the private accounts of Axe & Hammer Industries.

Sincerely yours,

Ramone Salazar
Manager
Public Relations
Axe & Hammer Industries

The General Resources corporation would like to double whatever offer Axis Nova has made for Carbon Nanotubes to buy up the entire market on Carbon Nanotubes.

OOC: General Resources and the Leafanistani Government operate a Space Elevator and does not want to lose business.

The General Resources corporation would like to double whatever offer Axis Nova has made for Carbon Nanotubes to buy up the entire market on Carbon Nanotubes.

OOC: General Resources and the Leafanistani Government operate a Space Elevator and does not want to lose business.

((That's quite the underhanded tactic. I like you already.))

To: Axis Nova
From: NPL Business and Commerce Secretary Francesca Schmidt

We support your expanding the fronteirs of mankind. We will offer the following support:

-Materials needed for construction via Aldean Steel Corporation.

-If you find your people will be too cramped before the project is complete, the NPL have sparsely populated colonies that we would gladly allow your huddled masses to use these island colonies if needed.

-Luchamos will defend Axis Nova during the construction.

Consider this our offer of investments. Whether or not you accept our offer, best of luck.

OOC: Why do you think I'm fabricating the nanotubes myself? =p

Reply to Copenhaghenkoffenlaugh inquiry

We thank you for your interest, but unfortunately we were not born yesterday and know a bad deal when we see one.

OOC: Why do you think I'm fabricating the nanotubes myself? =p

Reply to Copenhaghenkoffenlaugh inquiry

We thank you for your interest, but unfortunately we were not born yesterday and know a bad deal when we see one.

((Just a question: how did you translate my message, because that's not a bad deal at all. The company is practically giving itself to you militarily and economically whilst only requesting ten percent of what you earn from other nations for its use and the construction of a space fleet that will be controlled by both Axis Novaean and private interests. Hell, you're being given the use of a private army! XD ))

Attention all Sellers

General Resources will either buy your company, or all the junk you want to sell for Axis Nova's trunk, at a much greater price.

We will also give your CEO's obscene kickbacks. Free private jets, courtesans, personal money, GR's newest luxury car, the Imperium, which some models even include a hot tub underneath a retractable canopy.

[END]

To: General Resources
From: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development

"After reviewing technical details we were prepared to offer a contract to Axis-Nova for work on their proposed space ladder, putting Alexandria Corp's extensive stockpiles of raw material together with Reisschart's aerospace expertise and manufacturing capabilities. We are interested in your offer, however.

Let's get down to numbers. We were prepared to offer Axis Nova a $7.4 billion contract for work on the space ladder, and with extra perks such as future use of the ladder, you cannot deny that Axis Nova is making an attractive offer! What would General Resources be prepared to offer?

Oh and by the way, our companies' leaders have asked us to assure you that they are, in fact, quite incorruptible. They will be contacting you privately to assure you of just how incorruptible they are.

To: General Resources
From: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development

"After reviewing technical details we were prepared to offer a contract to Axis-Nova for work on their proposed space ladder, putting Alexandria Corp's extensive stockpiles of raw material together with Reisschart's aerospace expertise and manufacturing capabilities. We are interested in your offer, however.

Let's get down to numbers. We were prepared to offer Axis Nova a $7.4 billion contract for work on the space ladder, and with extra perks such as future use of the ladder, you cannot deny that Axis Nova is making an attractive offer! What would General Resources be prepared to offer?

Oh and by the way, our companies' leaders have asked us to assure you that they are, in fact, quite incorruptible. They will be contacting you privately to assure you of just how incorruptible they are.

To: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development
From: General Resources

We already have one space elevator. How about we offer you $14 billion and special perks, like the greatly discounted use of our space elevator, including cars, jets and other material goods.

If you want, we can make this conversation our binding contract.

[END]

Rotten Bacon wishes to congradulate Axis Nova on it's impending project. We wish you the best of luck. We would also like to open our doors to possible trade and peace agreement.

OOC: Ya know, I started wondering, how long will this take? Riding the elevator, I mean. I assume you'd accelerate very quickly in order to make it as fast as possible (but not so fast it's harmful to the riders). So I was wondering about how far would it go and how long would it take? Cuz you might get some very, very bored elevator riders and that's a long time to be stuck in there.

OOC: Ya know, I started wondering, how long will this take? Riding the elevator, I mean. I assume you'd accelerate very quickly in order to make it as fast as possible (but not so fast it's harmful to the riders). So I was wondering about how far would it go and how long would it take? Cuz you might get some very, very bored elevator riders and that's a long time to be stuck in there.

[I think its a week, not sure though.]

To: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development
From: General Resources

We already have one space elevator. How about we offer you $14 billion and special perks, like the greatly discounted use of our space elevator, including cars, jets and other material goods.

If you want, we can make this conversation our binding contract.

[END]

From: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development
To: General Resources

We're have decided to accept your offer. We'll be sending representatives along to finalize the deal.

Pleasure doing business with you.

OOC: Ya know, I started wondering, how long will this take? Riding the elevator, I mean. I assume you'd accelerate very quickly in order to make it as fast as possible (but not so fast it's harmful to the riders). So I was wondering about how far would it go and how long would it take? Cuz you might get some very, very bored elevator riders and that's a long time to be stuck in there.

OOC: 124-1240 miles is Low Earth Orbit. At L1, it will be nearly a million miles. But that is a significant engineering project.

Most likely his will extend to LEO, and then take a rocket transport. After a certain distance, ground based transportation methods will be irrelevant. And being trapped in the elevator while waiting for the sun to pass, or moving so slowly because all the electricity disappeared from resistance it would take a week, maybe a month to get a million miles.

Also, Axis Nova has explained his project fully to me, and economically speaking, his thing won't be much of a threat since he'll be building his colonies for years to come. So I'm out trying to screw him over.

Most likely his will extend to LEO, and then take a rocket transport. After a certain distance, ground based transportation methods will be irrelevant.


[You can't just leave it off at LEO, its more or less physically impossible. >.>]

From: Reisschart-Alexandria Joint Business Development
To: General Resources

We're have decided to accept your offer. We'll be sending representatives along to finalize the deal.

Pleasure doing business with you.

OOC: Lets take this to another thread to not crowd Axis Nova's thread.

[You can't just leave it off at LEO, its more or less physically impossible. >.>]

OOC: I'm sorry, but I want to explain. The center of mass for this thing will be in Geostationary Orbit, and people would only go up to LEO. At that point, it would take too long to go all the way up the normal way. It becomes more efficient to use rocket power to get the rest of way there.

OOC: I'm sorry, but I want to explain. The center of mass for this thing will be in Geostationary Orbit, and people would only go up to LEO. At that point, it would take too long to go all the way up the normal way. It becomes more efficient to use rocket power to get the rest of way there.

[Ah, I see. That'd work I guess, but the fuel would cut the payload per climber down. :/]

[Ah, I see. That'd work I guess, but the fuel would cut the payload per climber down. :/]

OOC: Well, once you are in space, you just have to get up to speed, and then coast. Minor thrusts for corrections, then you thrust in the opposite direction to slow down. Any gravity from Earth will be greatly weakened at this point and save fuel for the return trip because it is slowing down the craft.

The climber would be the same size as always. It is just after a certain point, it is more efficient to blast off with rockets than climb slowly, time wise. And it'd get more cargo off the elevator faster. We can't just have cargo staying put slowing down other climbers.

In southwestern Numonica, near the coast, a massive army of people and machinery crawls across the landscape, levelling everything in their path, clearing an area several square kilometers in size. Before the construction on the base of Jacob's Ladder can begin, a city must first be constructed to house the workers and (eventually) the support staff for the elevator base itself.

Behind the assorted logging vehicles comes surveyors, measurers, paving machines, rail laying vehicles, and other industrial machines of every size, shape, and variety. Along the shore, yet another convoy of Sand Crab and Sand Devil transports and land battleships rumble up onto the beaches, slowing slightly as their scale systems bite into the sand and soft soil, but not pausing in their paths to the designated areas.

The airspace around Numonica is being tightly monitored out to a 1200 kilometer radius from the shore; over 50% of the Axis Nova Air Navy is in the area, the largest concentration of airborne firepower ever seen by man. Thousands of UAVs swoop to and fro, and hundreds of carriers and uncountable smaller vessels patrol the area, wary for any foe.

With no need to maintain much in the way of reserves for foreign adventures, the Axis Novan military is able to greatly concentrate it's resources in a few critical locations... such as this one.

A rare sight is seen in the area as well: all 8 of Axis Nova's I-Type Class battlecruisers, for once not equipped with the various plastic bits and pieces that are intended to make them resemble large cargo or passenger ships.