| Solar Power Array |
| Eden Solar Power Array
|
Plymouth Solar Power Array
|
| Common Metals Cost | low | Rare Metals Cost | low |
| Build Time | short | Tube Connection Required | no |
| Power Required | none | Size | medium |
| Workers Required | none | Hit Points | low |
| Scientists Required | none | Armor | none |
The Solar Power Array is the service end of the space solar satellite power system. The satellite in high planetary orbit collects sunlight and converts it using photovoltaic cells into electricity, which in turn powers an array of MASERS, the microwave equivalent of a laser. These produce a narrow, high-energy beam of microwaves that must be aimed precisely at the small target the Solar Power Array provides, but which can be collected by a relatively small antenna array with negligible losses. This antenna converts the beam back into electricity, which in turn is broadcast for use by colony structures and vehicles.
Operational Notes: The Solar Power Array produces 400 units of Power. NOTE: This structure, unlike the other Power generation facilities, is not prone to explosion when damaged. Each Solar Power Array requires its own Solar Power Satellite in orbit to produce Power; an Array is disabled without a matching Satellite.
Tales from New Terra
Hiro hoisted his four-year-old daughter in his arms, and pointed up through the observation dome roof at an especially bright star in the southern sky. "See that, honey? It's the Solar Power Satellite. It's actually very big, but it's very, very far away, so it just looks like a little bright dot. It's so high up that the sun is still shining on it even though it's night here."
Becky looked at the star, then him, then the star again. She chewed on her knuckles as she thought. "Why's it up so high?"
"It's up in space so it can be in the sun most all the time, and turn the sunlight into power. It sends the power down in a beam to that building," he pointed out the collector antenna, "where daddy works sometimes."
"I don't see no beam."
"I don't see any beam, sweetheart."
"Well neither do I."
He chuckled. "It's invisible, honey, but it's there, all the time, and it helps do things like run our lights, and make the EnterComs work, and cook your breakfast."
She curled against his shoulder. "I'm sleepy."
"We'll go home now. I just wanted to show you that." He walked down the circular ramp leading from the dome.
"Can I go to space someday?"
He pressed his lips together tightly, thinking of the difficult days ahead. "Yes, honey, I think you will. I can almost promise it."