astraeusPROJECT ASTRAEUS is a deep space exploratory mission, launched June 2756. It is a joint operation between the Interstellar Planetary Alliance and several private corporate backers, combining top military experts and soldiers with the best and brightest scientific minds humanity has to offer, on a planned three-year voyage through uncharted space.
With the bulk of humanity no longer Earth-bound and successfully resettled on colony worlds spread across the galaxy, our focus has turned away from discovering new homes for mankind and adapting uninhabited planets through terraforming technology. Instead, we seek to collect data from the corners of space overlooked by previous missions, in order to expand our understanding of the universe and advance our development as a species.
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By the 22nd century, it was apparent that the sustainability of Earth was in sharp decline; as such, humans doubled their efforts to find a new home to prevent their own extinction. Though settlements were established on Mars and Luna, we continued to push our limits. Interstellar travel was achieved when the first Faster-Than-Light hyperdrive was developed, allowing exploration in other star systems and beyond. The first colony ships were launched in 2165, equipped with terraforming machines, expected to go on a hundred year journey to planets previously scouted by unmanned probes. In the meantime, advancement continued on the warp drives, making travel and communication between systems and worlds even faster. The first successful colony established was Eden, a natural garden planet that needed little work to become suitable for human habitation. As spacetravel became more accessible, over half of the human population left Earth for these developing territories. To counter an increasingly violent frontier mentality due to competition over resources, the interstellar planetary alliance was formed to establish fair trade lines and protect civilians. Not every colony wanted to participate and actively fought against the Alliance, viewing them to be corrupt corporate authoritarians. But the bloodiest years are long past, as a peace treaty was signed in 2582 to allow some worlds to remain independent. However, rumors persist of active cells of restless dissidents who wish to dismantle the IPA entirely. |
Terminology
Notable Worlds
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Length: 176 meters (708 ft.) Width: 74 meters (243 ft.) Height: 36.5 meters (120 ft.) Max Crew: 110 persons Power Plant: Nuclear Fission Generator Propulsion: FTL Warp Drive Armaments:
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Astraeus is a brand new interstellar long range exploration vessel constructed by Aithon Industries. It is intended to stay in orbit while smaller vessels are launched for surface landings. There is enough fuel and supplies to last the crew 4 years. Systems are monitored by a non-sentient virtual intelligence assistant program, IRIS. Medical equipment: Our infirmary has been equipped with an extensive database of the latest medical knowledge, state of the art diagnostic instruments and an advanced surgical suite. Most superficial wounds can be easily patched with topical medigel, an all-in-one antibacterial, pain relieving, coagulant, tissue regrowth stimulant and self-sealing bandage, found in every First Aid Kit; expanding Biofoam provides the same effects for mitigating deep tissue puncture wounds, but is not a replacement for surgery. Invasive operations are performed by skilled surgeons using robotic arm mounted laser scalpels, aided by 3D holo imaging tech. Although the 3D bioprinter is not capable of replacing entire limbs, it can recreate digits and organ parts. The medical applications of nanotechnology are still under evaluation. Personal Data Comm: Each crew member has received one wearable digital wrist device, with its data biometrically locked to the owner. It has a holographic projection interface, though it can be connected to a handheld tablet and docked to consoles. Its basic functions are vital sign monitor, GPS tracker, data storage and streaming, instant messaging, and holo videochat via the onboard wireless network, though they can be personalized with apps for work or entertainment. More details on the communication system can be found here. Evacuation Procedure: In case of emergency ship abandonment, personnel must go to the designated evacuation areas located on each deck. Spacesuits should be put on before entering the ejection pods. Each pod has its own tracking signal, and is lined with shock-absorbing cushioning gel. Before launch, the passenger will be injected with a drug mixture to reduce the physical stresses of rapid acceleration. If the pod is not recovered within 12 hours, cryogenic suspension will be activated to conserve life support, and can run on battery power for up to 10 years. The pod also contains:
Environment Suit: These pressurized suits are designed for Extravehicular Activity, such as conducting external ship repairs, and surface landings. They are made from a form-fitting, insulated synthetic fabric, that will absorb kinetic energy and harden on impact to protect the wearer, and can withstand intense heat, cold, and high levels of radiation and acid. There is a portable oxygen supply and air filtration unit built into the back that feeds into the sealed helmet, which has a HUD interface that links into the personal data comm. |
| The crew of Astraeus is a mixture of government, military and civilian professionals. While commanded by seasoned veterans of the Alliance Defense Force, the vessel is staffed by individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Most were personally handpicked and invited to join the mission by the Board of Directors, though others may have been screened and selected from the open application process. All program participants must have been over the age of 25 prior to launch, and must not have had a previous criminal record. The initial group of over 700 candidates were put through several training camps to assess suitability for the mission, and condition them to the stresses of long term space travel and planetary landings. This seven-month process culminated in a final crew complement of 84 members. Though a return trip has been planned for, the long distance and high risk involved in the mission requires an understanding that home may be out of reach for a long time, or possibly a one-way journey. |
Capt. Theresa Lawrence is the commanding officer of the Astraeus mission. She is a 34-year veteran of ADF's Naval Fleet. The chain of command is Captain, XO, Security Chief, then the division heads, who are all unavailable for play. Crew is divided into six specialized departments. Titles and positions within each include: command: Captain, Executive Officer, Navigator, Pilot, Comms security: Chief, Armory Ofc, Tactical Ofc, Guard service: Quartermaster, Foodservice, Cargo Spc, Maintenance medical: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse, Psychiatrist/Counselor engineering: Engineer, Mechanic, Technician, Programmer science: Astrophysicist, Biologist, Botanist, Chemist, Ecologist, Geologist, Linguist, Mathematics, Zoologist, etc. Multiple crew members may share the same title, as the ship operates in rotating shifts. If a field you're interested in applying for is not listed, or you have questions about the duties or requirements of a specific role, please comment the dropbox. |
