Coriolis Station (Oolite)

From Elite Wiki
Revision as of 18:46, 9 August 2008 by Polyh (talk | contribs) (added some info to the infobox)
Coriolis Station
Oolite-coriolis.png
Size (metres, W×H×L) 1000 x 1000 x 1000
Cargo capacity N/A
Cargo bay extension N/A
Maximum speed N/A
Manoeuvrability Roll: 8.0
Pitch: 8.0
Energy banks N/A
Energy recharge rate 100
Gun mounts 0
Missile slots 0
Shield boosters available N/A
Military shields available N/A
Hyperspace capable No
OXP or standard Standard
Available to player No
Base price N/A


Overview

The first operational Coriolis station was seen in orbit around Lave in 2752, presenting the uniform standard of GalCop space ports for years to come. Designed at the GASEC (Galactic Astronautic and Space Exploration Center) laboratories at Vetitice (around which the semi-functional prototype still orbits) it represented a milestone in space habitat achievement. As previous, far more vulnerable old-school designs were proven surprisingly inferior, and the economic strength of the Galactic Co-operative flexed its new muscles, an unprecedented boom across the known galaxies saw Coriolis stations simultaneously constructed in massive numbers.

Design

Cuboctahedron-anim-aka.gif

Though Coriolis stations are by laymen referred to as 'hexagonal in approximate shape', they are in fact cuboctahedra. How the designers initially came to discover the superior solidity inherent in this geometric shape is only speculation, but there is little doubt that their course was staked by the scientific trend of exploring geometric simplicity that signify those times. One unlikely account concerning the Coriolis' conception contends it was a GASEC janitor who presented a model of his own to a scientist in an heated argument over the designs, shouting "cause if it's got movable parts, it's liable to break!"

The shift in space station science that inevitably came about would later influence the dodecahedral (Dodo station) and icosahedral (Ico station) designs. Later structures like the Torus station would abandon this tradition for dubious reasons.

Variants

As the Coriolis stations became 'common sight' in the 8 Galaxies, local developers started to develop more variants. It was often the case that certain life-forms needed adaptations or the stations where altered for artistic reasons.

Politics

Attempts by planetary governments to claim sovereignity over its space ports have rarely been successful, as GalCop har enforced a strict policy to maintain joint station custody, which in effect places it under GalCop authority. By law, a Coriolis or any other GalCop station is politically neutral territory.

Habitat

Being the oldest stations, Coriolis station societies are known to often display wide varieties of humanoids and their well-established cultures, who find the gravitational and respiratory conditions fit for living.