EXPjawa
Well-Known Member
OK, after much deliberation, here's my proposed entry into the summer build contest: Cygnus, the third design of my "Constellation Series" to be built.
Solar Federation Archives said:[FONT=&][FONT=&]In the late 21st century, breakthroughs in spacecraft propulsion allowed mankind to push out into a number of star systems containing suitable exoplanets for colonization. Many of these systems allied under the Red Star of the Solar Federation, promoting equality for all sentient beings and emphasizing technical advancement. Many of the craft developed to support further exploration were part of the so-called "Constellation Series' of designs, derived from Solar Federation Constellation Specification Manual (SFCSM). [/FONT]
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Cygnus-Class:
The Cygnus-class of deep space liners were developed to be the state-of-the-art luxury cruise ships, interstellar super-yachts of the ultra-rich and the high-priests of Syrinx. It was so named for the swans that once populated Earth-that-was, due to the vague resemblance of its airframe to the bird in flight. Though only a handful of Cygnus-class ships were actually constructed in the early 2100's, they served as flagships for the Solar Federation.
Cygus-class plan form:
[/FONT]Cygnus-class vessels were produced at the primary State Lunar Shipyard facility on Luna-1. Twenty-five were slated to be built originally, but only 11 were completed prior to the Revolution of 2112. Keel was laid for an additional 4 ships, which saw various levels of completion. Typically outfitted for 20 passengers, with sleeping quarters, rec areas, a lounge and a full cafeteria. Typical crew consisted of Captain, First Officer, Pilot, Communications Officer, Engineer, plus varied housekeeping staff. Primary sublight propulsion was a Yoyodyne Nuclear Hydrothermal Reactor (NHR), which could power the ship for decades with little maintenance or loss of performance. Later ships of this class were also fitted with twin hyperdrive motivators and Cersian Navicomputers, allowing much more efficient trans-galactic travel.
[FONT=&]One particular ship, christened the Spirit of Rocinante was refitted (at considerable expense) by the Musk Foundation in 2110 for a manned probe into the black hole known as Cygnus X-1, in the heart of the constellation of Cygnus. “Six stars of the Northern Cross, in mourning over their sister’s loss; in a final flash of glory, nevermore to grace the night…” A volunteer crew was chosen from the scientific community. Although communication was lost when the Rocinante crossed the event horizon, there is some evidence that the mission was at least partially successful. Also see Cygnus X-1 Manned Mission (2110).
Official renderings of the Cygnus-class deep space liner:
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