On 6/22/2021 8:54 AM, Timothy Collinson - timothy.collinson at
port.ac.uk (via tml list) wrote:
> Quick question from a tactical and strategic ignoramus, but one of my
> players is wont to point out that Traveller tech makes putting
> satellites around even a low tech world would be very cheap and easy. 
> The kind of thing that even a Free Trader could be employed to do
> pretty simply.  Even if the world itself couldn't maintain the set up
> without help.  Given that, would the sensor unit or the command node
> (or both) be better placed in orbit?
>
> tc
>
> Also, if anyone has any arguments *against* easy deployment of
> satellites and satellite networks around Traveller worlds, it might be
> handy in the future.  (It last came up with regard to Aramanx which is
> TL8 and whether they'd have satellite coverage out in the boonies.) 
> (Even if their orbital highport is a bit of a rickety affair with
> sections often 'under construction' or repair.)

Yes, it would be cheap and easy given the tech in Traveller, but the
bigger question is could the local economy actually afford it.  You
would need a decent population base and then have to decide what level
coverage you want.  By TL 9 or 10, you should be able to put solar
powered, grav drive enabled (for location correction) satellites in
orbit that are controlled (that is, their locations are
determined/managed) from one or two other satellites (or, better, build
the capability into all the satellites and make any changes require a
majority vote).

The important thing, when it comes to affordability isn't the cost at
the point of purchase, but what is the credit conversion rate from a low
tech to high tech world.

--
Kurt Feltenberger
xxxxxx@thepaw.org/xxxxxx@yahoo.com
“Before today, I was scared to live, after today, I'm scared I'm not living enough." - Me