On 29 Apr 2016 at 8:56, Jeffrey Schwartz wrote:

> IMTU , YMMV ..
>
> Regarding initial scout bases on worlds with E/X starports...
>
> The IISS has 1 and 3dton "kits" that are effectively a smaller version
> of an Advanced Base. They make extensive use of inflatable tents that
> are resin-impregnated so they harden after being set up in UV light
> for a few hours.  The upper portions of the tents are flexible solar
> cells, charging batteries in the flooring. Slots are placed for
> plugging in two standard PLSS to handle life support needs. Each tent
> has 2 to 4 "vestibules" that can attach to another tent, and the join
> sprayed with sealant. The kit includes a pair of "Airlock" mini-tents
> that can be attached to two points.
>
> Each tent comes with some inflatable furniture, and a duffle-bag sized
> crate of equipment.
>
> The 1 ton package is intended for use by a long term survey team, and
> has an "Ops/Lab" tent, 4 "Quarters" tents, and a "Galley/Fresher"
> tent. Each tent, expanded, is about 2-4 dtons, so the "Quarters" are
> the same size and general layout as a Type-S cabin. The "Ops/Lab" tent
> has a table with various radio/comm systems and a computer.
>
> The 3 ton package is essentially the same, but has 8 "Quarters" tents,
> and more lab/workspace and storage tents. It also has mission-specific
> crates of equipment

IMTU such a base would be a mixture of those pre-fab cabins from the old JTAS (I
think), pressurised or not depending on the location, and cutter-sized modules. These
modules would generally be not rated for use whilst in a cutter, being intended only to
be carried by them, though standard cutter modules might be used on a vacuum world,
for example.

A base might also include a Type-S permanently stationed there, and used as storage
space, extra accomodations, and as a power supply if it's not needed for routine use as
an actual ship.

Of all the Imperial services, the IISS is the one for which 'it depends' most applies.