Ehraltung-5 Module

The fifth module of the Ehraltung serie features another experimental concept, this time in the salvage or purging of space debris. As with most modules, its overall structure is based on the Kern’s with the same size and solar panels, though without orbital thrusters. The major difference with other service modules is that it features a large airlock on its outer end, which opens across nearly the entire width of the module. As always, it features redundant life support and power supply.

Over the past decades of increasingly dense satellite use, space debris, ranging from old satellites to the remnants of collisions or failed launches, have become more and more of a real threat. With micro-particles able to inflict staggering damage on impact, larger debris can theoretically obliterate other satellites or stations, causing even more debris, which could eventually result in a cascading chain of destruction. With the orbit growing crowded, the threat continues to grow. With this in mind, it was decided the fifth Ehraltung module would serve to combat the threat.

E-5’s outer section features four relatively small remote-controlled unmanned vehicles tasked with the removal of debris. These debris can either be tugged back to the module for salvage, in which case they will be rendered into smaller pieces and transferred to the E-4 recycling plant where they can be converted into base materials for use with F-2’s 3D printers. Alternatively, they may be de-orbited to burn in the atmosphere by attaching microsats composed of little more than a thruster and basic circuits which may be replaced through the F-2 module.

Up to 2 such RCVs may be controlled at the same time from the inner section of the module using the two terminals provided. Delicate maneuvers are automated as to prevent lag from distance from causing accidents or failures. The RCVs are roughly 3 meters long and 1.5 meters wide and dock into slots along the edges of the outer section where they can be recharged and refueled by the module with minimal obstruction for salvage being brought in. They are equipped with plasma cutters in the eventuality that debris need to be cut up to be brought in.

The outer section of the module remains depressurized and devoid of atmosphere as RCVs come and go. Debris cut up into manageable chunks are brought to a central section which is temporarily pressurized to recover the salvage and instruments are present to analyze the composition - and radiation levels if present - of the recovered pieces before retrieval.