Ehraltung-2 Module

The second module of the Ehraltung series serves as an onboard medical bay. Its overall structure is derived from the Kern module with the same size and overall solar panel array, though without thrusters. As always its power supply and life support are independent.

Though cosmonauts have always been very strictly monitored before and after missions in space, it has been decided that one of the first priorities of the Pioneer project would be to include on-site medical facilities. Though injuries and accidents in space have historically been extremely rare, with the increase in activity and presence, it is believed that such accidents, minor or not, will eventually happen. As such, E-2’s medical bay contains supplies and equipment to treat a variety of injuries including but not limited to: cuts, fractures, burns and some types of poisoning.

First aid response, however, is only one of the many uses of the E-2 module, which features equipment for consultation and a limited degree of analysis, including a top-down mobile radiography imager for body scans and a small laboratory for biochemical testing upon blood samples. UV decontamination pods and illuminators are also present in order to sterilize tools and various equipment without the need for water or chemicals. Moreover, testing equipment is located in a separate section of the module with a relatively thick wall to shield against X-ray backscatter as well as Far-UVC illumination at the entrance to prevent contamination in or out.

In addition to any emergency needs that may arise, E-2 is intended to allow constant monitoring of the health of cosmonauts without having to wait to return to earth. It should in theory allow early detection of any issue or complication that would otherwise go unnoticed while also allowing closer monitoring of the day to day effects of zero-gravity on the body of cosmonauts, such as the bones and muscle mass, and the actual effectiveness of various exercising or dietary methods over these effects.

The module features one examination table with straps to keep the patient secure during analysis as well as two small isolation wards with closed circuit oxygenation and sensors which allow recovering or ill patients to rest away from the activity elsewhere. Finally, though a service module, E-2 will also allow practical research into emergent zero-G medicine by testing new techniques and reporting on all difficulties and complications encountered along the way.