Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

As much of the front-end work related to the Lodamese Space Programme continues, the Lodamese Space Administration announced that it had signed onto a joint partnership with Hemlock-Rogway, Burrell Systems and various universities for numerous projects connected to the national space effort. At a press conference held at the LSA’s headquarters in Kensington, LSA Administrator Dr John Edgar confirmed that the agency had recently penned two separate agreements with defence contractors Hemlock-Rogway and Burrell Systems and numerous universities throughout the country, including the NIT, Drumford University, BSU and UoB. At the press conference, Dr Edgar noted that it was unreasonable for one to conclude that the various projects carded for the space programme, including the development of advanced rocketry and satellite technology, could be done “in-house”, without the involvement of third-party entities. Here, he noted that it was extremely important for the LSA to look outside of its own engineering department and seek the assistance of those with both theoretical and practical experience in the various areas where collaboration and technical assistance are required. “I think it is unreasonable for some to look at us as an agency and conclude that we can do all of this on our own. From designing advanced rockets and space modules to satellites and other space-flight innovations, it is only reasonable that we cooperate with those entities that have experience in these areas, be it theoretical and/or practical. It is extremely important to that we give our engineering department that breathing room to delegate certain projects to other entities, thus allowing them to focus on the more important areas of this programme,” Dr Edgar explained.

The collaboration between NIT, Drumford University, BSU and UoB primarily relates to the development of rocket engines. As the Lodamese Space Programme virtually begins from scratch and has placed “indepenedence of design” at the forefront of much of the engineering decisions being made, significant emphasis has been placed on ensuring the LSA can field rocket engines capable of being (1) easily produced and maintained and (2) faster and more fuel efficient. This stands in contrast to other space programmes that have benefited from significant support from states with a long history of rocket research. This collaboration between the LSA and the aforementioned universities is primarily aimed at developing a domestic acumen for rocketry (both in terms of research and engineering). “In its truest sense, I think that we are seeking to build here is a capacity to truly state that we are competent in this area and that we can do these things on our own,” Dr Edgar stated. One of the major challenges highlighted by the collaboration primarily relates to whether the LSA should use liquid kerosene-fuelled engines or liquid oxygen, with the latter being more efficient than the former but more expensive and complex as well. Beyond research and development into rocket engines, the collaboration also focuses on the design and development of launch vehicles. Dr Edgar noted that the Lodamese Armed Forces’ involvement of the programme (although independent), has had some role in altering the agency’s initial plans for launch vehicles. Whereas previous it had been envisioned that it would design a super-heavy lift launch vehicle for geostationary obit and beyond, the Strategic Defence Agency and the Lodamese Air Force have expressed interest in developing launch vehicles (from small to superheavy lift), with the intent of delivering payloads in varying orbits from low earth orbit to geostationary orbit.

Hemlock-Rogway and Burrell Systems’ involvement is centred around the development of advanced satellites. It has long been articulated that one of Lodamun’s major vulnerabilities lies in its inability to possess independent satellite systems, be it for global positions, communication and intelligence. Concurrently, the nation reluctantly utilises various satellite networks from international contractors from Beiteynu, Lourenne and Dorvik. In establishing the space programme, former Secretary of Science and Technology Dr Lydia Alexander placed significant emphasis on Lodamun possessing its own satellite capabilities, thus reducing and/or eliminating its dependence on third-party entities. The collaboration between the defence contractors and the LSA focuses on three (3) core areas: global positioning satellites, space-based tracking and intelligence. Global positioning satellites, being self-explanatory, is likely to learn from the lessons of the Dorvish and Trigunian global positioning satellite networks and would stand as the least taxing (in terms of manpower) of the three areas of focus. Owing to its importance to national defence, the Strategic Defence Agency (SDA) and the Armed Forces Projects Agency (AFPA) are likely to be part of the space-based tracking and intelligence portions of the public-private collaboration. Space-based tracking satellites would enable the SDA to track the movement of various threats throughout the world, including intercontinental ballistic missiles from launch, to midcourse and the terminal stage. Concurrently, Lodamun only maintain the ability to destroy ICBMS and other rockets in their launch phase through the General Missiles equipped by the Lodamese Navy’s guided missile destroyers and frigates, as the GUARDIAN system undergoes significant tests. The intelligence-gathering portion primarily covers the development of advanced optical satellites capable of enhancing the ODI (Office of Defence Intelligence) geospatial intelligence capabilities. “We have long underscored the importance of information superiority for Lodamun, and I believe that we can achieve that by enhancing our satellites' capabilities, not only focusing on geospatial/imaging satellites but also nuclear detection. We must work to establish and hold an edge over potential adversaries,” Director of the ODI, LG Jared Kimble, commented.