CAOS Space Program

CAOS Space Program

Logo
A view overlooking the Arrabar Space Center.
Abbreviation	CAOSSP
Motto	Lighting the Way
Formation	September 2006 (2006-09)
Headquarters	Arrabar, Tamurin
Administrator	Tim Caray
Primary spaceport	Arrabar Space Center
Parent organisation	Civil Administration of Oriental States
Staff	2,500

The CAOS Space Program (CAOSSP) is a leading intergovernmental organisation at the forefront of space exploration and technological advancement. Established in September 2006 and with its headquarters in Arrabar, Tamurin, it operates as a collective effort of all member states of the Civil Administration of Oriental States. The program has made significant strides since its inception, overcoming challenges such as the temporary suspension of its space launch program in 2009 due to the Great Europan Collapse. Under the visionary leadership of Professor Harry Caray until 2018 and subsequently his son, Tim Caray, the CAOSSP has been a beacon of innovation and collaboration.

The organisation is renowned for its extensive and diverse activities, which include advanced launch centres, pioneering satellite launches, human spaceflight missions, and the management of a cutting-edge space station. The program's achievements are highlighted by its development of advanced spaceplanes, such as the OG-4 “Aether” and its evolution into the OG-7NX “Celestia” space vehicle, capable of carrying payloads up to 20,000 kg. These developments underscore the CAOSSP's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology, and its dedication to fostering international cooperation in the field.

History

Origins

A painting showing Delamarian Oriental Company forces confronted with Miirosi rockets.

The origins of Oriental rocketry are shrouded in historical fact and cultural mythology. While definitive records are scarce, early accounts suggest experimentation with rudimentary rockets as far back as the so-called “Age of Sorcery.” This period includes named individuals like Archmage Khar-El of Thysi who harnessed the explosive power of alchemical mixtures for rudimentary propulsion, laying the groundwork for later developments. It is important to note that the details surrounding the mythical “Age of Sorcery” are largely speculative and should be treated as such. By the 18th century, tangible evidence emerges with the first examples of Miirosi rockets. These early rockets were crafted from sturdy iron casings and powered by black powder, marking a significant technological leap. Their innovative designs, featuring multiple stages for increased thrust and rudimentary fins for stability, primarily served military signalling and celebratory purposes. While their effectiveness in warfare remains debatable, they undoubtedly fuelled the popular imagination and laid the groundwork for further advancements.

Spread of rocket technology

By the early 19th century, Miirosi rockets saw gradual adoption by various Oriental militaries for signalling during battles and illumination at night. However, their limited range and accuracy hampered their effectiveness in inflicting significant damage. Efforts to address these limitations focused on increased fuel capacity and enhanced stability. Larger casings and improved propellant mixtures, often incorporating potassium nitrate to enhance black powder performance, allowed for greater range and payload capacity. And refinements in fin design and the development of rudimentary stabilisation techniques like spin-stabilisation improved accuracy and flight control. These rockets, primarily used for military signalling and fireworks, captured the imagination of inventors and ignited a passion for celestial exploration.

While military applications dominated the 19th century, civilian interest in rocketry continued to flourish. Notable figures like Master Engineer Jin Ka of San Ba experimented with multi-stage rocket designs and explored alternative propellants, pushing the boundaries of rocket technology beyond its military applications. Despite the primarily practical focus of the era, the 19th century also saw the emergence of early theoretical and experimental work that laid the groundwork for future advancements. This included the development of early guidance systems utilising gyroscopic stabilisation and the exploration of high-altitude research through sounding rockets. These developments, coupled with a growing public fascination fuelled by amateur societies like the Matroilan !Astronautical Society, set the stage for the significant technological leaps witnessed during the 20th century.

Matroilan

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The Thalassan War (1941-1947) proved a pivotal turning point. Driven by wartime urgency, the nation of Matroilan developed their advanced “Starfire” series of long-range rockets. Inspired by the Miirosi designs, these rockets incorporated cutting-edge propellants and guidance systems, becoming an instrumental part in the conflict. Despite Matroilan's ultimate defeat, their rocketry legacy remained. The technology of their unexploded missiles fell into the hands of Orinese scientists, who meticulously studied and reverse-engineered captured “Starfire” rockets. Recognising their potential, these Orinese pioneers built upon the foundation laid by their predecessors, refining combustion chambers, perfecting multi-stage designs, and developing sophisticated guidance systems. These advancements paved the way for the first successful orbital launches, marking the dawn of a new era in space exploration.

Post War period

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Eurthrise, taken in $year by $mission+number nirvanaut $personName.

WIP: 1950-2000

• Orinese attempts at copying Matroilan rocketry
• First satellites
• First sub-orbital missions
• First orbital missions
• Munar missions

Consolidation

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In 2006, the joint EOS Space Program was formed. Prior to its formation, several individual members states operated their own space programs, namely in Tamurin, Kotowari, Orioni, and Deltannia. Each program was unique in its approach and achievements, contributing significantly to the field. These programs were consolidated under the EOS umbrella in June 2006. This strategic move not only pooled resources but also fostered a spirit of cooperation, leading to more efficient use of technology and resources. This integration emphasised innovation and collaborative progress in space technology, encouraging a pragmatic approach to overcoming the complex challenges of space exploration. In 2009, the Entente of Oriental States faced a significant challenge with the onset of the Great Europan Collapse. This event led to an emergency session where critical policy decisions were made, one of which was the halting of the EOS space launch program. This decision was driven by the need to redirect resources and focus on stabilising the region in the wake of the economic and geopolitical turmoil caused by the collapse. The suspension of the space program was seen as a necessary measure to prioritise immediate and pressing concerns on Eurth, illustrating the interconnectedness of space exploration with global events.

In the wake of the challenges posed by the Great Europan Collapse, human space flight experienced a significant hiatus, driven by geopolitical upheavals and a period of existential reevaluation. However, the later renamed ‘CAOS Space Program’, fuelled by a renewed sense of unity and purpose, has reignited the flame of exploration, announcing the restart of manned missions to space on 1 January 2024.

Management

Leadership

Administrator Tim Caray, 2003.

From its inception until 2018, the space program was under the stewardship of Professor Harry Caray (1914-2018). A visionary leader, Professor Caray steered the program through various challenges and milestones. His dedication to space exploration was not just administrative, but also educational. This was evidenced by his hosting of the children's television show “Space, The Infinite Frontier”. His passing marked the end of an era for the space program. Succeeding Prof Caray in 2018 was his son, Tim Caray (born 1960). Much like his father, he is a multi-talented individual with a passion for space exploration. His leadership style and approach bring a fresh perspective to the program. Under his guidance, the program geared up for its next phase, integrating modern management and technological practices.

A significant organisational shift occurred in June 2020, when EOS delegated its civilian space exploration activities to the Civil Administration of Oriental States. This restructuring focussed on innovation and collaborative progress in space technology. The EOS's decision to focus solely on civilian space exploration through CAOS marked a pivotal shift, reflecting an approach of starting projects in research and development before transitioning them for broader application and deployment.

After a 15-year hiatus, the space program recommenced operations on 1 January 2024. During the suspension period, the program was not dormant. Instead, it focused on research and development, workforce training, and technological advancements. This period saw significant investment in upgrading facilities, developing new technologies, and establishing collaborations with academic and private entities. The groundwork laid in these 15 years was instrumental in ensuring that the program's resumption would be on a stronger, more innovative footing. The re-initiation of the program marked a new chapter, fuelled by years of preparation and anticipation, ready to embark on ambitious space exploration endeavours.

Strategic plan

Artist's conception of a mass driver on the Mun.

Two geostationary satellites in the same orbit.

Lestrange points in the San–Eurth system (not to scale). This view is from the north, so that Eurth's orbit is counterclockwise.

The CAOS Space Program, in response to the renewed interest in human space flight in the post-Great Europan Collapse period, has devised and published a comprehensive 10-step strategic plan aimed at exploring the Sanar System. This plan outlines the milestones set from 2010 to 2100, establishing a roadmap for humanity's ambitious journey to reclaim its place among the stars. The plan includes:

1. Automation and Debris Management (2010) — Focus on automation to increase efficiency in space exploration efforts. Implement a space net for the collection and reuse of space debris, ensuring environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
2. Restart of Human Space Flight (2024) — Officially restart manned missions, overcoming the hiatus caused by geopolitical and economic factors post-Collapse. Leverage the global unity and renewed interest in space exploration to fuel these endeavours.
3. Introduction of Space Planes (2025) — Develop and deploy advanced space planes, significantly enhancing accessibility to space for both humans and cargo. This step marks a leap in technology, making space travel more frequent and cost-effective.
4. Launch Facility Advancements (2026) — Introduce improved launch facilities that combine rocket sled launcher and maglev launcher technologies, located strategically along the Equator (Oharic: āmet’at’anyi) for maximum efficiency. These facilities will support the expanded scope of missions, including future use of a Munar mass driver.
5. Orbital Infrastructure Expansion (2027) — Construct four geostationary space stations for communication, navigation, and weather observation, enhancing Earth's orbital infrastructure. Add two polar stations to provide comprehensive coverage over the Argic Ocean and Antargis, addressing the complexities of polar satellite parking.
6. Lestrange Points Development (2028) — Expand presence to the Lestrange points, named for Arthur Lestrange. This serves various strategic purposes: L1 for solar energy collection, L2 for deep space observations, and L4+L5 for mining operations and navigation enhancements. L3 to serve as a strategic outpost for operations requiring more isolation.
7. Interplanetary Exploration (2029) — Launch missions to explore the planets Laran and Maraz, and inward to Balder, aiming to gather comprehensive data on their environments, potential for colonisation, and resource availability.
8. Orbital Mining Initiative (2030) — Begin orbital mining operations on selected asteroids to extract valuable minerals and materials, crucial for sustaining long-term space exploration and supporting the infrastructure in space.
9. Space Elevators Construction (2050) — Erect Space elevators on the Equator, connecting Eurth directly to the four geostationary space stations. This monumental engineering feat will revolutionise how we access space, reducing costs and increasing payload capacities.
10. Orbital Ring Habitat (2100) — Construct an orbital ring habitat that encircles Earth, serving as a permanent residence for humans in space. Connect the habitat to Earth via the four space elevators, creating a sustainable living environment and a new frontier for humanity.

Through this plan, the Civil Administration of Oriental States aims to explore new worlds, harness the boundless resources of space, and ultimately secure humanity's future among the stars.

Mission

Space: the infinite frontier.

The CAOS Space Program actively pursues the forefront of space exploration and technological advancement. Its mission broadly encompasses the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge space technologies, fostering collaboration among member states to pool knowledge and resources effectively, and advocating for the peaceful application of outer space activities. The program sets its sights on pioneering achievements in satellite technology, manned space missions, and the exploration of the far reaches of space. By emphasising a united and innovative approach, CAOS aims not only to push the boundaries of what we know but also to make substantial contributions to humanity’s collective understanding and exploration of the cosmos.

Activities and programmes

The CAOS Space Program operates several state-of-the-art launch centres, each equipped with advanced technology for the deployment of spacecraft. These centres are strategically located and meticulously designed for efficient launch operations, playing a pivotal role in the program's satellite and human space flight missions. The satellite launch capability is a fundamental cornerstone of the program, enabling the deployment of satellites for various purposes, including communication, earth observation, and scientific research, thereby enhancing global connectivity and knowledge. The Horizon Project, scheduled to be launched in 2025, will deploy a series of climate monitoring satellites that will be pivotal in tracking environmental changes. In addition to launch centres, dedicated research centres are fundamental to the program, focusing on space science, technology development, and data analysis. These centres are vital hubs for innovation, driving groundbreaking advancements in space exploration and technology. Here, Dr Ava Stellarnova and her team developed the revolutionary ion propulsion system for the InterGal 2 mission to Satre.

Within the framework of CAOSSP, orbiters are unmanned spacecraft designed to orbit celestial bodies, playing a crucial role in the agency's exploration endeavours. As part of CAOSSP's extensive exploration program, these orbiters have been central to numerous missions aimed at unravelling the mysteries of our solar system and beyond. They gather valuable data and images, significantly contributing to our understanding of space and aiding in crucial future exploration missions. One of CAOSSP's most notable missions was the launch of the InterGal 2 probe in 2006, which provided unprecedented data about Satre's moons. This mission marked a turning point in our knowledge of the outer planets and has been foundational in planning subsequent exploration missions. The data gathered from InterGal 2 has led to several breakthrough discoveries about Satre's atmospheric composition, magnetic field, and even potential for hosting microbial life.

Space tracking, a critical component of CAOSSP's operations, involves monitoring and maintaining communication with spacecraft. This is especially important for deep space missions, where communication delays can span several minutes to hours. This function is absolutely vital for mission control, ensuring the safety and success of space missions through precise tracking and communication. The scheduled CAOSSP Deep Space Network, an expansion of the existing global deep space communication network, is set to include advanced facilities like the Gaia III antenna. This network will play a crucial role in maintaining continuous and reliable communication with deep space missions, including the upcoming Hera Odyssey mission to the asteroid belt and the planned Artemis Voyager mission to explore the Kuiper Belt. The network's sophisticated tracking systems and powerful antennas are designed to handle the vast distances and complex data streams of these missions, ensuring smooth operations and the timely relay of critical mission data.

The program's human space flight missions, led by Director General Dr Maria Alvarez, are a remarkable, significant achievement. They demonstrate CAOSSP's advanced capabilities in sending !astronauts into space and safely returning them to Earth, showcasing human resilience and ingenuity. Since the program's first manned mission, $missionName in $year, there have been over 20 successful human spaceflights. These missions have not only conducted vital research in orbit but also played a key role in international space diplomacy and collaboration. The $missionName mission in 2007, with an international crew including Captain John Kurosawa and Dr Aisha Patel, made groundbreaking strides in studying cosmic radiation's effects on human biology. Following this, the 2008 $missionName Mission pioneered in-space agriculture, crucial for long-duration habitation. Also in 2008, the $missionName-VI mission tested advanced re-entry capsule technologies, enhancing !astronaut safety. Furthermore, a future partnership with Stellar Dynamics will lead to more efficient rocket engines and sustainable fuel development, expanding the program's capabilities. These milestones, celebrated annually during Space Week, have not only advanced space exploration but also inspired global interest and aspirations in space science.

Building the space station.

The CAOS Space Program manages a space station known as Athena Station that serves as a unique microgravity and space environment research laboratory. The station, orbiting at an altitude of 420 kilometres above Eurth, is a critical platform for scientific research and international cooperation, enhancing our understanding of life in space. It has been instrumental in breakthroughs such as the discovery of new forms of protein crystallisation, led by scientist Dr Rajesh Gupta. The station also plays a vital role in long-duration human spaceflight studies, examining the effects of space on human physiology, and has hosted over 150 !astronauts from various CAOS countries since its inception. Athena Station's Zero-G Biology Lab, established in 2008, has been pivotal in researching plant growth under microgravity, aiding in future space colonisation efforts. The station also features an advanced Eurth Observation Module, which has been crucial in monitoring climate change and natural disasters on Eurth, including the Dobbarrier Reef bleaching event in 2015.

The Munar telescope initiative, known as Project Selene, aims to establish a telescope on the Mun. This bold endeavour represents a significant leap in astronomical research. It offers new perspectives and capabilities in space observation and unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos. The telescope, to be situated in the Mun's $explorerName Crater, will have unprecedented capabilities to observe distant galaxies, potentially rewriting our understanding of the universe. The project is led by noted astrophysicist Dr Lena Zhou, who envisions the telescope as a key tool in detecting and analysing exoplanets and dark matter. Selene Observatory will also serve as a testing ground for new technologies in Munar construction and operations, potentially paving the way for future human settlements on the Mun. The project is a collaboration between multiple nations and includes the development of the Munar Research Habitat, a facility for scientists to live and work on the Mun for extended periods. This initiative has captivated the global community, with schools around the world named after the project, like Selene High School in New Vega, hosting events and educational programs to engage students in space science and exploration.

Launch vehicle fleet

Spaceplanes

OG-2 Thor

The OG-2 “Thor,” Tamurin's aircraft-launched space “workhorse.”

The inception of spaceplanes within the realm of CAOS's space exploration began with Tamurin's shuttle, a pioneering development in this field. The OG-2 “Thor”, as it was named, served as Tamurin's aircraft-launched space “workhorse.” This revolutionary shuttle was inspired by and based on a blend of aircraft and spacecraft technology that marked a significant milestone in aerospace development. The OG-2 “Thor” was renowned for its versatility and reliability, symbolising a major leap in the ability to access space efficiently.

OG-4 Aether

In-flight view of the OG-4.

The OG-4 “Aether” represents a significant evolution in space plane design, building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the OG-2 “Thor.” As a successor to the groundbreaking OG-2, the OG-4 “Aether” incorporated numerous advancements in aerospace technology, reflecting a natural progression in the field of space exploration. The aerodynamic design of the OG-4 “Aether” was a notable enhancement, featuring a more streamlined and efficient profile. This improvement was critical in reducing atmospheric drag and improving fuel efficiency during both the launch and re-entry phases. In terms of construction, the OG-4 utilised advanced materials, making it lighter yet stronger than its predecessor. This not only enhanced its payload capacity but also increased its durability and lifespan, a vital factor in space missions. The propulsion system of the OG-4 “Aether” marked a leap forward. Equipped with a more powerful and efficient engine, it provided greater thrust, enabling the shuttle to achieve higher orbits and extend the duration of its missions. This advancement was crucial in expanding the scope and capabilities of space exploration missions. Another significant aspect of the OG-4 was its focus on reusability. Building on the concept introduced by the OG-2 “Thor,” the OG-4 featured enhanced reusable technologies. These improvements played a key role in reducing the cost and time required between missions, a factor that has long been a challenge in space exploration. In terms of payload, the OG-4 “Aether” boasted an increased capacity, allowing it to carry larger satellites and more sophisticated scientific instruments. This enhancement was essential in broadening the range of research and exploration activities that could be undertaken. Furthermore, the OG-4 offered improved accommodations for its crew. Advances in life support systems and cabin design meant that !astronauts could undertake longer missions in greater comfort, a crucial consideration for the future of manned space exploration. Finally, the technological integration in the OG-4 “Aether” was state-of-the-art. With the latest avionics and navigation technology, the shuttle provided enhanced communication, navigation, and monitoring capabilities, ensuring higher levels of safety and mission success.

OG-4 Celestia

The OG-4 (left) and OG-7NX design (right).

The OG-7NX “Celestia” space vehicle represents a monumental leap in the evolution of space plane technology, building on the foundations laid by the RP OG-4 “Aether”. This transformation marked a significant shift in capability, design, and technological sophistication, with the OG-7NX “Celestia” standing as a pinnacle of aerospace engineering. One of the most striking advancements of the OG-7NX “Celestia” was its payload capacity. Capable of carrying an astounding 20,000 kg, the vehicle substantially exceeded the capabilities of its predecessor, the OG-4 “Aether.” This increase in payload capacity opened new horizons for space exploration and utilisation, allowing for the deployment of larger satellites, more extensive scientific equipment, and the possibility of more ambitious manned missions. In achieving this feat, the OG-7NX “Celestia” underwent significant design overhauls. The vehicle's structure was reimagined to optimise space and weight efficiency, utilising cutting-edge materials that offered an unparalleled blend of strength and lightness. The aerodynamic design also saw refinements, enhancing its performance in both atmospheric flight and space travel. The propulsion system of the OG-7NX “Celestia” was another area of remarkable advancement. Incorporating the latest in rocket and jet propulsion technologies, the system provided not only the necessary thrust to reach orbit but also the versatility for efficient travel within the Earth's atmosphere. This dual-capability distinguished the OG-7NX “Celestia” from traditional space vehicles, positioning it as a hybrid marvel in aerospace technology. Moreover, the OG-7NX “Celestia” featured state-of-the-art avionics and navigation systems, integrating advanced computational capabilities to handle complex flight dynamics and mission parameters. This technological integration ensured higher safety standards, precise manoeuvring, and reliable communication, crucial for the success of its high-stake missions. The focus on reusability remained a core principle in the design of the NX-5 “Celestia.” Building upon the reusable aspects of the OG-4 “Aether,” the NX-5 aimed to further reduce mission costs and turnaround times, embodying the principles of sustainable and efficient space exploration.

A total of 7 shuttle orbiters were manufactured, each designed to undertake multiple missions, thereby showcasing the practicality and reusability of such vehicles in space exploration. These orbiters played a crucial role in numerous missions, ranging from satellite deployment to scientific research in low Eurth orbit. The development of these space planes not only represented a technological breakthrough but also laid the groundwork for subsequent innovations in reusable spacecraft, influencing future designs and concepts in the field of space transportation.

ID	Space Shuttle orbiters (Oharic name)	Synonym(s)	Oharic name	Type
1	Challenger	Contender	Tewedadarī	OG-2
2	Enterprise (dirijiti)	Venture / Undertaking	Vēnicheri / Makahēdi	OG-2
3	Columbia (kolomibīya)	Liberty / Freedom	Net͟s’aneti	OG-4
4	Discovery (ginyiti)	Adventure	Jebidu	OG-4
5	Atlantis (ātilanitīsi)	-	-	OG-4
6	Endeavour (t’ireti)	Aspire / Pursuit	Temenyu / Masadedi	OG-7NX
7	Pathfinder (menigedi felagī)	Pioneer / Traveller	āk’inyī / tegwazhi	OG-7NX

WIP

Other shuttle names:

• Explorer / Pilgrim / Seeker / Trailblazer
• Opportunity / Freedom / Hope / Fortune
• Boundless / Limitless (Aditi)
• Inanna
• Oraison

Images:

• 

  Convair Kingfish

• 

  Convair Kingfish

• 

  Simulated view of VentureStar in low Earth orbit, having released its payload.

• 

  VentureStar would have stood approximately 17 meters shorter than the Space Shuttle.

• Dawn Mk-II Aurora.jpg

  Dawn Mk-II Aurora. Unmanned vehicle test in Deltannia.

Launch options

• Rocket sled launch against on mountain side:
  • https://pixels.com/featured/nasa-sled-launch-james-vaughan.html
  • https://newatlas.com/space/radian-one-single-stage-to-orbit-spaceplane/
• Maglifter
  • StarTram.
  • https://zapatatalksnasa.com/2021/05/24/cost-per-kg-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-but/
  • https://www.slideserve.com/iolani/simulating-ground-support-capability-for-nasa-s-reusable-launch-vehicle-program

• 

  An example of rocket sled launch assist: NASA's Maglifter proposal for giving a 500+ ton rocket initial velocity from a mountain.

• 

  Hypothetical StarTram spaceport.

• 

  A prior concept for likewise a maglev horizontal launch assist system but at far lesser velocity: MagLifter.

Human space flight

WIP

• Astronaut = star + sailor
• Cosmonaut = cosmos + sailor
• Taikonaut = space + sailor
• sky (Oharic: semayi) / heaven (semayi) / nirvana (nīrivana) / paradise
  • Semayinaut?
  • Nirvanaut?

Incidents

There will certainly be some accidents while we develop this RP. Use dice roll to determine failure or success.