Orbital Station Completed

[Nathan]

The Defense Ministry has contracted with Aeronautic and Space Shipyards for plans to contruct an orbital space station for fleet command, orbital trading, limited residential accomodations for spacefleet personnel and family, scientists, and others, extensive research labs, and experimental launching mechanisms for extraterrestrial missions in the future.

We plan to suppliment the main "colony" by a series of small, manned outposts for classified purposes and colonial support.

The Alexandrians are reportedly getting into the space program too. We can either march ahead alone and tango with a space race with such close allies, or propose a unified project to assure Novasolan domination of space and extend expansion of knowledge into the depths of space.

It is my opinion that nations attempting to use space technology as a part of their culture may soon come under fire for being too outlandish. If we were to unite with similar-minded nations, a unified front may bring some credibility to space travel in Micras.

[Nathan]

After nearly 4 months of an intense construction schedule, the space station is nearly operational. It is fitting that on our fourth birthday the orbital station, and new base of operations for the Natopian Spacefleet. May I present the Natopian International Space Station. The station is a massive structure in orbit around Micras and accessable to all nations wishing to depart to Tarsica or trade between Micras and Giess.

The NISS has a relative vertical layout with the command bridge on the "top." A large array of deep space communication equipment and telescopes are above the bridge to maintain contact with expeditionary forces and Tarsican bases. Below the command sphere is the first of the two universal docking rings. The telescopic docking umbilicals extend as needed to accomodate larger vessels such as the Natopian Spacefleet carriers. Below the docking ring is the large hexagonal docking bay, capable of holdin small to medium sized vessels. The rest of the station are laboratories, crew quarters, engineering spaces, and residential areas for outgoing colonials.