The evolution of insect swarms from XNUMX million years ago

Chapter 278 The three-body problem is actually myself

The size of Tethys is not as exaggerated as that of Jupiter, but its gravity is still stronger than that of terrestrial planets such as Gondwana, which means that it is not easy to exploit the rich nuclear fusion fuel resources inside it. .

In the original idea, Lin Yi planned to build a large floating mining station in the upper atmosphere of such a large gas giant planet, and use a large electromagnetic gun to launch the fusion fuel into space.

But now, the large-scale use of carbon nanofibers has given Lin Yi a new solution - a large space station that is similar to a space elevator, but is not directly connected to the planet's surface. One end extends into the atmosphere of the gaseous star, and the other end Operates on a synchronous orbit.

In later generations, this structure was called the "skyhook" and was considered a lower replacement for the space elevator. However, its various shortcomings make it completely unnecessary to build a space elevator if conditions permit.

But in gaseous planets, the huge gravity, astonishingly long distances, terrifying pressure on the surface of solid hydrogen, and harsh climate all make the construction of traditional space elevators impossible.

At this time, there is a place for equipment like Skyhook to come into play. It is envisioned that one end of this skyhook will stay at the edge of the Tethys atmosphere, and the fusion fuel will be transported to this end by a special flight class that can adapt to the violent weather conditions in the atmosphere of the Jupiter-like planet, and then transported in. A large space station in geostationary orbit.

The special flight level can be slightly improved on the basis of the gastrocystis to make it more adaptable to extreme airflow. The other end of the skyhook is still imagined to look like a giant graptolite, but with some different functions.

The huge ring of pupal sacs on the side of the main part of the "graptolite" is no longer replaced by a vesicle-like structure like a real graptolite. These vesicles will be able to store massive amounts of fusion fuel for use by the star cluster.

A large number of special appendage structures are installed on the whisker-like structures below and between them. It is envisaged that this huge graptolite-shaped space station will have two supply methods. One is to use carbon nanofiber hoses with special structures. Directly pour it into the star in a similar way to aerial refueling, and secondly, those appendages need to be effective.

Those special appendage-like structures are essentially small electromagnetic cannons that can launch some small capsule-shaped individuals equipped with electric rocket engines and with certain jet-orbiting capabilities. These individuals are fully loaded with fusion fuel and then received by the star. , the purpose of supply can be achieved.

The orbital skyhook, spaceport and other structures have begun to pupate as the pioneering stars are in place. At the other end, the space elevator on Gondwana has also begun the production of the first batch of main stars, which will soon be Something has come of it.

The space station part of the second space elevator on Gondwana has also begun to pupate with the placement of the pioneer star. According to Lin Yi's vision, this space elevator is not entirely for the production of stars, but for the production of stars. It serves some other purposes.

That is similar to the previous solar system defense system, which uses large electromagnetic rail guns to place some defense structures disguised as asteroids in deep space and assist star clusters in defense.

Compared with nuclear fission, nuclear fusion generates higher heat, which cannot be utilized and can only waste more waste heat. Therefore, it is not suitable for use as a concealed structure. The structure of the solar system defense system is not fully applicable.

However, after referring to the space warfare theory of the Ezki civilization, Lin Yi had some new ideas about the layout of the defense system - the new defense system will consist of armed space stations or space fortresses in the open, and in the dark The one-time strike mechanism consists of two parts. The first part, which is the armed space station on the surface, is not so much a space station as a warship with highly specialized firepower and defense, sacrificing the ability to sail long distances in a straight line.

Yes, these armed space stations, while having main star-level firepower and escort star-level defense, can even carry out small-scale probabilistic cloud maneuvers. The price is a serious lack of long-distance endurance and slow straight-line speed. People point their fingers.

Its specific structure is somewhat similar to the floating mother nest of the former Helical Stone Nest, which is roughly in the shape of a five-pointed star. Each protruding end of the star is equipped with a star-like secondary cannon, which is similar to an eyeball, but with the power of a large laser. The spherical focusing structure of the directed energy weapon is even better than the main gun of the main star.

Below the structure protrude some structures similar to graptolite filter-feeding structures, but more like appendages and shorter. The ends are also spherical focusing structures, which serve as secondary artillery and point defense arrays. Of course, the core of the close-in defense array, that is, the right-angle stone interceptor missiles and micron star missiles are also carried in large quantities.

These defense platforms, which are second only in size to the space station at the end of the space elevator, will be mainly located in strategic locations, such as outside the planet's orbit and in the hyperspace channel entrance area. The planet's low-Earth orbit is guarded by a similar defense platform structure.

The appearance of these structures is not much different from the previous one, but the end is a large electromagnetic rail gun. It is also equipped with a large number of fusion missiles, and its own defense level is also top-notch. For those who need to break through low-Earth orbit defense It is also a difficult nut to crack for enemy escort ships.

As for the secret defense structure, the design concept is somewhat similar to that of landmines. But their method of killing is no longer an explosion, but a one-time close-range kinetic attack.

Using traditional trigger mines or air mines in space is simply a stupid method. Even if the mines have the ability to self-guide at short distances, once the small wooden structures forming a cluster are exposed, it will be difficult to break through the dense fleet. Active defense systems are almost a pipe dream.

Therefore, Lin Yi installed an electromagnetic rail gun as large as possible for these hidden mine structures. The body has an electric plate column organ and energy reserve that can barely drive the system to fire once or twice, and the outside is wrapped with a layer of space bacteria. Blanket structures are used to harvest energy.

In order to remain as concealed as possible, the structure cannot be equipped with any reactors that emit heat. It can only rely on thermal energy, light energy and radiation energy to drive the electric rocket engine for simple steering and aiming. Once it fires, thermal radiation appears, exposing it to the enemy, which means there is no possibility of firing another shot.

In my imagination, this thing is more like a space version of RPG. Perhaps it is no match for tanks or current warships from the front, but it can completely rely on numerical advantages, concealment advantages and information advantages to ambush, and confront them at close range under unexpected circumstances. The opponent fires, then uses it and throws it away.

However, when imagining the defense system of Centauri's three stars, Lin Yi couldn't help but have a strange sense of déjà vu - the war is coming, and construction is still going on in Centauri. Co-author, Three-Body Problem is actually me?

(End of this chapter)