Greetings
A while ago, there was a small discussion of the life support costs of living
on a starship. Specifically the 2000 Cr per person per jump (Jump being
about 2 weeks approx because I assume they are including time for in system
manuvering.) So that comes out to 1000 Cr per week per person in life support
costs.
Ok, what does it pay for? Good question. Well, according to the Ref's
manual the cost/power/weight/volume of lights, heat, air, cooking, waste
recycling etc. does not change from TL 5 all the way to TL 21. If so then
the technology used must be similar to that currently used.
Ok, that means you are going to need carbon dioxide filters, dust filters
and such that are going to have to be replaced on a regular basis. Also
Emergency life support equipment is going to have to be serviced from time
to time, not to mention perisable medical supplies which will need to be
purchased if used or not. (perhaps a wily starship crew could resell these
to dirtside hospitals before the expiration date was completely up to help
cut costs?)
Food? Well it isn't that expensive, I have seen figures published saying
good food was about 200 Cr per week (I'll have to check that)
I also remember there was a bit in the Traveller Adventure on the cost of
breathing air. (Aramis has an air tax I believe) I think it was 150 Cr
per week (Of course that includes the cost of beaurocracies)
Still, I these are small costs overall. What I think would soak up the most
cash would be the cost of various equipment maintainance. Most aircraft
undergo maintainance inspections every 100 hrs of flight and a major inspection
every 1000 hrs (Sorry I'm only a student pilot not an aircraft owner)
Starships on the other hand have their overhauls every year. A year of
operation is a LONG time. I'd guess that the 1000 cr per week goes mostly
toward routine equipment replacement and spares.
Speaking of air replenishing systems, I read a while ago on sci.military about
'Oxygen Candles' which are an emergency air system on submarines. Basically
it is a 'candle' (quite large: 30cm diameter by 50cm high) which 'burns'
releasing oxygen and heat as it does so.
I imagine it as a kind of oxydizer rich solid rocket fuel. Not that it
produces any thrust, but that it is a material which holds the oxygen
chemically, and releases it upon being heated. The oxygen burns the 'candle',
heating it, releasing more oxygen.
I would assume these are carried aboard ships for emergency use. Now, it has
been pointed out that there are existing worlds in the spinward marches which
would be 'failing' before the trouble started. Say a Vaccum world with too
low technology. Explain it? Well, how about an naturally occuring mineral
deposit similar to these 'oxygen candles'? It would be a local material that
would find a ready market!
Scott Kellogg
Odd image # 274: Imagine an Aslan on catnip...