LoS: Venus
- This is an article related to the science fiction role play setting Legacy of Sol.
Adjectives : Venusian
Aphelion : 108 939 000 km or 0.728 213 AU [1]
Periphelion : 107 477 000 km or 0.718 400 AU
Orbital Period : 224.701 terran days or 0.615 198 Julian years [2]
Length of Day : 116.75 terran days
Satellites :
- No natural satellites
- 11 operational artificial satellites
- 1 piece of debris over 10 cm in size
Volume : 0.866 Earths
Mass : 0.815 Earths
Surface Gravity : 0.904 g [3]
Surface Temperature : 462 °C (fairly constant globally)
Surface Pressure : 9.2 MPa
Composition : Largely composed of carbon dioxide, with traces of nitrogen
Interplanetary State : Union of Democratic Nations
Colonized : 2083 December 30th
Capital : Ishtar Port
Demonym : Venusian
Government : Federal parliamentary constitutional republic (UDN)
- Governor : Idowu Afolayan
Population : 2,137 (as of 20/09/2256)
InterPlaNet TLD : .ve
"Venus" [4] is the terrestrial planet the second closest to the Sun in the Solar System. Sometimes referred to as Terra's sister planet due to its similar size, composition and gravity, it is nonetheless significantly different from the green planet in many respects. Known for possessing a very hostile environment on its surface, Venus came under the influence of a runaway greenhouse effect which gradually vaporized any water on its surface. Due to a lack of a planetary magnetic field, this vapor was swept away from the planet by solar wind. This has left the planet almost entirely deprived of hydrogen and it has gained an atmosphere composed of almost exclusively carbon dioxide. With a pressure 92 times that of Earth, unprotected exposure to the planet's climate is lethal to known plants, animals and human beings. Moreover, this greenhouse effect spreads the heat from the Sun's rays even across the dark side, leaving Venus with a constant 462 degrees Celsius temperature across its entire surface. Coupled with reflective, sulfuric acid clouds that cover most of the planet, it is often described as a hellish, dry desertscape with occasional volcanic activity.
These properties are the primary reason behind why plans for Venus' colonization or terraforming have been scrapped. While technology has offered answers to most of the difficulties, the disproportionately enormous investment has just not been deemed worth the trouble when Venus has little to offer in the way of resources that cannot be gathered elsewhere. Beyond brief trips to the surface by drones and shielded vessels, Venus sees no real activity and its population lives exclusively on stations in orbit around it. Research is its bread and butter, as it does offer many unique views on the effects of greenhouse gasses and close proximity to the Sun. Deuterium has been found in abundance in Venus' atmosphere, which has led to the construction of several processing stations in close orbit, as the isotope is used in fusion reactors.
The UDN lays claim on Venus as part of its sovereignty but has largely passed it by and shifted its focus away from the Sun, or towards Mercury. Nonetheless, a small military presence is stationed there as pirates have been known to hide in Venus' orbit until the planetary alignment makes precise strikes at merchant freighters moving along the inner Solar System space lanes very difficult to defend against.
History
Venus was considered for early colonial expansion since the early days of the Inner Solar System Colonization Rush. With relatively limited knowledge on what the most lucrative locations for colonies and mining facilities were going to be, and with a lot of unknown factors still governing what was considered possible or impossible about colonizing the pressure cooker, a number of plans were put forward to try and get some viable reports on the condition of the planet. Initial response was favorable, as the UDN was still running high on its early successes constructing colonies in Earth's orbit, as well as on the surface of the Moon. Early on in the 2060s, manned missions were mounted to do brief fly-by skims of the planet to gather more up-to-date information than what had been on-hand at the time. Results were mixed and the Union began to question whether surface domes were feasible and affordable. Corporate backing and influencing convinced the UDN to accept the latest plans for a space station and in early 2083, construction of Ishtar Port began.
During these works, the UDN continued to organize expeditions to closely observe Venus, and after only a few months of construction, the project was abandoned in favor of greener pastures. This presented companies with a - at the time - unique opportunity to take more direct control of colonial affairs in a region of the Solar System. After significant talks, the decision was made to hand over the project to several interested parties, who proceeded to pour funds into the construction efforts to get Ishtar Port done as quickly as possible. By the end of the same year, those efforts paid off and Venus was considered colonized. Ever since then, companies have continued to nurture the location and invest significant capital in eking out niche space stations for themselves. Most often, these stations are intended to serve as research outposts and plenty of conspiracy theories are abound on how the remoteness is being used to hide illegal and perhaps even unethical activities.
Today, Venus has remained unchanged to a remarkable degree. Its distance and isolation is not as complete as Mercury's, but the planet has still been able to avoid getting too embroiled in the troubles of the further reaches from the Sun. As a result, they have maintained their relative independence and continue to thrive in anonymity. Tourism has been kept at a comfortable, steady level, which allows for some additional income on top of what new developments research projects drive. A lack of a UDNAF presence tends to give the planet the overall perception of being a neutral party on the big playing field.
Geography
Venus's surface is most notable for the sheer abundance of volcanic activity that has influenced every aspect of its crust over many cycles of many millions of years. The presence of sulfur in the atmosphere, as well as observations of the planet itself have shown that this activity continues on today, with eruptions fairly common, though also very varied in location. As such, about 80% of the planet is covered by smooth, volcanic plains. Orientation of the planet's surface is often done in reference to two "highland" continents, one of which can be found in the northern hemisphere, the other just south of the equator. Fractures, faults and even some very high mountains are common trademarks of these regions.
The planet also displays impact craters, much like the other terrestrial planets in the Solar System, though they are few in number. Like other rocky bodies, common geographical features include mountains, craters and valleys, though the planet does sport some more unique features. Among these are flat-topped volcanic features called "farra", which somewhat resemble pancakes and can range in size from anywhere between 20 to 50 km across, and from 100 to 1,000 m high; radial, star-like fracture systems called "novae"; and "coronae", circular rings of fractures sometimes surrounded by a depression.
As evidenced by its appearance, much of Venus' surface has been shaped by volcanic activity. While the planet may not necessarily be more volcanically active than Terra, it does posses several times as many volcanoes as the blue planet. To further support the claims of Venus having a hellish surface, the ash from eruptions have been known to generate terrible thunderstorms. Coupled with an enormous surface pressure over 90 times that of Terra, a complete lack of oxygen and hydrogen, and an atmosphere that keeps the planet heated up at over 400° Celsius, at all times, it is one of the most hostile, known environments of rocky bodies in the galaxy.
Settlements
Currently, the surface of Venus has proven far too hostile to warrant the exorbitant sums of money required to sustain most forms of viable settlements. As such, the entirety of its population lives in orbit around the planet.
Satellites
Ishtar Port
The capital of Venus, Ishtar Port is a large space station that maintains a stationary orbit above a single point of the planet's surface, namely the Maxwell Montes; the highest mountain on Venus. The station serves as the base for the planet's central government, what little of it is required, and its highport. With hangar accommodations for a handful of vessels and plenty of fuel on hand, it also often serves as a stopping point for smaller vessels traveling towards Mercury, or freighters from Mercury that need to dock for one reason or another, on their way to Earth. Originally intended to serve as a research station to look into colonization possibilities for Venus, more detailed fly-by scans of the planet upon approval of the project, cooled interest almost immediately. Essentially a super-hot pressure cooker, the investment would have proven astronomical for a yield that was uncertain at best. Instead, with priorities shifting, the port was restructured to serve the dual nature of research outpost and capital for what little colonization Venus' regional space would receive.
With the UDN largely retracting their support for the project, the port suffered delays in its construction, which were not resolved until several corporations decided to complete the funding in exchange for gaining a presence on the station for R&D goals. The official opening of the port marks the date when Venus was officially considered colonized and over the span of several decades, Ishtar Port would expand to harbor roughly 1000 individuals who perform all the various tasks required to keep the station in working order. With the support of the wealthy companies, life on the station is surprisingly luxurious, and unlike the lonely nature of Mercury, Venus is within a profitable distance from Earth to garner a modicum of tourism. Many of Venus' unique features have also been exploited to attract leisurely attention, but it has failed to make much of an impact in the larger scheme of things.
Ishtar Port is also the support station for several UDN patrol vessels that regularly make passes around Venus in search of pirates and other unsavory elements that attempt to hide out near the planet's dangerous atmosphere. Rumors persist that some have managed to create subterranean hideouts using expensive, stolen equipment to isolate themselves from the dangerous environment. Unlikely, but some of the sighted vessels have been known to vanish into thin air, as if having a place to run to and hide.
Terracotta
A research station constructed in 2248 by Bahel-Isamov Industrial, this facility is a top-secret, private installation that has garnered significant interest from both the company's plethora of competitors, and the UDN itself. Named after the Terracotta Army, a large number of life-sized sculptures representing the armies of China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang, the official mission statement of the facility is to conduct soil sample research of Venus in the hopes of finding Xenian deposits, much like what has been done on Mercury. However, many scientists have stated numerous times that none of the telltale signs of Xenian presence have been found and Bahel-Isamov would not make the mistake of building such an expensive and surprisingly large facility for such a poorly researched reason. Many believe it is to serve as the testing site for much of the development the company is currently conducting with the Isamove drive it had acquired several years earlier. While it is all conjecture, Bahel-Isamov has consistently hidden itself behind an army of lawyers to protect its secrets from prying eyes. As of yet, they have not partaken in any illegal activities that would give the UDN legal reasons to look into the matter further, leaving Terracotta's activities in the dark.
The station is nearly the same size as Ishtar Port, but sports a great number of hangars and large modules fit for stockpiles or warehouses. It follows a fast, retrograde orbit around Venus and does have several defense mechanisms installed to protect it from possible pirates and other hazards. It does not see a lot of traffic, with most of the vessels docking carrying either personnel or regular supplies such as food, water, processed hydrogen and raw materials. Currently, the facility houses about two-hundred people, but there is obviously room for many more. Bahel-Isamov likely designed the installation with an eye on future expansion, which only raises even more eyebrows with regard to the nature of the place. Access to the station is strictly prohibited to anyone without proper clearance and the company has legal permission to use aggressive force to deter any ship from attempting to forcibly land on the station, though they have yet to be forced to call upon that extreme measure.
Other Satellites
Other artificial satellites in orbit around Venus are of lesser note, but the following list offers identification to some:
- Kalahari Colony: Residential, orbital space colony.
- Gobi Colony: Residential, orbital space colony.
- Atacama Station: Orbital space research station, owned by Justina.
- Patagonia Station: Orbital space research station, owned by Ishikawa Incorporated.
- Outpost v33: UDNAF orbital space listening post.
Economy
Venus' economy is not particularly active or noteworthy. The lack of real colonies on the surface of the planet, or in orbit around it, mean there is little population to be the driving force behind its wealth. More of an outpost than a planet, Venus nonetheless has significant capital flowing through it for a number of reasons. First and foremost, much of the work being conducted on it's few, artificial satellites (Ishtar Port, in particular) is funded and driven by corporations that are significant on the interplanetary market. The likes of Opal Industries and Exeros Labs, among a few others, all poured money into the construction of the highport after the project was endangered with the pulling of support by the UDN. While a significant investment at a time, the remote location, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, have proven the perfect R&D lab away from home. It is also a public secret that illegal testing is regularly performed on the surface of Venus, away from prying eyes. To facilitate these research and development efforts, a significant budget continues to be pumped Venus' way, and living conditions on most colonies are above average compared to most other locations in the Solar System.
However, corporate goings-on are not its only source of income. Contrary to Mercury, Venus lies within a far more manageable distance from Terra and, subsequently, the rest of the Inner Solar System. As such, it has been able to play up the unique sights to be seen via inexpensive fly-by missions through some of Venus' lower atmospheres. Expeditions to the surface are rare, but not entirely non-existent. While nothing compared to touristic hubs across the Solar System, Venus has still managed to carve itself a niche, and profits greatly from individuals interested in what the planet, and its colonies have to offer.
Living on colonies orbiting Venus is a more lively and exciting affair than in other place more removed from bustling interplanetary activity. Visits from casual and leisure sources are more common, and as it serves as a stopping point for traffic headed for Mercury, it does benefit from that lifeline as well. Quality of life is fairly high and because of its society's artificial nature, poverty is non-existent. With most of the satellites nearly entirely self-sufficient, there is rarely a high demand for anything beyond luxury articles from the outside, which keeps inhabitants content.
Demographics
Venus does not have much in the way of population. Most people living in orbit around the planet are researchers or dockworkers in service of one of the companies that have staked a claim on the Morning and Evening Star. Ishtar Port marks the most substantial population hub, but there are several other orbital space colonies that are able to comfortably house and support families. Contrary to Mercury, Venus possesses the space and means to cultivate what it requires itself, which results in an easier time for families to survive. While higher education is still not a locally available commodity, the planet is more family friendly and senior citizens are more common. The amount of money being pumped into the orbital region for a variety of reasons also results in a higher living standard than what is commonly found among other colonies in the Solar System. There is a distinct lack of poverty and with spacious construction came sufficient housing, recreation and food production. Despite these advantages, Venus still does not see much in the way of children staying with their parents as they grow older. Many move away in favor of greener pastures than home, while the planet has proven less of an attractive destination for students looking to do internships or research projects than Mercury.
Military
Venus and its satellites are all considered part of the UDN's sovereignty, and fall under UDNAF jurisdiction. However, despite its closer proximity to Earth and its relative importance as a refueling stop, the planet is generally left to its own devices. With considerable investments applied from the pockets of companies such as Bahel-Isamov Industrial, security tends to be much tighter and more omnipresent than in remote locations of a similar nature. Private-owned space vessels and armed personnel can be found seeing to the protection and law enforcement on space colonies in Venus' orbital region, with their wages usually paid by a mix of companies that have a vested interest in a specific location. This includes even Ishtar Port, which would logically be one of the primary locations that the UDN would focus on, regardless of a lack of interest in the planet and its resources. Much like a miniature climate akin to that found on moons such as Titan, this has resulted in Venus being somewhat of a paradise for mercenaries, private military contractors and corporate security forces. There is no lack of work, even though it all tends to be cakewalk patrols and plenty of downtime.
Still, the region is not without troubles. Corporate headbutting is common, and there have been cover-ups of some fighting between investors that got out of hand. The proverbial dark side of Venus has proven to be a breeding ground of corporate conniving and even space battles have been the result of this; though they have never reached sizes greater than skirmishes. Moreover, raiders and other unsavory elements are rumored to have made a home for themselves planetside. Considering the difficulties presented by Venus' geography and atmosphere, it is unlikely that these are simple pirates, for those would have lacked the funds required to make such a hidden outpost possible. These incidents are the only reason why there are a few UDNAF patrol ships constantly running the space lanes through and around Venus, trying to make sure that these raiders do not get a chance to cause significant damage. Overall though, Venus is considered safe and the common employee is unlikely to run into much trouble over a lifetime of working there.
See also
- Solar System for an overview of the Solar System and its objects.
