09-30-2024, 10:19 PM
The probes were being upgraded to a Type XIII sensor package. It wasn't as detailed as the one being removed from the current probes, but was better tuned for the environment inside the nebula and had the added benefit of being smaller than what was being removed.
The extra space was necessary, because in addition to the finer-tuned sensors, the propulsion system was set to be removed in favor of a set of station-keeping thrusters and a communications package, allowing it to stay in contact with neighboring probes. The idea was to create a sensor net throughout the nebula, with each probe communicating with the next in line to detect not only ships within the vicinity, but also if anything went wrong with their neighbors.
Artemis didn't have enough probes for this, but they had enough to get a start and see if the net idea was even viable within the volatile area of the nebula.
The extra space was necessary, because in addition to the finer-tuned sensors, the propulsion system was set to be removed in favor of a set of station-keeping thrusters and a communications package, allowing it to stay in contact with neighboring probes. The idea was to create a sensor net throughout the nebula, with each probe communicating with the next in line to detect not only ships within the vicinity, but also if anything went wrong with their neighbors.
Artemis didn't have enough probes for this, but they had enough to get a start and see if the net idea was even viable within the volatile area of the nebula.