Outpost 2 Research

Outpost 2 research expands on possible near future scientific breakthroughs.
The in game research tree can be tailored to each map, so it is possible to change most all research values. You may see some research change which lab it is supposed to be completed at, not exist on a current map, or change in time to research. The information below represents a usual starting place.

If research time is listed as N/A, it means the colony is unable to research the technology. It is sometimes possible to acquire otherwise unobtainable technology through trade centers or using spiders to rewrite software code of other units.

The number of scientists assigned to research and colony morale will affect how quickly research is completed.

There are 3 types of laboratories in Outpost 2. The basic lab the standard lab, and the advanced lab. The basic lab is not required on many maps. The advanced lab is sometimes referred to as a hot lab and will damage nearby units and buildings if destroyed. Advanced labs can spontaneously explode when damaged.

Abbreviated Technology Trees:

• Eden Full Tech Tree
• Plymouth Full Tech Tree

A comprehensive list of all Outpost 2 research topics is below.

Visual Tree - Eden

Visual Tree - Plymouth

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

Astronomy is the study of matter and energy in the universe, particularly the composition and movement of celestial bodies. Prior to our hurried departure, our astronomical database contained a great deal of information on nearby star systems and the local region of space. This database was corrupted and must be rebuilt.

Our astronomical database has been rebuilt, giving us increased knowledge of the possible resources and hazards of this part of space. It can provide the basis for future research.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

The Biology database contained information related to human biology and medicine as well as animal and plant biology from Earth. The biology database is vital to our continued survival as it contained all of our information regarding human growth and development, anatomical data, medical data, and agricultural data. The database has been damaged and must be rebuilt.

The Biology database has been reconstructed. Our Scientists may now pursue new topics in the fields of medicine and agriculture.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

'Boptronics' refers to hybrid devices and systems which use electronic, biological and optical components. Our colony is entirely dependent on this type of equipment, but our database of boptronic engineering techniques has been damaged. Reassembling this data is a top priority for our survival.

Our boptronics database has been restored. We will soon be able to develop new processes, techniques, and devices.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

The science of chemistry investigates the composition and properties of materials. Our databases contained all of Earth's knowledge of chemistry, as well as the results of many experiments carried out since we landed on New Terra; our studies in analytical chemistry, examining the composition of materials in the New Terrestrial soil are particularly valuable. This chemical database must now be rebuilt.

The chemical database has been reconstructed, and will provide the foundation of future scientific progress.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

The planetary sciences data bank included studies of the soil, landforms, and atmosphere of New Terra, as well as all geoscientific research done on Earth and the solar system prior to the planet's destruction. Restoration of this database is essential to our continued survival on New Terra.

Our planetary sciences database has been reassembled.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

Our knowledge of psychology, sociology, economics, politics, and the other social sciences enable us to maintain the happiness and productivity of the colonists. We must reconstruct this data to maintain order and civility.

Reclamation of the social sciences database is complete.

Contributes towards allowing construction of standard lab kits at the structure factory.

The Earth Database, the database containing information on all scientific research conducted on Earth before its destruction, has been severely damaged. Though our research department is unsure of how much of the data they can recover, they wish to attempt to rebuild the Earth Database.

The Earth Database has been, for the most part, rebuilt. Our Scientists were unable to reconstruct the data regarding the design and construction of the Conestoga, the starship that brought us to New Terra. It seems that if we are unable to stop the Blight, we will have to build our own starship.

Allows production of Robot Command Center and Vehicle Factory structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Prior to the evacuation from our original colony site, Workers remotely operated our vehicles using a technology called Teleoperation. Since the catastrophe, we no longer have enough Workers to Teleoperate our vehicles. The Savant computers at the Command Center have taken on part of this burden, but the job is taxing their capacity. We need a specialized computer vehicle control system. This Cybernetic Teleoperation project should allows us to operate a much larger number of vehicles.“

Our research has resulted in a specialized variant of the Command Center, with dedicated computers and communications capabilities. In addition, all vehicle designs now include the less expensive Noesis computer, utilizing elements of the Savant technology. This transfers much of the computing burden from the Robot Command Center to the vehicle itself.

Allows production of DIRT structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Given the new dangers confronting our colony, we need more protection against disaster than our emergency shelters are able to provide. This project will develop new methods, tools, and techniques to respond to structural damage.

Disaster Instant Response Teams (DIRTs) can reduce damage to structures. Once the DIRT structure has been deployed, DIRT members trained in emergency medical care and structural reinforcement will be on the scene in a matter of seconds.

Increases Residence capacity from 25 to 35.

Environmental Psychology studies the relationships between human behaviors and the environments in which they occur. The forced evacuation of our old colony site has increased the stress on our Colonists; additional research in this field may help us to create a more supportive environment and improve Morale.

Our expanded knowledge of the causes and effects of crowding and environmental and situational stressors has enabled us to redesign our Residences. We can now house more people in the same space, while improving Morale.

Makes the Microwave weapon available. Allows production of Guard Post structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Inter-colonial relations remain poor, making it prudent to develop some kind of defensive capability. Our most promising research path lies in a refinement of the Microwave technology we use for transmitting power from our Tokamaks to the rest of the colony.

We have refined the technology used in transmitting power between structures. Our new emitters are capable of projecting a high-intensity beam of microwaves which will inflict heat damage on the target.

Allows production of Medical Center structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Although our emergency medical systems are adequate to deal with accidents and disasters, our people are suffering from a lack of regular medical care. We could exploit the vast medical knowledge in our databases to develop a regimen of health maintenance practices.

Medical Center personnel are trained in a variety of techniques of preventive medicine as well as the treatment of illness and injury. Each Medical Center can support the health needs of up to 40 colonists, improving the health and morale of the colony.

Increases Tokamak Power output from 250 to 300.

Superconductivity is the ability of certain materials to conduct electric current with no resistance and extremely low losses. The best superconductive materials we have require an operating temperature of 152 degrees Kelvin (-121 degrees Celsius). Many new applications could be developed with a significant increase in the temperature of superconduction.

Our research into High-Temperature Superconductivity has resulted in the discovery of an alloy that is superconductive at 236 degrees Kelvin (-37 degrees Celsius), over 80 degrees higher than our previous superconductors, improving power generation at our Tokamaks.

Increases Agridome food production to 50.

Our Agridomes use a variety of methods, including Hydroponics (soilless farming) to fill our Food requirements. Some of our Agricultural Workers have ideas on ways to improve the growing medium in which our Hydroponic crops are grown.

By adjusting the nutrients in the liquid in which our hydroponic crops are grown, we have been able to increase production at our Agridomes by 25%.

Makes the Laser weapon available. Allows production of Guard Post structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Inter-colonial relations remain poor, making it prudent to develop some kind of defensive capability. Our most promising research proposal derives from the welding and cutting lasers used at the Structure Factory. The key development will be the design of an optical resonator large enough to produce a weapons-strength beam.

Industrial laser torches provided the model for the Laser turret, whose large-scale optical resonators are capable of generating a beam that can slice through enemy targets quite easily.

Increases Common Ore Mine yield.

Metallogeny is the branch of geology that seeks to define the relationship between the geological history of an area and its mineral deposits. Metallogenic research is aimed at achieving a better understanding of the nature and geological settings of base and precious metal deposits, and to use this understanding to help develop areas of high mineral potential.

Our Metallogenic research has developed a new technique of locating and exploiting veins of Ore. This new method has increased Common Ore production.

Allows production of GORF structure kits at the Structure Factory.

With our growing needs, we can no longer afford to overlook any possible sources of Metals. A few adaptations to our current Smelter technology may enable us to reclaim some of the materials in structures we no longer need.

The Garbage and Ore Recycling Facility (GORF) uses a variant of the hot-cracking technology used at the Common Ore Smelter to extract usable Metals from deconstructed structures, unneeded structure kits, and rubble.

Allows production of Nursery structure kits at the Structure Factory.

With our population dwindling, we must find ways of increasing our numbers. This project is designed to find ways of increasing the birth rate as well as improving the health of our children.

Based on the data developed in the Human Genome Project, completed a few years before the destruction of Earth, our Offspring Enhancement program includes selection of genetically superior children from our gene banks, in vitro gestation, and fertility enhancement.

Allows production of University and Advanced Lab structure kits at the Structure Factory.

A lack of trained workers and scientists is hampering our colony's efforts. We need to develop a curricula that will educate our workforce and expand our research staff.

Our new educational curriculum for training scientists includes intensive class work, independent study with Savant computers, VR simulations, and internships at the research labs.

Gives early warning of seismic events.

Our previous research on the geology of New Terra indicated that the planet was not subject to seismic activity; recent events, however, have changed the situation. Our planetary sciences database shows that seismologists had developed methods of seismic event prediction on Earth; some of these techniques may be adaptable to New Terra.

We have developed equipment to detect certain hydrogeochemical early warning signals of seismic events. Among the most reliable indicators are variations in the concentration of radon and carbon dioxide in the molten salts found in deep bore wells or in fumaroles. These warnings should give us some time to idle structures in the vicinity of the epicenter, reducing damage to them.

Improves Cargo Truck, Robo-Dozer, and Earthworker speeds.

Several of the vehicle models we use are powered by the R-2000 cool-fusion plant. Our work in High-Temperature Superconductivity may be applicable to an improvement of this power plant.

The new R-3000 series cool-fusion plant has been installed in all Cargo Trucks, Robo-Dozers, Earthworkers, replacing the earlier R-2000 model. This application of the High-Temperature Superconductivity technology has increased the speed of these vehicles.

Improves Medical Center capacity from 50 to 75.

The increase in our population is straining the capacity of our Medical Centers. We may be able to increase their capacity by automating some tasks.

A new type of robotic medical assistant has been developed which can perform many routine tasks at the Medical Center, allowing the staff to care for more patients.

Allows production of Consumer Goods Factory structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Though there are a number of goods and services they can purchase, our colonists are asking for something more: items that they can enjoy during their leisure hours. A few colonists have asked for time at our research facilities to respond to this need.

Our research into the psychological benefits of consumerism has led to the development of a production facility in which a variety of goods can be produced. These items can induce a short-term increase in Morale.

Increases DIRT protection capacity. Increases workers required from 2 to 3.

As our colony grows, more and more resources must be invested in DIRTs to maintain adequate protection. DIRT members have made several suggestions that may reduce this burden. A review of methods and procedures is in order.

Using suggestions made by DIRT members, our emergency response procedures have been improved. Among the improvements are an additional team member, redesigned power-assist armor, and a new type of structural breach patch.

Allows production of the Reinforced Residence structure kit at the Structure Factory.

The increasing frequency and strength of the seismic events and atmospheric disturbances are making our Residence structures dangerous places to be. This project will seek to alter the design of the Residence to make it more able to withstand these dangers.

Rather than alter the existing Residence plan, we have designed a new Reinforced Residence, capable of withstanding more serious disaster. The original Residence structure is still available, at lower cost, for use in areas deemed to be less prone to seismic activity.

Allows production of Advanced Residence structure kits at the Structure Factory.

As our population has grown, so has the number of Residence structures we need to house our people, making the colony more difficult to manage. A larger Residence facility, serving more colonists, would reduce some of our administrative problems.

The new Advanced Residence structure provides our colonists with larger, more spacious quarters, yet reduces administrative and maintenance difficulties and has only a slightly higher cost.

Increases Microwave rate of fire.

Our Microwave weapon systems generate high levels of heat when repeatedly fired in combat, requiring a cooling-off period before they can be fired again. This delay could be shortened by adding a heat dissipation system.

Our new weapons turret heat sinks allow the Microwave to be fired more quickly. The heat sinks use dichlorodifluoromethane gas as a coolant to prevent weapon overheating.

Reduces Scientist training time to 3750 for Eden and 4500 for Plymouth.

As our research projects become more complex, we need to improve our methods of training scientists. Hypnopaedia, or sleep-learning, is a method we plan to investigate.

Our hypnopaedia project has borne limited fruits. Sleep-learning is useful only in reducing the time required for memorization. This is helpful in that a large part of our research training requires knowledge of what types of research are described in our scientific databases.

Allows production of Recreation Facility structure kits at the Structure Factory. Availability of recreation facilities will begin affecting colony morale.

Our colonists are asking for additional entertainment options for their off-duty hours. This project proposes to tap the humanities database for possible leisure-time activities.

Our leisure studies project has produced a number of activities, for both individuals and groups, that will amuse, entertain, and stimulate our colonists. Recreation facility personnel are trained to organize physical exercise classes, games, and tournaments, and to teach various handicrafts.

Allows production of Lynx at the Vehicle Factory.

While our Command Center staff is quite pleased with the new Guard Post structures, they point out that our defenses are rather inflexible, due to their lack of mobility. At their suggestion, our Scientists have outlined a project for developing a mobile weapons platform.

The 'Lynx' light combat chassis is a design adapted from existing vehicles. The Lynx includes light armor-plating and a weapons hard point, to which any kind of turret may be attached.

Allows production of Forum structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Many of our colonists have been exploring the entertainment databases brought from Earth during their off-duty hours. Some have proposed putting on dramatic presentations, musical concerts, and similar entertainments as a method of raising morale. Unfortunately, we have no facilities in which such events could be presented.

This entertainment facility provides sufficient seating for performances of concerts, plays, poetry readings, and public meetings.

Allows production of Rare Ore Smelter and Rare Metals Storage Tanks structure kits at the Structure Factory, and allows Robo-Miners to deploy as Rare Ore Mines.

Since our arrival on New Terra, we have encountered a number of sites that are rich in rare mineral deposits, but we have had neither applications which called for Rare Metals nor methods of processing these Rare Ores. Now, our scientists have a number of projects they wish to undertake which would require Rare Metals.

Rare Metals will be a great asset to us. These metals can be used in several new research projects.

Further increases Tokamak Power output from 300 to 350.

Since our development of Rare Ore Processing, we have been considering methods of applying Rare Metals to our Tokamak Fusion Generators. We believe that we may be able to further increase power production by altering the geometry of the magnetic field confining the fusion plasma in the reactor.

Using technologies derived from our Rare Ore Processing techniques, we have been able to alter the magnetic bottle confining the fusion plasma in such a way that plasma density and temperature is increased, resulting in a 25% increase in reactor output.

Increases Metals recovered through recycling.

The hot-cracking column used in our GORFs successfully reclaims approximately 50% of the Metals content of materials. We have some theories about a secondary process that can recover additional metals from the remaining slag.

Using improved post-processing techniques, we are now able to recover more metal through recycled slag.

Allows production of Garage structure kits at the Structure Factory. Eden only: Vehicle Factories may now produce Repair Vehicles.

Our cybernetics experts have proposed a new robot that can be used in repairing vehicles.

Robot-Assist Mechanics, installed at the Garage, are capable of doing most vehicle repairs. A special version has been mounted on a vehicle for field repairs.

Improves Light Tower, Guard Post, and Scout sight ranges.

The visual recognition systems of our robotic vehicles have a limited useful range, partially due to the limitations of the image processing software. Some of our programmers have a possible solution.

Through a combination of improved image processing software and increased zoom telescoping vision systems, the visual recognition range of certain units has been improved.

Gives early warning of volcanic eruptions.

Recent volcanic activity on New Terra threatens our colony. To protect our colonists, we need to develop a method of predicting eruptions so that we can safely evacuate our colonists.

Using data from our planetary sciences database as well as investigations of volcanoes and magma vents here on New Terra, we have developed an early warning system that will accurately predict volcanic eruptions. Our dual-method monitoring system uses seismometers to measure rock movement that may indicate rising magma in the planet's crust and correlation spectrometers that measure sulfur dioxide in plumes rising out of volcanic craters.

Increases Earthworker speed and turn rate.

Many of our colonists believe the slow movement of our Earthworkers is impairing their efficiency. Our scientists believe they may be able to modify the new R-3000 power plant to work with the Earthworker's treaded movement system.

Our Earthworkers now use a specially modified R-3000 power plant designed to improve the efficiency of the Earthworker's treaded movement system. The Earthworker's increased mobility will no longer delay our evacuations and allow us to more quickly establish new colonies.

Increases University maximum classroom capacity.

Due to the success of our Hypnopedia and Environmental Psychology projects and our ever-increasing need for new scientists, the Council wants our scientists to reconfigure the design of the University classrooms to accommodate more trainees per class.

Our University classrooms have been reconfigured to accommodate more trainees. The Council hopes this will help increase our knowledge pool and further our scientific efforts.

Allows production of Panthers at the Vehicle Factory.

While the Lynx has generally been a satisfactory design, it has proven to have a short life expectancy in combat. Our defenses require a heavier, more durable combat chassis.

The Panther medium combat chassis, based on the same vehicle body as the ConVec and Cargo Truck, is a heavier, better armored defender than its predecessor, the Lynx. Although slower than the Lynx, its greater durability in combat should improve our defenses.

Improves ConVec, Earthworker, Robo-Dozer, Repair Vehicle, and Garage productivity.

Certain units, such as the ConVec, use manipulator arms to accomplish complex tasks. Our cybernetic experts have a proposal for improving the flexibility and strength of these manipulator arms.

Several small refinements to the manipulator arms of these units, such as reconfigured joints, use of higher tensile strength metals in construction, and a software upgrade, add up to a substantial improvement in the production and repair rates of these units.

Makes the StickyFoam weapon available.

One of our researchers, experimenting during his off-duty hours, discovered a peculiar substance: a foam that acted as a powerful adhesive, but evaporated after a short period of time. This is such a fascinating material that we would like to run some experiments on it to find potential applications.

StickyFoam is a powerful adhesive foam that evaporates after a short period of time. Our experiments to find a use for StickyFoam were largely unsuccessful, but we have developed the foam into a weapon system. Enemy vehicles sprayed with StickyFoam will be immobilized briefly, allowing our units an opportunity to escape or bring up reinforcements.

Upgrades Guard Post armor.

With tensions increasing between the colonies, we must make our defenses as strong as possible.

The armor applied to our Guard Posts is now equal to that protecting our most vital structures.

Makes the Starflare weapon available.

A simple and inexpensive weapons system could be developed by placing high explosive charges into a weapons turret. Although the vehicle would be destroyed by the detonation, the size of the charge could quickly incapacitate several enemy units at once.

The Starflare turret is a large trinitrotoluene (TNT) bomb, which may be placed on the Lynx or Panther combat chassis, or installed into a Guard Post. This high-explosive will damage all units within range.

Increases Forum capacity.

Demand for seating at our Forum events is running very high. A reconfiguration of the seating at the Forum would allow us to accommodate more colonists.

By redesigning the seats, reconfiguring the seating arrangement, and changing the shape of the stage, we can now accommodate more people at each Forum event.

Allows production of Geothermal Constructors (GeoCons) at the Vehicle Factory.

On Earth, a significant percentage of electric power was generated by geothermal power plants. Although New Terra does not have ground water like Earth, and therefore cannot have the same kind of steam generation that Earth's geothermal plants had, recent volcanic activity indicates a great deal of underground heat that we may be able to tap into to produce power.

Although New Terra does not have ground water, and therefore does not generate underground steam and hot water that produced power on Earth, the fumaroles in this area do contain molten salts and gasses that can be used similarly. The Geothermal Plant is a less expensive and more stable power generation facility than our current Tokamak plant.

Reduces Common Ore Smelter, Rare Ore Smelter, and GORF Power requirements.

Smelters and GORFs are dependent on hot cracking columns to separate the Metal content of Ores or rubble. This equipment has a very high Power demand. We believe that we may be able to apply our high-temperature superconductive material to some elements of this system and reduce the Power demand.

Common Ore Smelter, Rare Ore Smelter, and GORF Power requirements reduced.

Increases weapon damage.

Our weapons turrets currently feed off the Lynx cool-fusion power plant. Because of the other demands on this power system, the amount of power that is available to the weapon is limited. Our research project will develop an independent power source for weapons turrets.

The R-10 cool-fusion power cell, just developed, is a small but powerful generator designed to fit into the weapons turret on our Lynx combat vehicles. This replaces the power feeds from the Lynx' own cool-fusion plant, and makes possible other, more powerful weapons systems.

Allows Earthworkers to deploy Lava Walls.

Volcanic eruptions continue to pose a substantial danger. We must find some way of routing these lava flows away from the colony.

In our search for a way to reduce the threat of volcanic eruptions, we have found a material that can, at least temporarily, resist the intense heat of a lava flow. This material, sprayed on a wall built of heavily-compressed regolith, can delay the approach of lava to our structures, giving us more time to evacuate.

Improves the ability of our Lava Walls to resist lava.

Our Lava Walls, though effective, are not effective enough. Our scientists wish to look into new techniques to improve the durability of our Lava Walls. The most prevalent theory involves running cold liquid through the Lava Walls. This topic seeks to determine the best liquid for such a purpose.

We have successfully increased the ability of our Lava Walls to resist lava flows. Our scientists have constructed tubes filled with a compound from the Earth database called 'antifreeze' which helps the walls resist the heat of the lava. Unfortunately, the walls cannot resist the magma forever.

Allows Earthworkers to deploy Microbe Walls.

During a recent evacuation, a minor accident at a Tokamak revealed a potential method of dealing with the Blight. Destabilized by an earthquake, the Tokamak exploded and released an unusual waste product–an isotope that seemed to retard the growth of the Blight!

We have isolated the particular isotope that affects the Blight. Unfortunately, the isotope has a short half-life, and is difficult to produce in large quantities. However, we have modified the Earthworker to build temporary barriers against the Blight. These barriers will not permanently destroy the microbe, but may buy us extra time for evacuations.

Reduces Microbe Wall production cost.

Some of our scientists, searching through the databases we brought from Earth, have discovered various commercial products that may be able to reduce the production costs of our Microbe Walls while retaining their current level of strength.

Our scientists have recreated and applied a cheap commercial product from Earth known as 'Lysol' to our Microbe Walls. It was designed to destroy microbes on contact and works extremely effectively in conjunction with our Anti-Blight isotopes. Numerous test were conducted to determine the cheapest, but most powerful, combination of Lysol and the isotope. However, it cannot completely destroy the Blight and will eventually break down.

Improves the Microbe Wall's ability to resist the Blight.

Despite our best efforts to contain the Blight, our Microbe Walls are failing, and the Microbe continues to endanger our Colony. Our scientists have constantly proposed new theories to fortify our Microbe Walls; unfortunately, these theories generally used materials that were either extremely difficult to find on New Terra or highly dangerous. Now, however, one scientist has discovered a new isotope with a longer half-life than what we currently use for our Microbe Walls

Our scientists have been able to fortify our Microbe Walls to better resist the Blight. Our new isotope, in conjunction with the anti-Microbe spray, have effectively doubled the longevity of our Microbe Walls. Additionally, the new isotope is in fact cheaper to produce than what we previously used, allowing us to further fortify the walls at no extra cost. Though we will never be able to completely destroy the Microbe, our Colony now has the best defenses our scientists can offer.

Allows production of MHD Generator structure kits at the Structure Factory.

For several years now, New Terra's magnetic field has been in a state of flux. This appears to be a natural process; it is believed to have happened a number of times in Earth's past, though not during recorded history. This is a fascinating opportunity to study a rare geologic phenomenon.

Our studies of New Terra's shifting magnetic field have produced a serendipitous side benefit. We have discovered a way to harness the shifts through electromagnetic induction, producing a substantial amount of electrical power.

Gives early warning of electrical storms.

Although there have always been electrical discharges in the New Terran atmosphere, the atmosphere's low pressure caused these discharges to be manifested as sudden glows, rather than lightning strikes as on Earth. Now, with the thickening of the atmosphere, dangerous lightning is becoming more of a danger. We need to study these strikes so that we can predict their occurrence and take precautions.

We now understand the atmospheric conditions that lead to filamentous, or arc, lightning discharges in the New Terran atmosphere, and can predict their occurrence. On Earth, collisions between water particles of varying sizes caused the build-up of an electrical charge in the atmosphere. Negatively-charged particles in storm clouds were attracted to the positively-charged ground. The process is similar on New Terra, except that instead of water particles colliding, we have dust particles colliding.

Increases Recreation Facility capacity to 60.

The demands on our Recreation Facilities have grown even as our colony has grown. This project hopes to ease the situation by improving the multitainment consoles so many of our colonists use during their off-duty hours.

Our improved Multitainment Consoles are smaller and less expensive, while maintaining their high performance level. The number of units included in the Recreation Facility design has been increased, allowing the facility to serve more colonists.

Increases Rare Ore Mine yield.

Our Rare Ore mining facilities have had only moderate success at finding the best methods of extracting higher grades of Rare Ore. Several proposals have been put forward to improve our efficiency.

Our project has met with limited success. We have developed two new processes that determine the Rare Metal content of certain gangue materials, such as quartz, and eliminate specimens containing only trace amounts of Metal.

Increases ConVec, Cargo Truck, and Evacuation Transport Hit Points. Caution: Changes production cost of these vehicles to include rare ore.

The Cargo Truck, and some similar vehicles, have shown themselves to be all too vulnerable to damage from disasters, explosions, and attacks. Through the use of new composite alloys incorporating Rare Metals, we can increase their durability.

The durability of these vehicles has been improved through a combination of revised construction and the use of a composite alloy incorporating Rare Metals.

Increases Scout, Robo-Surveyor, and Lynx speeds.

The Scout, and some similar vehicles, use the G-75 drive train. We have discovered a design flaw in the G-75 that impairs its efficiency. This project would redesign the G-75 to make it more effective.

The G-75 drive train used in these three vehicles has been replaced by the G-80 model, which improved vehicle speed through a more efficient transfer of energy from the power plant to the wheels.

Increases Common Ore Smelter and Rare Ore Smelter production.

The chemical postprocessing technique we developed for improving metals reclamation at the GORF may be adaptable for use at our Common Ore and Rare Ore Smelters.

We have successfully adapted the chemical postprocessing treatment used at the GORF to improve the yield of our Smelters.

Allows production of Tigers at the Vehicle Factory.

One of our research Scientists has proposed doubling the rate of fire of our combat units by installing a dual weapons turret. This may be just the decisive advantage we need to end this destructive conflict.

The dual-turret weapons systems are capable of twice the effective rate-of-fire of their single-turret predecessors, but duplicate only 70% of the components, sharing certain support systems. Due to their size, they can only be mounted on the Tiger heavy combat chassis, a tracked vehicle based on the Earthworker and Robo-Dozer designs.

Makes the Rail Gun weapon available.

Some of our researchers, reviewing the military database brought from Earth, have found an abstract of a proposal for a weapon that uses a directional magnetic field to propel a projectile. Although plans for the weapon were lost, we believe we can recreate such a device.

The Rail Gun turret uses an electric current to accelerate a projectile to velocities of several hundred meters per second. The weapon consists of two copper rails and the R-10 cool-fusion power cell, which charges a capacitor. The capacitor is discharged into one rail and the current flows through the projectile into the second rail, producing a directional magnetic field that accelerates the projectile.

Makes the EMP weapon available.

Since the early development of atomic weaponry, scientists have known about the disruptive effect of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on electronic circuitry. Our scientists believe they can use this knowledge to produce a defensive weapons system.

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) grenades, fired from Guard Posts or combat chassis, produce a disruption in the power distribution circuitry of all vehicles or structures in range. This will briefly render the target inoperable.

Increases Geothermal Plant power production to 650.

Our Geothermal Plants rely on the molten salts and gasses found in fumaroles to generate power. Heat Mining, or Hot Dry Rock geothermal power generation, may allow us to place Geothermal Plants in places without fumaroles by injecting cold water into deep bore wells, then capturing the steam produced when the water reaches the hot rocks in the New Terran surface.

Our Heat Mining project has met with limited success. We have not been able to develop a viable geothermal plant that can be deployed away from fumaroles, but by injecting cold water into the fumarole, we have been able to increase the output of our Geothermal plants.

Allows production of Arachnid Factory structure kits at the Structure Factory.

As we move into areas with rougher terrain, our robotics staff has proposed research into robots that use legged locomotion rather than wheeled. Robots with legs would be more agile and therefore less affected by terrain than our existing vehicles.

Our new 'Arachnid' robotics factory can produce robots that move on legs rather than wheels. These smaller Spider vehicles are inexpensive and agile, and can be used to repair other vehicles and structures.

Allows Robo-Miners to deploy as Magma Wells.

Initial observations of the magma vents that have begun to appear on the New Terran surface indicate that the magma is rich in Rare Metals. If we could develop a method of safely using this magma, it would greatly increase our supply of this resource.

Using the same basic configuration as our Mines, we have created a process of extracting and cooling magma from magma vents. The product of this process is a steady supply of Rare Ores, with a constant yield of 100 units of Rare Metals.

Makes the ESG weapon available.

A young Scientist interning at a Standard Lab before our last evacuation, read in the historical database about an interesting weapons system used on Earth. The weapon launched a projectile that split into several smaller weapons upon impact. We believe we could develop such a defensive system.

Our new ESG weapons launch a single projectile, but on impact it splits into several small mines that are scattered around the impact location. These mines release an electrostatic discharge at the first enemy unit that approaches them.

Increases StickyFoam duration.

Although the immobilizing effect of StickyFoam is very useful, its evaporation rate is inconveniently short. We propose to slow the evaporation rate of the Foam by introducing certain chemical stabilizing elements.

We have added stabilizers and thickeners to our StickyFoam formula that causes the Foam to evaporate more slowly, without losing its adhesiveness.

Increases Panther Hit Points.

A redesign of the Panther using a new composite alloy has increased the durability of this combat chassis.

The composite alloy developed in our Reinforced Vehicle Construction project may be beneficial for our Panther combat chassis as well.

Increases Panther speed.

Our Panther combat chassis is too slow to be effective in combat. After an analysis of the Panther's systems, our scientists believe that they can retrofit our Panthers with an improved power plant and drive train system based off of the G-80 R-3500. This should provide a substantial increase in the Panther's mobility.

Our new R-4000 cool fusion power plant, in tandem with the redesigned G-88 drive train, has significantly increased the movement speed of our Panthers. The new power plant provides extra power to the drive train, while the enhanced G-88 uses that power more efficiently than its predecessor.

Makes the RPG weapon available.

Some of our colonists, reviewing late twentieth century military history, have expressed an interest in rocket propulsion as a means to a new weapons system.

Our rocket propulsion project, has produced a new defensive system, using Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) to deliver an explosive charge.

Gives early warning of vortexes.

The vortexes we have been experiencing are a new phenomenon on New Terra; we must study these severe storms to determine how they are caused and how to predict them.

The vortexes start in a manner similar to the 'dust-devils' common on Earth and Mars. Ground-level air, heated by sunlight, rises. Cooler air rushes into the area that the warmer air has left, but from there, the spinning column of air is enhanced and focused by a yet-unknown process which may be electromagnetic in nature. While our understanding is limited, we can now forecast conditions that will lead to their formation, and have developed technologies for early detection.

Equips the Panther combat chassis with a dual-turret weapons system.

A team of scientists, reviewing our recent upgrades to the Panther combat chassis and the dual-turret weapons system used by our new Tiger heavy combat chassis, believes we could develop a similar turret for a new line of Panthers.

We have developed a new dual-turret weapons system similar to the one used in our Tiger combat chassis to be installed on all newly produced Panthers. Unfortunately, this upgrade required a revision of some of the Panther's vital components, meaning the new turret will not be installed on any Panthers built before this project was completed. The obsolete Panthers will still serve our colony adequately.

Makes the Acid Cloud weapon available.

Our Common Ore Smelters produce a number of toxic byproducts during the processing of Common Ore into Common Metals. We believe we can use these wastes in a new weapons system.

Our Acid Cloud turrets fire a projectile which releases a cloud of corrosive acid that can eat through even the toughest armor. The cloud dissolves after a brief period, but any target caught within the cloud will take heavy damage.

Upgrades Lynx and Panther armor.

The technologies developed by our space program have some spinoff applications on New Terra. One of these is an improvement to the armor systems we use on some of our vehicles.

Materials research done as part of our space program has resulted in an alloy well suited for use in combat vehicle armor.

Allows production of Scorpions at the Arachnid Factory.

The speed and low cost of the Spiders has led some of our Scientists to suggest that we build a second Arachnid model incorporating a weapon system.

The Scorpion, armed with a specially-adapted Microwave weapon, is a low-cost, high-mobility combat unit. Groups of Scorpions can quickly overwhelm enemy units.

Increases EMP, StickyFoam, and ESG ranges.

Our after-action equipment performance reports show a weakness in the launch mechanism used in our EMP, ESG, and StickyFoam weapons turrets. Though this weakness does not cause an equipment failure, our engineers would like to revisit the design of this launcher.

The redesigned launch mechanism used in both of these weapons has lengthened the maximum range of these weapons.

Increases EMP and Acid Cloud ranges.

Our after-action equipment performance reports show a weakness in the launch mechanism used in our EMP and Acid Cloud weapons turrets. Though this weakness does not cause an equipment failure, our engineers would like to revisit the design of this launcher.

The redesigned launch mechanism used in both of these weapons has lengthened the maximum range of these weapons.

Makes the Supernova weapon available. Increases RPG Damage.

The proven effectiveness of the Starflare weapon has led our scientists to propose a more powerful version. We have several formulas for chemical explosives more powerful than trinitrotoluene, but testing is required to determine which is most suitable for use as a reliable weapon.

A new explosive material, pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), has been developed. PETN is about 60 percent more powerful than the material used in our Starflare weapons. Our RPG weapons systems have been upgraded to use PETN

Increases Rail Gun damage.

As our experience in using Rare Metals grows, we find new applications for these materials. Our boptronics engineers believe they can refine the design of the dielectric insulators used in some of our high-voltage capacitors to improve their efficiency.

The new design of the dielectric insulator has increased the capacitance of the capacitors used in the Rail Gun weapon systems. The higher discharge increases the acceleration of the projectile by 20%. In addition, our researchers are brainstorming another possible use for this technology, and will soon submit a new project proposal.

Increases Magma Well yield.

Although magma contains all of the elements we classify as Rare Metals, it also contains several other elements which are essentially waste materials. We may be able filter out some of these additional materials in our molten magma flow.

Our Magma Purity Control technique removes several waste materials from the magma before cooling it for transport to the Rare Ore Smelter.

Allows production of Spaceport structure kits at the Structure Factory.

With the discovery that the Blight cannot be stopped, and that New Terra will eventually become uninhabitable, it becomes imperative that we develop a space launch facility as the first step in our evacuation of New Terra.

Our space program is underway. As an initial cargo, we have developed the Early Disaster Warning and Resource Detection (EDWARD) satellite.

Improves Spider repair rate.

Bugs in the software controlling our Spiders' repair function are impairing its ability to make repairs on structures and vehicles. Although the Spiders are adequately performing this function, we believe we can make some improvements.

Spider Maintenance Software version 1.32 has been installed in all Spider units, fixing some inadequacies in the damage diagnostics and repair procedures routines.

Decreases University Scientist requirements; increases University Worker requirements.

With the initial success of our Space Program, the Council has voted to devote all of our resources and scientific development to our new starship. In an effort to reduce Scientist demand in other areas of the Colony, the Council wants our researchers to develop an advanced AI that could replace University staff.

Our research department has successfully developed a new AI system for our Universities. These new AI are, in certain aspects, more advanced than the Savant computers themselves, as the new AI are capable of independent thought and emotion; one of the software engineers described them as '99% human'. However, the Savant computers are far superior to this new AI in terms of processing power and analytical ability.

Increases Spider and Scorpion Hit Points.

Our Arachnid units, while very useful, are too easily destroyed. This project seeks to increase the survivability of the Arachnids while maintaining their speed and low cost.

Our metallurgical staff has devised a lightweight steel alloy, which we are now using in the joint assemblies of our Arachnids. This leg reinforcement, as well as certain structural modifications to the bodies of the Arachnids, has produced a substantial increase in the durability of these units.

Makes the Thor's Hammer weapon available.

A new weapons system proposal has been submitted by our research staff. Using the dielectric insulator produced by our Increased Capacitance Circuitry project, a rapid discharge of a bank of capacitors could create an artificial lightning strike of massive power. The difficulty is in targeting the strike to strike enemy units, rather than a random discharge.

Our artificial lightning weapon, dubbed Thor's Hammer, is the most powerful weapon we have ever developed. This targeted lightning strike is capable of destroying small enemy units with a single shot!

Reduces production time at all factories.

All of our factories use a similar assembly-line method of production. Some of our factory workers, reading through the databases of industrial engineering techniques from Earth, have proposed a study of our factories, to look for possible increases in manufacturing efficiency.

Using time-and-motion analysis of the various production facilities, our researchers developed several new tools and techniques that reduced the production time of all products by 25%.

Plymouth: Improves EMP and ESG rate of fire.
Eden: Improves EMP and Acid Cloud rate of fire.

Tests of the reloading mechanism in our grenade launching weapons have revealed some potential areas of improvement.

The hydraulic grenade loading mechanism used in some of our weapons turrets had been designed to handle ammunition that was much less shock-resistant that those we currently have in use. Increasing the 'rattle' tolerances of the system allows for a faster loading system.

Allows production of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) at the Spaceport.

Our SULVs are proving quite expensive on a per launch basis. Our aeronautical experts have proposed a new launch vehicle to address this issue.

Though a single RLV is much more costly than a single SULV, on a per-launch basis, the RLV is significantly less expensive.

Allows production of Observatory structure kits at the Structure Factory.

After the recent meteorite impacts, our observations have found that more are to come. New Terra is entering a field of debris, probably caused by the collision of two asteroids. We need a way to track this debris so we can have some advance warning of meteorite impacts.

Deployment of the Observatory structure will allow us at least a minimal amount of warning of meteorite impacts in the area of our colony. The Observatory incorporates a wide-field optical telescope with a sophisticated tracking system to allow us to project the path of incoming meteors.

Improves Observatory's meteor targeting system.

Our Meteor Defense is effective… when it can find the target. Field tests of the system show a significant possibility of inaccurate targeting coordinates generated by the Observatory tracking software.

Revision of the meteor tracking software, using algorithms developed as part of the space program, has improved the trajectory projection software used at the Observatory. This will increase the probability of destroying incoming meteors before they reach our colony.

Allows production of EMP Missiles at the Spaceport.

Our SULVs have been designed to launch payloads into orbit, but the only portion which returns to New Terra is the nose cone containing the crew. With some modification, it may be possible to assemble a new model of SULV that can re-enter the atmosphere.

Our missile re-entry program has had limited success. We have developed an EMP missile that can be launched at the Eden colony and disable their units in a wide area.

Increases Scorpion weapon damage.

The weapons on the Scorpion are just not powerful enough. We believe we can increase the amount of damage they do by improving the Scorpion's power system.

By installing a slightly larger power system in the Scorpion, we have increased its combat effectiveness substantially.

Allows production of the Skydock at the Spaceport.

We must begin construction of an evacuation starship as soon as possible. The first step is an orbital station from which we can start deploying components of the ship.

Our Skydock will function as an orbital command post. In addition to docking facilities for our launch vehicles ferrying components and technicians, it serves as a command and control facility for construction of our starship.

Allows production of the Solar Power systems.

The technology behind solar power has been available for quite some time, the size of the solar collector panels needed to generate a significant amount of power has always been judged prohibitive, especially since our periodic evacuations began. However, with the redevelopment of a space program, it is possible to build a solar collector satellite which beams the energy it collects to a ground-based receiver.

The solar power system, comprised of a collector satellite and ground-based receiver, is an inexpensive alternative energy source. The satellite, once in orbit, can be retargeted at a new ground location after an evacuation, and the receivers are much less volatile than our Tokamak fusion reactors.

Allows production of the Stasis Systems at the Spaceport.

The cold-sleep system used in the 'Conestoga' successfully slowed the metabolic rate of the colonists traveling from Earth to New Terra, but at the cost of shortening their lives once they had arrived. Fortunately, our medical technology has advanced significantly since our arrival, and we believe we now have a method of inducing true suspended animation without the same loss of longevity.

The Stasis Systems contain suspended animation chambers for 200 colonists. This module, like the Habitat Ring, is equipped with our superconductive magnetic coil radiation shield system.

Allows production of the Habitat Ring at the Spaceport.

Two of the recovered fragments of the 'Conestoga' are from the hull of the habitat ring. They contain large superconductive magnetic coils, which appear to be a kind of radiation shielding system.

Before and after our interstellar flight, our colonists will live in the Habitat Ring. These temporary quarters are shielded from radiation and small particle collisions by a magnetic field generated by superconductive coils built into the hull.

Increases Laser, Rail Gun, and Thor's Hammer rate of fire.

Some of our weapons systems generate high levels of heat when repeatedly fired in combat. These weapons require a cooling-off period before they can be fired again. This delay could be shortened by adding a heat dissipation system.

Our new weapons turret heat sinks allow these weapons to be fired more quickly. The heat sinks use dichlorodifluoromethane gas as a coolant to prevent weapon overheating.

Allows production of Meteor Defense structure kits at the Structure Factory.

Some very ambitious high-energy physicists have submitted a proposal for an energy weapon. Their theory combines both microwave and laser projection with a particle beam projector.

The High-Energy Ray-Composite (HERC) Projector is now functional. Although the equipment needed to produce this energy/particle beam is far too massive for use in a weapons turret, it is ideal for use as a meteor defense. Using the tracking capabilities of the Observatory, the HERC beam can destroy even the largest meteors with a single shot—if it hits its target.

Allows production of the Ion Drive Module at the Spaceport.

While the main drive of the 'Conestoga' was a less capable fusion drive, it appears that an improved ion propulsion system was developed shortly before launch and used in some thruster systems. The remains of one of these thrusters has been recovered from the 'Conestoga' crash site. Reverse-engineering this thruster will be a substantial step in developing our evacuation starship.

The ion motor used in the 'Conestoga' was a low-thrust/long-duration system activated once the ship reached interstellar space. The Ion Drive Module contains this interstellar drive as well as supplemental ion and chemical guidance thrusters to be attached to the starship

Allows production of the Command Module at the Spaceport.

Wreckage from the second 'Conestoga' crash site included a remarkably intact section of the ship's command deck. This will speed our development of the command and control systems of the ship.

Several dozen Savant computer systems, working in parallel, make up the core of the Command Module. This is the most sophisticated computer system we have ever devised, capable of guidance control, power direction, and self-maintenance, without human intervention, for decades.

Gives early warning of meteor strikes.

After the recent meteorite impacts, our observations have found that more are to come. New Terra is entering a field of debris, probably caused by the collision of two asteroids. We need a way to track this debris so we can have some advance warning of meteorite impacts

Our Skydock facility has been fitted with a series of telescopes to look for incoming meteors. This should give us some warning before they fall.

Allows production of the Orbital Package at the Spaceport.

Upon arrival at our new home, we want to deploy a series of satellites and probes that will provide data about the planet and support colony operations.

This group of satellites and probes, to be deployed upon reaching our destination planet, includes EDWARD, a communications satellite, a solar power satellite, orbital observers, and several types of atmospheric and geologic probes.

Allows production of the Sensor Package at the Spaceport.

A portion of the 'Conestoga's sensor suite was among the debris retrieved from the second crash site. This appears to have been part of the telemetry system used to monitor the deep-space probes sent out to locate a suitable destination. We believe we can use this as the basis for a similar system.

Before we can depart the New Terra system, we must have a destination. Our Sensor Package includes a Nanoprobe launcher, capable of sending thousands of microbe-sized probes toward potentially habitable planets, and a sensor/telemetry system which will evaluate the reports sent back by the Nanoprobes.

Increases Laser range and damage.

Our original Laser weapon can no longer compete with more advanced weaponry. Some of our scientists believe that the Laser can be upgraded to better defend against more advanced weapon systems.

We have successfully modified our Laser weapon system. By increasing the power available to the weapon's large-scale optical resonators, our scientists have been able to improve the Laser's firepower and effective range. Unfortunately, this development has given the Laser a slightly higher production cost than its previous incarnation.

Increases Microwave range and damage.

The Microwave has been made obsolete by more advanced weapons. Some of our scientists believe some slight improvements to the Microwave's power system and beam focusing system may be able to significantly increase the weapon's range and firepower, allowing it to compete with modern weaponry.

Our Microwave weapon has been enhanced. The weapon is now capable of enhanced firepower and increased firing range. Unfortunately, a small price increase was required to modernize the Microwave.

Allows production of the Fueling Systems at the Spaceport.

Portions of a severely-damaged spacecraft were among the wreckage found at the 'Conestoga' crash site. The ship was known to have carried an emergency refueling unit, designed to scoop hydrogen from the atmosphere of gas giants similar to Jupiter. Should New Terra have been found to be uninhabitable, this 'Fuel Shark' would have been able to refuel the 'Conestoga' for travel to another star.

The Fueling Systems consist of storage tanks for liquid mercury, used to fuel the Ion Drive, and the Fuel Shark, an autonomous ramscoop vehicle that dives into the outer layers of the planet's atmosphere to gather hydrogen fuel for the Fusion Drive. The Fuel Shark will substantially reduce the number of launches necessary to prepare the starship for flight.

Allows production of the Fusion Drive Module at the Spaceport.

Some of the wreckage recovered from the starship crash site appears to be part of a fusion motor propulsion system. Further examination of the wreckage will allow us to re-build such a system.

Our fusion propulsion system plans are complete. The Fusion Drive Module contains both the fusion motor, used for high-acceleration in-system maneuvering, and the tanks which store the hydrogen fuel used in this motor. Once we have reached interstellar space, this fusion motor will convert into a fusion reactor that will provide power to the Ion Drive.

Allows production of the Phoenix Module at the Spaceport.

Before we land our colonists on the new planet, we must send a lander to prepare the early stages of a colony. We have in our databases portions of the plans for the Seed Factory used on our arrival on New Terra, but they are incomplete and obsolescent.

When deployed, this self-contained lander transforms into several of the initial structures and vehicles needed to start a colony. These structures are all capable of operation without human presence, and will give our new home a head start.

Increases Tiger speed.

Our Tiger heavy combat chassis uses the R-3500 power plant and G-90 drive train. The G-90 drive train was originally designed from our G-75 style drive train mainly for use in light vehicles, and the R-3500 was built around the R-3000 designed in our Advanced Vehicle Power Plant project. This project would design a more efficient power plant and drive train for our Tiger heavy combat chassis.

The G-90 drive train used in our Tiger heavy combat chassis has been replaced by the G-100 model, allowing improved vehicle speed through a more efficient transfer of energy from the newly developed R-4000 power plant to the tracks. The R-4000 is our most advanced cool-fusion power plant to date.

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