02-03-2016, 11:22 AM
We're getting close to the next release of High Frontier! We just knocked this item off our to-do list: fusion plants and solar power satellite rectennas.
![[Image: Y2SiJ.jpg]](http://i.snag.gy/Y2SiJ.jpg)
That big mesh thing there is a rectenna (receiving antenna), and it receives continuous power beamed in the form of microwaves from a solar power satellite in some other orbit, far away (which is why we don't actually draw it!). The rectenna is basically just a big wire mesh; it's lightweight and cheap. And you don't have to worry about building or maintaining the actual solar power satellite; market forces take care of that, at least out to the orbit of Mars. (Beyond that, and it's no longer cost-effective.)
You do have to help kick-start the space power industry by completing the Space Solar Power project, though.
Similarly, the fusion plant part becomes available once you complete the Fusion Power project. It's about half the size of a fission reactor, and quite a lot cheaper and lighter, but produces the same amount of power.
These new parts will give you lots of ways to power your civilization as you expand out into the solar system!
That big mesh thing there is a rectenna (receiving antenna), and it receives continuous power beamed in the form of microwaves from a solar power satellite in some other orbit, far away (which is why we don't actually draw it!). The rectenna is basically just a big wire mesh; it's lightweight and cheap. And you don't have to worry about building or maintaining the actual solar power satellite; market forces take care of that, at least out to the orbit of Mars. (Beyond that, and it's no longer cost-effective.)
You do have to help kick-start the space power industry by completing the Space Solar Power project, though.
Similarly, the fusion plant part becomes available once you complete the Fusion Power project. It's about half the size of a fission reactor, and quite a lot cheaper and lighter, but produces the same amount of power.
These new parts will give you lots of ways to power your civilization as you expand out into the solar system!