The Emanations mission involves Endeavour being sent to investigate the source of what appear to be artifically generated EM emissions from a star system, Tau Ceti.

The emissions are in the ionising radiation EM band. The repetitive nature of the emissions suggests an artificial origin, although it is not clear whether this is some form of communication. Ionising radiation has been observed from alien space craft and is thought to be the byproduct of their propulsion or power egenration systems.

For a successful outcome the crew must detect both the source of the EM and also a nearby (but not easily detected) abandoned vessel. Ideally from the clues provided the crew will also be able to surmise the function of the space station.

Simulation Components

The mission has three main components: the source of the EM which is a space station, a derelict and abandoned vessel and (possibly) and Adversary vessel also investigating the EM signals.

Space Station

The source of the EM is a medium size space station in proximity to a group of asteroids. By the time Endeavour arrives the emissions are less powerful but still following the same pattern and are easily detectable.

The space station has a symmetrical design which makes it easier to spot the obvious damage that has been done to it. The station has a number of docking ports arraged in a ring and a vessel is still attached to one of them. The design of the vessel is highly suggestive of a cargo or transport function.

The cause of the emissions is a damaged power generation system - an advanced form of reactor. Emissions rise increasingly quickly before peaking and dropping abruptly. After about 10 minutes this cycle repeats itself. This is due to the reactor going through an automated restart cycle. Once restarted the damage to the reactor causes an overload which cause the reactor's safety system to shut itself down. When levels are safe again, the reactor's control system attempts a restart - either through damage or bad design, the reactor does not stay shut down.

The EM emitted is at dangerous wavelengths particularly at the peak of the cycle, so Endeavour cannot get too close and sending a boarding party shuttle or even drones for a closer look is out of the question.

Asteroids

The asteroids are of various sizes and have irregular shapes. A scan suggests the composition of the asteroids includes a number of metals. They output very little EM. The nearest asteroid has an irregular shape, but has a number of large, symmetrical indentations. A closer look at a scan of the asteroid will show artificial structures at the edge of the indentations. This suggests the asteroids have been mined.

Derelict Ship

One of the objects that will show up on an active scan amongst all of the asteroids is a derelict ship. This is outputting very low levels of ionising radiation which should attract attention from an alert science officer.

The ship has a different configuration to that attached to the space station which suggests it is a military vessel.