53rd Squadron – Athena Squadron

[Johnathan Nox Carter]

Jericho Survey (53-57213121-M)

Solar Grid Location: 7-6F
DIAMETER: 24,216 km
MASS: 9.89 x 9e24 kg
TERRAIN: Barren
TEMPERATURE: Frigid
ESCAPE VELOCITY: 8.42 km/sec

Brief

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Much of this survey was conducted with the help and supervision of the Crayter Intelligence Service, so it shall be kept to the point.

The moon known as Jericho orbits Planet Salina at roughly 11k, and presents itself as a barren wasteland - devoid of atmosphere. Orbital scans could only indicate that the surface is comprised of silicates, with the the terrain being generally desert-like, with occasional plateaus that spring over the average altitude. The planetoid's magnetic field is extremely powerful in terms of EM activity, making all orbital analysis - except pure visual scans - almost impossible if not done with Spyglass technology. Moreso, the planet's surface, as well as the surrounding perimeter (aprox. 1k in outwards-length) presents high radioactive activity, mainly of the Gamma variety.

Various wreckages - presumed ancient - have been noted visually in locations ranging from the moon's ecuator to it's south pole.

Paragraph redacted per C.I.S. protocol #H-33 - Clearence level Ypsilon required for access

Using one of the five available EM cold spots throughout the moon's magnetic field, survey drones were sent to further analyze the wreckage found. The entirety of the data was sent to a joint task-force of C.I.S. agents and Order operatives for further study, on-board the Boreas.

The Thanatos Cruiser "Boreas" is currently deployed in the moon's orbit, along with a series of buoys, meant to keep the area secured and ensure the safety of spacefarers that come too close.


Mineral Survey

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Due to the extreme radiation and EM interference from the planetoid's magnetic field, the entire surface of the planet could not be mapped.
However, an electromagnetic "cold spot" was found near Jericho's north pole and the following scans were made over said area.

Using LRM-42 drones, it was discovered that location dubbed "A-32" holds a significantly large cluster of aluminium and titanium ores. While the drones attempted to exit the "cold spot" for further surveying the moon's surface, all telemetry was lost, however the last information we received suggests the planetoid to be deficient in large mineral deposits.

Extraction

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Considering the conditions in place, 53rd would suggest that the only viable mining strategy would be a deep dive inside the moon's crust, where the enclosing radiation does not seem to be present. That would allow for a proper facility to be built underground, near area A-32, and any further mining operations to be launched from such a facility.