Sigma 63 Exploration Logs

[Shimamori]

Shimamori Masahito

LOG MESSAGE 01/2.07.828

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Sigma-63-α

In accordance with the initial expectations, we received from the probe the confirmation of its successful passing through the wormhole a few hours after the dispatch. Due to the space fluctuations arising from the instability of the wormhole, however, we were experiencing significant data loss and could not reliably support good bandwidth to get the video feed. The probe continued exploration of the system and data collection based on its own using the automatic programme. Yesterday the relative stability of the wormhole finally made it possible to receive the data from within the system.

The overall estimations and observations were confirmed. The yellow star is relatively young and stable. There are four major planets in the system. Sigma-63-α is a scorched world devoid of any atmosphere. The geological probing of the upper layers of the ground revealed a large presence of Sodium, Calcium, and Magnesium. The planet's surface is not much scarred with asteroid impact sites, likely a result of a strong tidal pool of Sigma-63-γ. Thus, the lack of heavy materials commonly found in drifting asteroids is suggested. The interest for the development of the planet is likely to be low, mainly because of the lack of valuable mineral resources and the difficulty of establishing a planetary outpost. Should the subsequent detailed geo-surveying yield any results of note, construction of an orbital facility with limited on-the-surface presence of automatic mining machinery is advised.

Sigma-63-β

Descent on Sigma-63-β

The promising planet Sigma-63-β was confirmed to be potentially habitable. Contrary to the initial observations, the atmosphere is composed predominantly of Nitrogen (48%), Oxygen (31%), Hydrogen (11%), Argon (6%) and 4% befalling on other gases such as Helium and Methane, none of which are in concentrations lethal to humans. The partial pressure of 3.71 psi supports breathing without suits, in theory. The atmosphere is greenish, possibly due to the large amount of copper found on the surface. The planet is not tidally locked but has no satellite to have tidal cycles. Almost half of the planet, mostly in the southern hemisphere, is covered by deep oceans which appear dark green - black from the orbit. The probe launched a drone on the surface which successfully landed near a mountain range and picked traces of organic compounds, possibly a by-product of the local lifeforms. Subsequent probing in other areas confirmed the presence of local life, mainly plant- and fungi-like species capable of photosynthesis. Based on these observations, we can hypothesise that the planet's biosphere is still in its early stages with little to no presence of animal-like species. This is, however, to be corroborated by further piloted mission. The planet appears to have significant deposits of iron, titanium, zinc, and already mentioned copper. While none of the surveyed materials are of exceptional value or importance, the relative ease of establishing a colony and prospects of further geo-surveying pose this planet a valuable addition to the Empire's assets. The metals found are also likely to be present in the allegedly metallic planetary core, generating so desired magnetosphere. Another feature of particular importance for Kusari is the terrestrial nature of the planet with slightly less than a half of the planet being land as opposed to the myriad of archipelagos scattered throughout our core words.

Sigma-63-γ

The third planet, Sigma-63-γ, turned out to be hotter than predicted. The drone launched from one of the probes did not last long in the atmosphere despite its general durability. From the limited data we received, the planet appears to have a crushing atmosphere made predominantly of Carbon Dioxide and oxides of Sulfur. The drone did not reach the surface and sustained critical damage at the altitude of 28 km above the surface where the temperature already reached whooping 302 degrees Celsius. Our researchers suggest that the temperature on the ground can reach over 500 degrees Celsius, and the atmospheric pressure is expected to be close to 100 bar. The thick atmosphere causes greenhouse effect which is too strong to consider the planet for anything else save for Sulfur mining in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Even then, it would be a technologically challenging and economically not viable endeavour, and thus the planet which was considered a possible habitable world can be already dismissed as not of interest to the further piloted mission.

Sigma-63-δ

The last planet in the group, the gas giant Sigma-63-δ is a what one can call typical gas giant composed largely of Hydrogen (76%), Helium (21%), and Methane gasses (3%). The probe managed to track four larger moons and two smaller ones. The planet likely has more satellites. The four larger moons differ in size and composition. Two of those have a thick crust of ice with a significant admixture of other materials, such as ammonia. The other two have no ice layer. One of the moons, Sigma-63-δ-3, based on the observations can have vast deposits of Helium-3 in the form of a thin radioactive dust crust on the surface in addition to seams of magnesium and titanium popping out of the local mountain ranges. The gas giant and its moons can be of interest to the corporations of Kusari interested in mining gas from the atmosphere of Sigma-63-δ, and ore from at least one of its moons. Availability of hydrocarbons on other planets and water ice on the moons can make such mining operations more sustainable and profitable in the long run. Delta planetary system can pose interest to Kusari corporations.

During autonomous exploration of the system by the probes, no other vessels were encountered. The system allegedly has not been previously visited by human-led exploration missions. Thus it has been deemed safe to traverse the system with the forces of "Zuiryu" and accompanying vessels. As the jumphole right now is more stable than it used to be and allowed the transfer of the data, we are preparing to go in and continue the exploration efforts in situ. By the right of the first comers, we claim this system in the name of the Empire of Kusari and its people. We give it the tentative name of Chubu, after the historical region of the island of Honshu. We, the humble servants of the Emperor, depart with our hearts filled with joy, and mind - with solemn duty to our people and the Emperor. Should we successfully map the system and return from it, we will transmit all the findings to the esteemed Imperial Government personally upon the return. Should we fail to return in one month, all the found data are to be reported to the Imperial Authorities as out final wish so that our efforts do not go in vain.

We shall bring honour and glory to His Imperial Majesty by chartering personally the new addition to the Empire.

Shimamori out.

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