Asimov Terrestrial Explorer

Sep 22, 2001

The Asimov Terrestrial Explorer was design to be dropshipped into any planetary atmosphere to map the terrain, collect material samples, and analyze everything from magnetic forces to atmospheric makeup. It hearkens back to the good old days of space exploration when Mankind first went to the moon. The Asimov can function without resupply for weeks at a time, more if edible material can be found during an expedition. The vehicle’s reactor can produce and recycle all the water and oxygen required for the crew of 6.

The explorer rides on 4 pairs of tracks, and 8 supplemental boosters provide additional propulsion to push the Asimov if required. Top speed is about 50km/h without the boosters. Power is provided by a Mitrian Fusion Reactor, which can operate for up to 4 months before it needs to be refueled. The devices on the roof may look like weapons, but they’re not. The front two dishes are communications dishes for sending and receiving data to headquarters. The two devices on either sides of the cockpit, as well as the two mounted above the reactor room are sensor probes. Their exact purposes are classified, of course.

Inside the cockpit sit the pilot, co-pilot/navigator/mission commander , and communications/scanner officer. From the cockpit leads the passageway to the main cabin. In that passageway are two extra seats, used for when the terrain gets too rough, as well as storage cabins for samples and tools.

The main cabin includes the following areas:

  • Conference table with chess board and the most highly prized item of all, fresh pizza
  • Kitchenette and fire extinguisher
  • Viewscreen and computer terminal, with the materials officer entering sample data into the database
  • Science station with all the scanning and analysis equipment the chief scientist needs to analyze anything they discover
  • Small bathroom facility with shower, toilet, and sink
  • Three pairs of bunkbeds with
  • Convenient helmet mounting rank

The engineering section is sealed with a blast door in case something goes awry with the reactor. Inside this section is the reactor, diagnostic and analysis equipment, and all the tools the chief engineer needs to keep it healthy and happy.

It is 68 studs long, 44 studs wide, and 18 bricks tall.