June 2025

Power Distribution Network (PDN)

Network metaphor

The vessel’s Power Distribution Network (PDN) is a highly redundant, layered distribution system for delivering power from generation and auxiliary power sources to vessel systems.

The system is made up of a network of electrical conduits which link distribution nodes, creating a web-like network that provides multiple paths between power sources and consuming systems. Power can be routed around the network to meet operating requirements or to bypass damage and is transformed to the voltages and frequencies required by various vessel systems.

The PDN also monitors and reports on the status of the systems connected to it.

Structure

The Power Distribution Network is layered, with the first layer (the primary distribution network) providing maximum distribution capacity between primary generation sources and first-layer distribution nodes. Some high-consumption systems such as propulsion are supplied directly from the primary network.

From the first-layer distribution nodes, a second layer (the secondary distribution network) uses a range of smaller-capacity conduits to deliver power to distribution nodes closer to the systems consuming it.

Distribution Nodes

Distribution nodes receive power from up to three sources via an upstream interface. The supplied power is aggregated and converted to the required distribution standard (voltage and current) which can then be delivered to up to three destinations via a downstream interface.

Each node has a configuration interface that allows power allocation between downstream outputs to be adjusted, which determines how much power the connected downstream nodes receive. 

Some nodes are supply only (such as generators).

More on Nodes

Node Priority

Nodes can accept up to three supply inputs and can output up to three downstream systems.

The three outputs are prioritised, with the first output having the highest priority. If available power drops below what has been allocated, power will be unallocated from the lowest priority output first.

System Nodes

System nodes are vessel systems which only consume power and aren't involved in distribution. Power management for system nodes can be configured from the relevant system's control console.

Conduits

Distribution nodes are connected by conduits. 

The voltage and current that can be handled by each conduit is limited by the physical parameters of the conduit (for example the size of the cable cores making up the conduit, their insulation and shielding, etc).

Conduits typically have significant redundant capacity over that needed for their nominal distribution role to support additional load due to alternative routing of power around damage.

Power Standards

Primary Distribution Network (1DN)

The DC output of the reactor is immediately regulated to medium voltage (1000V) DC. This is distributed via the Primary Distribution Network (1DN), consisting of a relatively small number of high-capacity conduits linking generation systems to layer-one distribution nodes and directly to propulsion systems.

The network includes redundant conduits which are installed along physically different routes throughout the vessel to minimise the effect of damage on the network’s minimum delivery capacity.

Secondary Distribution Network (2DN)

The Secondary Distribution Network (2DN) consists of a large number of lengthy mid-capacity conduits linking distribution nodes with distribution boards supplying vessel systems.

The DC supply from the 1DN is inverted to AC at the distribution node. Depending on the downstream requirement, inversion will be to either high-frequency (400Hz) or low frequency (50Hz) AC.

400Hz Secondary Distribution Network

The high-frequency 400Hz 2DN is an AC system rated at 440 volts.

High-frequency AC (HFAC) power offers advantages over standard frequency AC in a number of applications:

  • Electric equipment can be much smaller and lighter. For example, doubling frequency generally permits electric machines to be 75% smaller. Other grid components (such as transformers, filters and circuit breakers) can also be smaller.
  • Electric motors can achieve higher speeds. High-speed induction motors can be directly used for compressors, high pressure pumps and turbines.
  • Acoustic noise is reduced dramatically due to a higher frequency mechanical vibration.
  • Harmonics in HFAC systems are at a higher frequency and so are more easily removed by filters.

HFAC presents grid safety challenges. Circuit breakers must react faster to overload conditions in high frequency transmission scenarios to prevent damage.

50Hz Secondary Distribution Network

The standard frequency 50Hz 2DN is a three-phase AC system rated at 240 volts. Most supplied systems use a single phase, with the use of individual phases limiting cross-system interference.

Network Management

Each PDN node can be managed remotely from engineering consoles. This includes the ability to reallocate power between upstream sources and downstream nodes, and diagnostic monitoring.

Monitoring

The condition of each node is monitored. Alerts or alarms are displayed on the master systems panel. 

Mapping

The PDN is visualised as a schematic map on a dedicated console configuration, viewable in different sections or from the perspective of each major system. The PDN map provides direct access to the control interface for each node.

PDN Schematics

Systems Telemetry

Each system connected to a PDN node passes telemetry to the node on the system's condition. This allows connected systems to also be monitored on the master systems panel as well as by the master systems indicators on any console managing that system.

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About the ISDC

Spacestation in orbit above Earth-like planet with approaching spacecraft

The ISDC is a multi-national organisation established by secret international treaty, dedicated to establishing and maintaining a human presence in deep space. The motivation for this initiative and source of the technology that makes it possible derives from recent contact with extra-terrestrial visitors.

Background

The ISDC’s formation resulted from the secret defection to Australia of group of scientists from a US military program. They brought with them technology – much of it recovered from captured alien vessels – that makes the launch of an interstellar vessel possible.

The creation of an alternative program was considered necessary to provide additional strategic options for engaging extra-terrestrial visitors. While the US program emphasises demonstration of force as the means to provide Earth’s security, the ISDC’s founders believe that communication will secure peaceful relations. In their view, aggression risks provoking unnecessary conflict with highly advanced civilisations.

Conflict could not be completely ruled out however, especially when it became apparent that extra-terrestrial visitors may represent more than one species. The increasingly hostile behaviour of their craft suggests at least one species has belligerent intent and may be turning their attention to Earth.

Australia was chosen as the base of operations for an alternative program as it offered appropriate infrastructure, remote but accessible locations and was unlikely to attract suspicion as a close ally of the US. Importantly, Australia's president was a close personal friend of one of the scientists and was instrumental in garnering the international support needed for the creation of the ISDC.

The Organisation

Although the ISDC is a multi-national organisation, the degree of knowledge and official sanction of the ISDC's operation varies by country, depending on local political sensitivities.  Any involvement is highly classified and knowledge of the ISDC is restricted to key ministers and officials.

Personnel are drawn from the military, industry and academia of member nations. The organisation's structure is designed to ensure that these groups are able to work together successfully during both the construction of the interstellar vessel and when it begins operating in deep space.

While not strictly a military organisation, The ISDC's operational activity is governed by a military-style chain of command structure, which provides clear guidance for all personnel on their responsibilities. This clarity is considered vital when operating in unpredictable and potentially dangerous environments expected in deep space.

The Need for Secrecy

Geo-strategic concerns make it necessary for the ISDC's work to remain highly classified. An elaborate network of secret finances and cover-stories has been created to allow the ISDC to pursue its mission and to 'hide in plain sight'.

The Milesham Organisation, an apparently well-endowed philanthropical organisation dedicated to climate change research, is one of the principal covers for the ISDC’s activities.

The need for secrecy is two-fold. Firstly, publicly acknowledging the existence of extra-terrestrial civilizations would incite an unpredictable and likely adverse reaction from the general population and in particular their governments.

Secondly, the US military continues to operate a similar program and the ISDC could therefore be misconstrued as a threat. It is thought likely steps would be taken to destroy the ISDC if its existence became known.

The Mission

The ISDC has a multi-faceted mission in deep (interstellar) space, involving exploration, diplomacy and defence.

The mission's emphasis is on exploration - mapping and documenting stellar and planetary phenomena in the vast reaches of deep space. The focus of efforts will be on areas thought most likely to harbour intelligent life, with a view to initiating first contact with new civilizations.

Once first contact has been made, every effort will be made to establish diplomatic relations, create alliances and gather defensive technology.  Where peaceful relations cannot be established, the ISDC is responsible for defending Earth from extra-terrestrial threats.

Building an Interstellar Vessel

Before the organisation can carry out its primary mission, it must complete development of an interstellar vessel, using scientific knowledge and technology available to the ISDC from a variety of sources.

Construction of the vessel will take place in space under the cover of the ACROSS orbital climate research station, with component modules ferried into space under the guise of extending and supplying the space station.

Endeavour Deck Guide

Endeavour is designed to comfortably accommodate a crew for 3-6 month missions (up to twelve months in an emergency). The ship is equipped to cover multiple mission requirements with labs across various scientific disciplies to allow in-field analysis. During missions the ship is capable of supporting itself without needing to return to base, including performing maintenance and repairs. 

Vessel Design Principles

Each deck is self-contained, so that loss of containment on one deck will not impact another deck's operation, apart from shared life support systems (where deck-specific backup systems would operate).

Key Layout Principles

Endeavour's design incorporates three types of internal space to maximise survivability.

Citadel

A heavily armoured central citadel includes internal armour and blast doors separating the citadel from other internal spaces. All critical systems are located within the citadel, which is designed to allow operation and maneuvering even if the rest of the vessel is heavily damaged.

Secondary Spaces

Living quarters, labs, cargo storage and other non-critical spaces take up the bulk of the vessel's volume. These spaces are protected by armour but are designed so that damage to these areas will not be critical to survivability. 

Tertiary Spaces

Forward sections of the vessel are isolated from secondary spaces via an armoured firewall. These spaces typically contain low-priority spaces. Tertiary spaces are designed to take initial impact of incoming fire or damage.

Deck Plan

Endeavour has seven decks and a flight deck.

Deck One

Deck one contains the ship's command centre - the bridge.

The shuttle dock provides direct access to shuttle craft and a decontamination facility for crew returning from away missions.

More

Deck Two

Deck two contains scientific labs, cargo bays and a data centre.

Pre-mission support facilities include a briefing room, crew staging area and armoury, connected directly to the shuttle dock via a dedicated stairwell.

A security office supports the shuttle dock including holding facilities.

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Deck Three

Deck three contains the vessel's main cargo bays.

The vessel's medical facility, including a medical lab, is located aft.

Two of the vessel's torpedo tubes are located forward on this deck.

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Deck Four

The vessel's main engine room, providing access to the MIE engines, is located aft.

Officers quarters are located forward. The wardroom is located at the bow.

Sensor equipment, including a dedicated data centre to process sensor readings, is located within the citadel.

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Deck Five

Crew quarters are located on deck five, along with the galley - the main dining area for crew.

The vessel's main engineering operations and control area is located aft on this deck.

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Deck Six

Deck six contains additional crew quarters and the crew lounge, which is directly accessible from the galley via a stairwell.

The vessel's fusion reactor and other key engineering systems are accessible from this deck.

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Deck Seven

Deck seven houses two of the vessel's torpedo tubes and the Faster-Than-Light (FTL) engine.

Engineering workshops on this deck provide for the maintenance, repair and fabrication of a number of vessel components, systems and equipment.

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Flight Deck

The flight deck launches and retrieves shuttles that are not equipped with a standard docking interface, cargo vessels and larger vessels. A large retractable door aft 

Flight operations for all vessels (including docked shuttles) is managed from the flight control room.

More

Attachments
Endeavour Deck Plan Overview v1.4

Vessel Design Principles

Loose gears and cogs scattered on engineering blueprints

These design principles for ship construction have been issued by the ISDC's Naval Architecture Group. They outline the requirements and objectives that the completed vessel will be expected to fulfill.

The ISDC requires a vessel that is capable of:

  • achieving the superluminal relativistic speeds necessary for interstellar travel;
  • providing an independent scientific exploration and research platform in deep space; and
  • defending itself and the interests of ISDC treaty partners

Architectural Principles

The vessel's mass must be constrained so as to ensure effective performance within the capability of current power generation and propulsion technologies.

The vessel is intended for operation only in space. Capabilities for operation in planetary atmospheric or gravitational conditions or for landing planetside are not required.

The expected design life is fifteen years. It is expected that this will be achieved through a modular design, allowing key systems and habitation spaces fitted to the spaceframe to be swapped out and upgraded throughout the vessel's design life.

Range

In order to maximise the benefit of each mission, it is expected that the vessel will operate in deep space for extended periods of time before returning to Earth.

Operating Range

The vessel must be capable of sustained, independent operation in deep space (operating range) for up to six months, with the capability of operating under emergency conditions for a further six months. This will require consideration of storage capacity for fuel, supplies and spares. Installations and equipment must also have certified reliability (MTBF) ratings appropriate to this range.

Traversal Range

The vessel must be capable of traversing a sufficient number of light years between returns to Earth (traversal range) to make the operating range effective.

This range may be achieved with a combination of fuel storage capacity and the ability to reliably gather fuel while operating.

Environmental

Living conditions aboard ship are considered a major contributor to the success of extended missions in the challenging and isolated environment of deep space. Ensuring the physical and psychological wellbeing of the crew (not all of whom will be from the military) is considered vital for efficient and safe operation. 

The vessel must provide a "shirt-sleeves" operating environment: Earth-normal atmospheric, gravity and background-radiation environmental conditions.

Habitation spaces must not be overly confined or restrictive. The space available for habitation spaces must be balanced with equipment and operating spaces, within the constraints on the vessel's mass and the demands of environmental systems. 

Safety

In the short to medium term the ISDC will have only one vessel capable of interstellar travel which will severely limit the rescue options available should a catastrophic event occur.

The vessel's design must therefore incorporate redundancy and system duplication that is sufficient to ensure the availability of core systems in all but the most catastrophic of scenarios.  The vessel must also have sufficient repair capabilities to ensure that core systems can be restored within timeframes that do not threaten the safety of the crew.

Exploration Functions

The vessel's exploration functions will extend beyond the collection of raw data for delivery back to laboratories on Earth. The vessel will be required to carry a team of scientists and provide them with equipment and laboratories so as to maximise the advantage of proximity to planetary discoveries and stellar phenomenon.

The vessel must function as an independent scientific exploration and research platform, equipped to complete first-level analysis of discoveries (for example from orbit) in sufficient detail to allow more detailed secondary exploration activity (for example planetary landings and surveys).

Data recording and sample collection/storage facilities must be sufficient to allow the capture and retention of all information considered significant enough for further detailed analysis back on Earth.

Defence Functions

The vessel must be capable of effective self-defence in a largely unknown strategic environment. This will require versatility from defence systems.

The primary tactical scenario anticipated will be combat between vessels. It is expected that key tactical drivers in such scenarios will include the ability to avoid detection and maintain distance from threat vessels while maintaining a capability to project force at such distances.

Tactical sensory systems must be capable of identifying and tracking potential threats at the longest possible range while avoiding detection of the vessel itself.

Weapons systems must be capable of delivering tactically decisive payloads to targets at distances consistent with the safety of the ship.

Countermeasure systems must be capable of preventing or minimising damage to the vessel from threat weapon systems. It is anticipated that both kinetic and energy weapons are likely to be encountered - countermeasures to both system types are required.