The System consists of two terminals, each of
which includes an integral, fully robotized capability
to conduct internal command-and-control,
self-maintenance and repair, and logistical,
teleportation, communications and other functions
and operations essential to its unique mission. The
terminal positioned in orbit above Alpha Centauri is
designated the Extractor and the terminal positioned
along the Solar System's rim is designated the
Collector.
The Extractor selects and draws pre-designated
elements, minerals and other usable substances
from the Alpha Centauri star system, and collects,
accumulates, converts and channels the matter
into its spunnel transmission subsystem for direct
interstellar transfer to the Collector.
The Collector receives the product, converts
it into its original form, identifies, classifies,
quantifies and records constituents and mass;
refines and ejects the raw product for transport
to and storage along the solar rim or at a location
that Authority determines to be more suitable.
The Extractor and Collector terminals are
constructed four million kilometers beyond Planet
Pluto. During the System's research, development,
test, evaluation, engineering, construction, launch
and voyage phases, the terminals are spunnel-linked
and tested both as separate machines with their
support systems, and as the integrated master
scheme.
During construction the System is linked to Planet
Pluto, employing mass attractors, orbital dynamics
controls and stabilizers, and other means, as
appropriate.
The System Authority possesses and Commands a
Self-Defense Force under Powers delegated by the
President of the United Inner Planetary System
(UIPS).
At launch, disengage the Extractor fleet from the
Solar System's gravitational and other constraints
employing Planet Pluto's outbound orbital momentum
plus augmentation thrusters in a manner that the
Extractor fleet retains its integrity in transit to
destination, and on station in perpetuity.
Position the Extractor in orbit above Alpha
Centauri at a location commensurate with data
provided previously by drone scouts. Authority,
at all times, maintains surveillance and exercises
control over operations and support systems, and
analyses of the Extractor's functions, structures
and equipment.
The Collector is positioned along the solar rim, or
elsewhere, as determined by Authority. The Collector
is fixed to the Extractor's product launch nodes,
functions and operations, and to the Extractor's
orbital dynamics at destination.
The Extractor, operating at destination, analyzes,
selects, and draws substance from proximate
asteroids, comets, satellites, planetoids, space
debris, swarms, star surfaces, subsurface and other
accessible bodies and strata, reduces the substance
to teleportable constituents (the product), loads
the product into launch hoppers and dispatches
it to the Collector.
Critical to the program's success is timing the
Extractor's launch. Piggy-backed to Planet Pluto
during construction, the Extractor uses the
planet's orbital momentum for launch. The launch
window is precise and short-lived along Planet
Pluto's outbound orbit; there is only one launch
opportunity in centuries for the Extractor.
Disengaged from Pluto, the Extractor fleet
accelerates along its course to optimum velocity
through integrated thrust of augmented thrusters
or other more advanced propulsion systems that
are or become available in time to accomplish the
Objective.
##
The Terminals and their command and control,
supporting research and development schemes
and projects, facilities, spunnel teleport and other
logistics and communications networks, surface and
space stations and outposts is formally designated
The Interstellar Mining and Transport System.
Authority acknowledges that the mission, launch and
assets acquisition processes intrigued the whimsical
fancy of the solar community during pre-program
definition studies and the System was nicknamed
"Slingshot".
THE UNIVERSE
-- or nothing