Jump to content
XCOMUFO & Xenocide

Satellites


Recommended Posts

here a small idea that could make the game more fun:

what about satellites?
they should be shot into the orbit by some kind of launcher that has a huge size in a bese.

there could be several types of sattelites like:
radar satellites (detect ufos, can be used to cover the whole earth as far as i know i was impossible to cover the whole indian ocean, i always lost track of ufos in the indian ocean. theese sattelites could be more precise in the detection)
advanced radar sattellites (more powerful then the simple one, larger detect range, more precise, can detect bases)
hyper wave sattellites (same as above but they decode hyper waves)
suicide bomber sattelites (shoot down alien satellites)
lighter sattelites (can light up night missions focusing the sunlight (like icarus, 007 die another day))
laser blast sattelites (they allow you to make a huge ion blast in a mission, perhaps avialable once a week because of recharge, this is an alternative to the bomber suggestion)
plasma blast sattelites (same as above, but more powerful, can be used to destroy a base with 10% chance, limited to 20 charges)
mind disruptor sattelites (like the mind shield they disrupt ufos attacking your bases, also affects other ufos that ca simply loose orientation and eigther fly somewhere else or even crash)

at least the ultimate satellite would be a space station which combines hyper wave scan, a small store, a small living facility and a hangar. and to force the player to build it you could say that the assault on cydonia can only be started from there.

of cause all sattelites should be very expensive and the launch should cost a lot. the launcher should need a 4x4 space

to balance all that shuckeroonies there would then be alien sattelites like
radar sattelite (detect x-com bases)
mind disruptor sattelite (disrupt your craft or even crash it)
plasma blast sattelites (attack your bases, chance to damage buildings that must then be repaired)
suicide bomber sattelites (same as the human one)
spore sattelites (spread alien spores that result in primitive alien activity like a horde of cryssalids attacking a farm (like the simple activities in ufo:aftermach))
a space base which can launch ufos and can be raided by x-com

thats all so far.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What prevents aliens from shooting those satellites to bits?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

the same that prevents the aliens permanently attacking your bases:

a) they cannot so easily detect them
B) they can only be shot down by suicide sattelites and they do not have unlimited numbers of then. something like 1-2 per month and 50% chance of succesfull bombing.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

yeah, of cause the bases should have some kind of protection from theese attacks.
the sattelite cannot be refuled, but comes with a limited number of charges (10 or 20) that were put in when it was manufactured. when all charges are gone you have to shot a new one into orbit and the old one just remains there (but becomes useless) so the aliens hopefully destroy this one and not a functional one.

and about ufos attacking sattelites you could just say that they cannot fly in that altitude and use warp drives to fly to the mars, so they are unable to reach the sattelites and they cannot be shot down with rockets, because they use cloacking or other disrupting devices that make them untargetable for rockets. Edited by websee
Link to comment
Share on other sites

But, what prevents the aliens from coming from the upper atmosphere, and destroying the sattalites with plasma beams? Or for that matter, what prevents the aliens from coming from mars and doing the same thing.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote]yeah, of course the bases should have some kind of protection from theese attacks.[/quote]
Alien bases are made with very powerful alien alloys, plus they are very deep underground. Would plasma have ANY chance of hurting it? :huh:

The attack satellites could take the role of the kamakaze satellite. Why send an expensive satellite out to die, when you could just shoot your target?

The HWD is like the Enigma decoder from WWII. I don't think X-COM would want to shoot that into space, as it is infinitely more valuable hidden.

[quote]But, what prevents the aliens from coming from the upper atmosphere, and destroying the sattelites with plasma beams?[/quote]
Perhaps the aliens are trying to be stealthy. Perhaps they think it's just worthless space junk. Near the end of the game, when they get desperate, they can try blowing a few of them up.

Which gives a new idea for alien missions: Satellite raid. The UFO's will fly at orbital height (new height idea), and shoot down as many sattelites as they can. You'd only be able to attack it with your researched craft. Like in TFTD, how only your special subs can go deep enough, only your special X-COM craft can go high enough.

A good satellite raid will destroy alot of satellites, which will disrupt global communications. 3rd world countries, which don't have ground-based communication, (fiber optics, etc.) will be forced to cut alot of funding to X-COM.


This discussion does bring up an important question, though. How are satellites, communication or otherwise, going to be handled in Xenocide? Alien UFOs will pass by our orbital facilities alot, so what will they do about them? Edited by Robo Dojo 58
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll tell you what keeps them from blowing your space station to bits: two fingers crossed properly. I'm all for some sort of orbital base. In fact a while ago I had an idea that maybe the aliens construct some sort of doomsday weapon in earth orbit and you have to send your best troops to assualt the massive Death Sta... I mean, space station... :Blush:
But seriously, maybe the aliens could have some sort of space station to stage ships out of from much closer. Or maybe you, at great expense, could make some sort of orbital base. I'm not sure of the point though. But that's just me.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote]In fact a while ago I had an idea that maybe the aliens construct some sort of doomsday weapon...[/quote]
Hehe. I'll recommend that you look up T'Leth from TFTD, and leave it at that. :wink:

A space station is a pretty nifty idea, though. The aliens would use a space station to help construct their huge battleships. I don't think Earth will have anything that good in 10 years, though.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, if the aliens built a space station somewhere nearby, I know I'd be rooting for a "Capture the space station" mission... How much cheaper and simpler can you get by having someone built a space station for you then taking over it?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Cpl. Facehugger' date='Jan 8 2004, 06:52 PM']Well, I would rather build my own. I mean, once we humans get intimate with alien tech, we can build better stuff then they can! Take a look at the avenger, flying suit, and human plasma cannon![/quote]
Which is more effective, plasma cannon or battleships plasma weapon? Plasma cannon isn't a good example :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I always thought that the battleship had a fusion ball launcher? I mean, it has range equal to the human version. It just seemed like a fusion launcher to mee.

But still, the human plasma cannon is better than [b]all[/b] the alien ones except the battleship's (if it even uses a plasma cannon)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A space station does seem like a pretty interesting idea. I mean the Aliens could take over the International space station and retrofit it or something of that sort. Perhaps they could ship in their own, but that would be pretty costly and alot less low profile than a hidden base on the ground.

As far as the satellite thing goes, it would be a good idea but sounds pretty complicated to put in the game. I am not sure if it wouldnt just be easier to do some of those same things in an orbital base or the like. As far as the aliens finding the satellites easily issue, NORAD keeps track of every object in orbit larger than a bolt. It wouldnt seem far out of line that the aliens could find them easily as well. With so many foreign objects and satellites though, you could write in that the satellites were launched and disguised with mundane functions/nature (like communications, relays, GPS ect). Militarily speaking though, ya think those pesky xeno's would destroy everything in orbit to cause mass panic and disruption. Perhaps one of these alien satellite destruction missions could fit in well for that purpose. This could lead to less effective communication of alien terror missions or something to that effect. Still though, it would seem pretty difficult to add all these orbiting satellites with varied function in the first place.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

First, just cause this is driving me nuts, the aliens are NOT trying to be low profile! You dont invade a major city and attempt to kill all the citizens while your trying to be low profile.

Second: Satellites are already in place. A SATELLITE DISH on the ground isnt worth nuts with out a Satellite in orbit. However, It would be interesting to have to manage the satellites. Maybe not to the extreams of laser satellites (im guessing you got the idea from Command and Conquer). But add and replacing better satellites would be nifty.
BUT: you must take into consideration that there are already hundreds of satellites in orbit. If these were destroyed, our very way of life wold be disrupted. What is to distinguish X-Com satellites from commercial or gov owned satellites?


satellitessatellitessatellitessatellitessatellitessatellites, boy doesnt that word sound weird after you say it a few times?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just as a matter of interest has ANYONE read my CTD on the ionic bombardment cannon??

I mean, I did keep it 'simple' but I combined a superhyperwave decoder with a tractor beam which can snare passing UFOs, with only a 10% chance of success, and only one at a time. Also it has a 100% detection rate - effectively planet wide ultimate detection. I have just thought of maybe extending this, and it can detect 'fuzzy objects' as they penetrate the atmosphere - you can chance it and send your avenger near that any hit them before they know what happened.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

we are still working at them. they are in early beta stage. the first one (0.1) crashed on earth and blew it into galactic dust. the 0.2 went out of orbit and crashed on mars, no aliens ever came to earth, hmm... boring.
the current one (0.3) stays in orbit, it has 20 charges, but unfortunately it alyways shoots 3 charges at once (dunno why) and makes huge holes into the continents. we have shot 6 of theese into orbit. the first one has blown europe into pieces and exploded after the second shot destroing the nearby 2 which resulted in a huge fireworks. the 2 others have completely elliminated asia and north america but also exploded after the 3rd shot. and unfortunately we have lost contact with the last one (i think the aliens have captured it, ohoh... rebooting).
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
Hello all :)

This idea is perhaps something that could be implemented some time in the future, if it should be interesting to have - that is :D. There was never something like this in the original game, so this is actually version1+++++++++ stuff. Just to make sure you know what this is about: This whole thing should be availible as a button the Geoscape interface, like somewhere above [Ufopedia] (or X-net Database) with the name "SatOps" (for buying/selling sats and so on) and another option near the Geoscape interface to show active satellites for selecting and moving around the globe. "Political Situation idea" is something I need to add to the lab under a certain area so that everybody can understand this idea (me idiot did the sat-idea first -.-), so I'll add the link per edit right up here.

I would like to also excuse myself for the upcoming typos - german and english is not easy to keep split ^_^

(I'm new here, so I hope this was not posted already :D)
-------------

[u]Satellite Operations Idea for the Geoscape[/u]

Satellite-Surveillance should belong to the Xcorp-Org's number one opportunity in detecting UFOs and other occations happening on Earth, especially when it comes to times where political situations (view link, when availible) do not allow Xcorp aircrafts to cross their skyboarders. Introducing different types of satellites, the player should use these to spy high above different landscapes, detect UFO or Alien-Base activity, hack normal satellites of other countries to learn more about their current status (like political situation or their operations if they "have been taken over by Aliens") and so on.
In order not to spam the sky with hundreds of Sat's, the should be very expensive (maintenance costs per month should also be high) and there should be a way to split primary sats from secondary sats (primary sats should be the root of controlling secondary sats).

So, on the Geoscape -when the game has started- the player would possess one certain satellite (the Xcorp-Sat "Zenit"). The Satellite would be shown high above the globe (and directly above the base in high geostationary orbit) and would display a green circle, showing it's survey/viewing area. After setting a destination where it should be sent, the satellite would slowly move, along with it's circle (lets say the time-speed is set to <30mins per sek.>).

As the game evolves, the player should be able to research on new types of satellites, as well as upgrades for example that are immediately used to improve the detection of UFOs.

[b]Primary GeoSat - The "Zenit"[/b]

This satellite should be the primary survey unit for spying across the globe. Many aerospace-orgs have secretly developed and funded this unit to support the Xcorp with their upcoming problems. The "Zenit" (formally called "United-Space-International - short USI - WK94 Hendriette") was formally a multinational space project for scanning Earth's surface with new survey-technology. The project was stalled and rather forgotten after the first UFO contact and the conflicts that occurred between other countries. This satellite remained as a dead obsolete hulk floating powerlessly high above Earth.
When the Xcorp Organisation was founded, the operatives have came to the conclusion that they would need all posabilities in UFO-Detection. Thanks to the support of many international scientific operatives, the "Hendriette" was revived and re-initialized for Xcorp operations as "The Zenit". "The Zenit" is a unique satillite that can not be bought and can not be reproduced (to prove it's unique'ness ^_^).

[b]"Zenit" capabilities[/b]

Ufo detection:
Due to the fact that the UFO detection abilities are limited, the "Zenit" can only detect UFOs up to the size of MEDIUM. Although Xcorp has already spotted larger UFOs once, the UFOs do seem to possess a slight way of stealth, making them not totally visible upon radar or optical technology upon certain distances.

Hacking Capabilities:
The "Zenit" possess multicode transmitters that allows the Xcorp to hack into other satellites floating around Earth. While TV satellites might produce trash information, other could give vital information about country (or countries) or even ways to cooperate effectively with the country themself. Especially when a country has fallen to the hands of the Aliens, the hacking method could be a way to detect UFOs moving across the globe.

(Small idea nearby: )
Xcorp aircrafts in the survey cone of the "Zenit" would receive combat bonuses vs. UFOs =)

-------

Edit:
Small explanation of "Zenit"

Afaik as an example:
Zenit is when the sun for example is directly above, perpendicular or so.

Not sure if this is a true english word, thanks to my darn german mix-up ._.

Think it was best suitible for a sat :D

I think other names like "Eclipse", "Stratobug" or other names could be used for other Satellite types :D

I'll just put this in the room and want to hear some critics or so :)
Anybody can of course add new ideas or other things :D

If I have the time, I could modell a pic with milkshape:D


Later :D

Groovie ^_^ Edited by GrooveChamp
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hehe,
too far out? :)


Aliens do tend to ignore stuff that dont attack them directly :D

(I think :D)


Since this thread is kinda under the same topic like my other thread, I'll post a link :D

[url="http://www.xcomufo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3810"]http://www.xcomufo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3810[/url]


Groove ^_^
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think this is a pretty good idea, but the issue still remains about alien craft shooting them down. I think if we kept it relatively simple it could be done. Perhaps later on in the game you develop the satellites as to be sure you have the necessary tracking ability to track UFO's, considering they become really active the longer you play. It would be quite costy, and it wouldn't be simple at all to construct. You would need to build a launch pad, something to propell it into space, and the time it takes to fall into orbit and become active. So it could be one of those options that are open to the filthy stinking rich players.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thought i would add in something here (first post btw)

Since satellites are far too small to be detected by the aliens via sight (or what ever they have) then they would obvioulsy be detected via whatever detection systems the aliens use

Perhaps this could be researched, from alien ship capture, and reverse engineered to provide not only a new detection method but a way to shield detection of smaller objects such as satellites effectively making a new class of satellites that are invisable to the aliens.

Allows the possobility of new expensive sattelites and adds in new research options, i know i love research options :D
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The aliens seem to have a lot of tech that revolves around PSI. Since satellites don't use PSI, they probably don't think that they're anything interesting. I mean, you can't even make alien toast without PSI, what good is a satellite? :huh?:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Could it be that launcher is large and costly but satellites fairly low-cost and simple. (maybe about $500000)
There would be a chance for satellites to be destroyed by aliens all the time (maybe 2% per day), and you could do nothing to avoid this as sats are attacked when aliens detect them. Maybe with alien-tech craft? Improved-tech satellites would be harder to detect-> prolonged lifespan.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
[quote name='deanfrz' date='Jan 7 2004, 10:46 PM']I'll tell you what keeps them from blowing your space station to bits: two fingers crossed properly. I'm all for some sort of orbital base. In fact a while ago I had an idea that maybe the aliens construct some sort of doomsday weapon in earth orbit and you have to send your best troops to assualt the massive Death Sta... I mean, space station...  :Blush:
But seriously, maybe the aliens could have some sort of space station to stage ships out of from much closer. Or maybe you, at great expense, could make some sort of orbital base. I'm not sure of the point though. But that's just me.
[right][post="58667"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]
That would be cool, an alien orbital weapon platform would be like a preview for Cydonia... We could make it very challenging... ^_^

I like the idea of a new altitude (orbital) like in TFTD but reversed would definitely add realism and would be simple to add... :idea:

On teh otehr hand, radar Satellites (infrared, HWD or whatever) seem a very good idea, I mean, once you get teh firestorm/Lightning or better yet Avenger, you can got and put satellites with ease...
Armed satelites, on teh other hand, would be too far away to be effective... I mean, you have to be 100km in altitude to be above the atmosphere, in LOW orbit... And shooting missiles down, they'd disintegrate from the atmosphere...
As I said the detections sats are good, but you need to forget the fact that a radar is the easiest thing to detect... since it emits huge pulses of EM energy, like a few thousand microwave ovens... Trust me, don't stand in front of a military Radar, you'll fry... :D

Since they're so easy to detect, the idea of the aliens downing satelites is cool, it would create mass hysteria and havoc, hamper XCOM Research and shipments, an excelent plot element... The possible end of civilisation as we know it... :LOL:

[quote name='websee' date='Jan 15 2004, 08:14 AM']we are still working at them. they are in early beta stage. the first one (0.1) crashed on earth and blew it into galactic dust. the 0.2 went out of orbit and crashed on mars, no aliens ever came to earth, hmm... boring.
the current one (0.3) stays in orbit, it has 20 charges, but unfortunately it alyways shoots 3 charges at once (dunno why) and makes huge holes into the continents. we have shot 6 of theese into orbit. the first one has blown europe into pieces and exploded after the second shot destroing the nearby 2 which resulted in a huge fireworks. the 2 others have completely elliminated asia and north america but also exploded after the 3rd shot. and unfortunately we have lost contact with the last one (i think the aliens have captured it, ohoh... rebooting).
[right][post="59575"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]
Good point... :hammer: :explode: :LOL:


[quote name='GrooveChamp' date='Mar 14 2004, 10:04 PM']Could have NASA bribed for a secret "unscedueled" launch for money too hehe :D


Groove ^_^
[right][post="71997"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

Of course, why do you think the space shuttle is so damn too big and unsafe BY DESIGN, it's because the military wanted to launch Bus-sized satelites...
BTW, satelites usually cost a few dozen to hundreds of millions (U$) a piece (launching rocket not included)... I guess our crakpot Xenocide Engineers would be able to rig some for less than 5 M$ in a few months (for a team of 50)
And when we get the avenger: No more launch problems :D
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...