Chapter 7 - Restart ... Again
With the ESR/HSC updated with the new restart parameters it is time to test them out.
I put my helmet back on and secure it to the suit collar. Reaching down I turn the life support pack on from standby.
“Computer. Command. Switch to backup power, Override Code: Charley Zero Nine”
I hear the Command and Control circuit breakers click over to the Battery Bus as the computer responds “Done.”
“Computer. Command. Begin Restart Protocol Alpha One.”
“Commencing Ship Shutdown for Fusion Restart. Propulsion: off-line, Communication: off-line, Navigation: off-line, Life Support: off-line. All major ships systems are idle. Ship ready for restart attempt.”
Again I scan the status board to confirm the computer's report and as expected all the systems are off-line.
For a second time 'today' I press the Green Button.
The computer begins its running status report:
“Fission Reactor coming on-line.”
That's right, I had to shut it down when I did the programming.
“Fission Reactor at full power.”
“Fusion reactor magnetic containment fields initiating.”
The field is established at it's original density.
“Fission Reactor shutdown.”
“Deuterium coolant routed to fusion reactor main chamber injectors.”
“Injectors heated to operational temperature.”
The new parameters are working. The fuel temperature is higher that it was in the prior run.
“Fuel injected into containment field.”
Now to compress the fuel to fusion temperature and pressure with the new parameters.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in first sequence.”
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
The temperature curve versus the power usage is steeper this time. It looks like it might get hot enough fast enough to reach sustainable fusion before we run out of power.
“Magnetic Containment Field compression increased.”
Based on the new parameters we have squeezed the plasma a bit harder this time. The power levels are still holding. Just barely though.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in second sequence.”
At the new firing rate I see.
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
That really boosted the temperature and plasma density..
“Magnetic Containment Field compression increased.”
Ouch, that took a big power hit. The system won't be able to keep that up much longer.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in final sequence.”
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
“Fusion reaction confirmed.”
YES! We have ignition.
I key the ERS keypad with 'Load', C100-FFFF, 'Execute'
“Ion pulse lasers off-line.”
“Computer, Command. Begin Restart Protocol Alpha Two.”
“Main power bus stable.”
“Containment fields Stable.”
“Fusion Reactor activating at 25% capacity.”
“Second Power Cell Charging.”
“Remaining Fusion chambers will be brought on-line. Please Stand By.”
Looks like it didn't take all the power this time. I switch life support back to the main power bus, put the pack on stand by again and remove my helmet.
“Well Done.” I say to no one in particular.
I put my helmet back on and secure it to the suit collar. Reaching down I turn the life support pack on from standby.
“Computer. Command. Switch to backup power, Override Code: Charley Zero Nine”
I hear the Command and Control circuit breakers click over to the Battery Bus as the computer responds “Done.”
“Computer. Command. Begin Restart Protocol Alpha One.”
“Commencing Ship Shutdown for Fusion Restart. Propulsion: off-line, Communication: off-line, Navigation: off-line, Life Support: off-line. All major ships systems are idle. Ship ready for restart attempt.”
Again I scan the status board to confirm the computer's report and as expected all the systems are off-line.
For a second time 'today' I press the Green Button.
The computer begins its running status report:
“Fission Reactor coming on-line.”
That's right, I had to shut it down when I did the programming.
“Fission Reactor at full power.”
“Fusion reactor magnetic containment fields initiating.”
The field is established at it's original density.
“Fission Reactor shutdown.”
“Deuterium coolant routed to fusion reactor main chamber injectors.”
“Injectors heated to operational temperature.”
The new parameters are working. The fuel temperature is higher that it was in the prior run.
“Fuel injected into containment field.”
Now to compress the fuel to fusion temperature and pressure with the new parameters.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in first sequence.”
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
The temperature curve versus the power usage is steeper this time. It looks like it might get hot enough fast enough to reach sustainable fusion before we run out of power.
“Magnetic Containment Field compression increased.”
Based on the new parameters we have squeezed the plasma a bit harder this time. The power levels are still holding. Just barely though.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in second sequence.”
At the new firing rate I see.
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
That really boosted the temperature and plasma density..
“Magnetic Containment Field compression increased.”
Ouch, that took a big power hit. The system won't be able to keep that up much longer.
“Ion pulse lasers firing in final sequence.”
“Plasma temperature climbing.”
“Fusion reaction confirmed.”
YES! We have ignition.
I key the ERS keypad with 'Load', C100-FFFF, 'Execute'
“Ion pulse lasers off-line.”
“Computer, Command. Begin Restart Protocol Alpha Two.”
“Main power bus stable.”
“Containment fields Stable.”
“Fusion Reactor activating at 25% capacity.”
“Second Power Cell Charging.”
“Remaining Fusion chambers will be brought on-line. Please Stand By.”
Looks like it didn't take all the power this time. I switch life support back to the main power bus, put the pack on stand by again and remove my helmet.
“Well Done.” I say to no one in particular.
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