View source for QR 243 (Satellite)

{{InfoBoxSmallCraft
| image = [[Image:QR 243.jpg|191px]]
| Name = QR 243 HPG Relay Satellite
| Manufacturer = The [[Clans]]
| Use = HPG Communication Relay <br/> Spy Satellite <br/> Communication Node
| Type (Shape) = Satellite (Medium)
| Tech Base = Clan (Advanced)
| Cost = 
| Introduced = [[Succession Wars era|Late Succession Wars era]]<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5799/qr-243-relay-satellite-standard MUL Profile for QR 243 Relay Satellite (Standard) - Era and BV2 only. No Intro year.]</ref>
| Mass = 65 tons
| Structural Integrity = 1
| Length = 
| Engine (Type) = [[Fusion engine|fusion]]
| Safe Thrust = .01
| Maximum Thrust = .02
| Fuel = Unlimited
| Burn Rate = None
| Armament = None
| comsys = Unspecified
| T&T = Unspecified
| Armor = Unspecified ([[BAR|BAR 5]])
| Crew = None
| Heat Sinks = 20
| BV (1.0) = 
| BV (2.0) = 33<ref>''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', pp. 111 & 118: BV2.</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''QR 243 HPG Relay Satellite''' was developed by the [[Clans]], and was designed to provide interstellar communication capacities from orbit.  The Inner Sphere first saw use of these satellites when the Invading Clans deployed them during the [[Clan Invasion]]. They were the key to allowing a continuous flow of communication between the invading Clans and their people in the [[Clan Homeworlds]] and distant outposts in the [[Deep Periphery]].  The Clans deployed these satellites to maximize their surveillance of systems occupied by enemy forces as well as allowing normal communication between allied systems.

Though these satellites are common among HPG Relay Satellites types, they were uncommon among the Inner Sphere. This was due to advanced technology used to create the small [[hyperpulse generator]].  The QR 243 was exclusively being made and used by the Clans by the [[thirty-first century]].  One such satellite was discovered in [[3086]], in the outer reaches of the [[Coventry]] system.  This satellite "Coventry QR 243" origins are a mystery and it exploded as soon as salvage teams tried to handle the craft.<ref>''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', p. 111: QR 243 HPG Relay Satellite "Background information"</ref>

In Clan Space, during the [[Wars of Reaving]], the [[Society]] disrupted communication causing the HPG system there to go unused for fear of functional HPGs carrying viruses or being outright destroyed by the conflict.<ref>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 109: "Communication Breakdown" - "Subsection notes of HPGs going down, mobile ones on WarShips lost. QR 243s are likely similarly affected by these viruses.</ref> Many of these satellites deployed along the [[Exodus Road]] in the [[Deep Periphery]] were also knocked out.<ref>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 119: "Spreading Contagion" - Deep Periphery HPG Relay network mentioned as being disrupted by war.''</ref><ref>''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', p. 111: QR 243 HPG Relay Satellite "Background information notes these satellites were used in Deep Periphery, at various facilities which would have been part of the Exodus Road."</ref>

==Equipment & Capabilities==
The QR 243's main feature is its HPG Relay system, which uses a small 12 ton [[Ground Mobile HPG]].  Its advanced communication system allows for a maximum range of 50 light years. Typically QR 243s are deployed at various locations, maximizing its effective range and to aid in relaying signals from distant HPG Stations.

With this in mind, it was designed to be deployed in various locations — from solar systems to the deep voids of interstellar space. To allow the satellite to operate in those settings, a small [[Light Sail|Solar Sail]] is mounted in the rear to provide power if positioned in a solar system close enough to a sun. A 3.5 ton Fusion Reactor is fitted with a three-ton fuel capacity for deep space locations for a year. 

Seven tons of communication equipment is provided to allow the Relay to coordinate with spy and surveillance satellites tied into it which would be relayed to allied forces out of system.  The satellite has 1 ton of BAR 5 alloy, which gives it the minimum amount of protection, keeping it safe from the most basic of space debris.

It has been equipped with a fusion engine to provide power so it can deploy in secluded locations with little notice. It has two front-mounted [[Searchlights]] to provide guidance should it be needed for a resupply vehicle. It also has 1 ton worth of [[communication equipment]] for basic communications purposes. 

As a last resort to prevent the satellite falling into enemy hands, the satellite is fitted with a 6.5 ton [[Booby Trap]].<ref>''Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3'', p. 111: QR 243 HPG Relay Satellite "Stats</ref>

==Related Vehicles==
* [[SneakSat (covert communications)|SneakSat]] - Inner Sphere Stealthy conventional spy satellite
* [[D40|D40 Communication Satellite]] - small military communication satellite

==Notes==
The QR 243's Equipment Rating is F/X-FF (Advanced) and burns .005 of fuel per day when using the fusion engine.  Its record sheet is only found in ''[[Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3 ]]''.

The design's name and function were not fleshed out until ''IE:IP3'' was published, however the summary of QR 243 spells out that this was used extensively as one of the chief spaceborne HPG systems used by the Clans to communicate with forces in the Inner Sphere.

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
*''[[Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3 ]]''
*''[[The Wars of Reaving]]''


[[Category:Support Vehicles]]
[[Category:Satellite Support Vehicles|QR 243]]