We can reliably get a small number of small payloads into orbit, why not set up those commutations satellites I talked about?
S1 Bouncer
This automated satellite receives and retransmits with directed radio waves, controlled by commands on the ground and carrying a solar panel for long term power. Movement is controlled by a reserve of mono propellent. They can be chained to allow fast communication over vast distances.
The primary new tech here is very basic automation and LEO to surface radio.
Or a better needle?
Needle LRAAM
A Long-range air to air missile that uses semi-active radar homing. Uses the same basic frame as the Needle SRAAM but with a larger reserve of liquid fuel and a higher thrust engine to compensate. Loses accuracy at long range when it can not be directed.[1 Ore, 2 Chemical, Inexpensive]
Basically just adding more fuel and compensating the design a bit. I would prefer developing a new mix with the same mass but more energy but I doubt we can do that now.
Why not? Well, we are losing all deep-atmosphere fights at the moment. Non-combat satellites would be shot down like clay pigeons. We don't have a pressing need for a communication satellite at *this* moment. It would be something that would be great to deploy once we can get them protected.
We might be able to just modify the current missiles for better performance-instead of using up our one design on them. As long as we can thing of something else to design at least.
Also, I just realized the Spy satellite the enemies had made this turn probably can be used for...spying. We may want to find a way to counter it, so we don't fall behind on intelligence.
I *still* prefer a space station, at least the early stages of one. I do not understand the reluctance to put one in orbit, we have some extra ore that we will have to use, we need to get space under our control, and we have a National Effort spot we need to put into use.
We seem to have a lot more resources this turn... 4 ore 3 chemicals if my calculations are correct.
How about a surface to orbit missile. It would not need to achieve an actual orbit if it just hits the target halfway through it's decent.
Alternatively we could have a solar concentrator satellite network that overheats enemies by focusing sunlight from a dozen points all on one.
Some kind of moon armor?
I like the moon armor idea, though I think we should make a better gun first. They will probably try to upgrade their own gun after we took the moon, we will be able to better design the armor after we know what we are up against. I also like the SOM, but we are going to need some major guidance on it if we expect it to actually hit anything.
Heat dispersal is a serious issue in space. If we can make a directed heat laser, we can fry pretty much anybody in a ship.
A bullet or missile does the same thing. Well, except it is better at killing it. We would also overheat ourselves using it...
This stylish suit of alloyed armor is strait up medieval. Large plates cover most of the body with thinner flexible scales covering joints, protecting against most small arms fire reliably and possibly even higher caliber guns. It has menacing spikes on the helmet spikes and sharp blades over the right hand. Mostly assembled in orbit from multiple launches due to it's extreme weight.
I like it! If we are going heavier, how about we add some form of bracing system allowing us to use high-caliber weapons easily? Maybe some kind of retractable cleats to brace into the Lunar surface, magnets in the hands, or just a simple strap system?