[h1]Node Catalogue #1 🛰️[/h1] [h3]Hey everyone![/h3] [i][b]In today’s development diary[/b][/i], we’re taking a closer look at the different nodes you can build to create and customize your space station. These nodes are the core components that allow you to expand your station, manage resources, and keep your crew alive. Each node has a unique purpose, from the essential Hulk Node, which serves as the backbone of your station, to mining asteroids with the T2 Mount and Drill Node and generating power with the T2 Solar Panel, these nodes are the necessary tools in your kit to build the space station of your dreams. We’ll cover a mix of basic and more advanced nodes, each offering its own gameplay mechanics. Whether you're just starting or looking to fine-tune your station's efficiency, there's something here for every space engineer. Let’s dive in and see what each node can do! ˚　　☄️　　　✦　　　.　　. 🪐　 ˚　.　　　 🛸　　.　　　　　　 ✦　　　.　　˚　🌒　　　　. ✦ 　🌍 ˚　.　 　　.  　 　　　˚　　　　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　　˚ 　　　 　　˚　.　*　　. 　˚　　. * [b][h2]Hulk Node[/h2][/b] The [i][b]Hulk Node [/b][/i] is a foundational module designed for extensive expansion, offering six large and eight smaller sockets to connect various components such as weapons, mining lasers, or additional station modules. It serves as the structural backbone of your space station, allowing for modular customization and robust scalability as your station grows. With fourteen attachment points, it can support virtually every configuration. A complicated system of cables, pipes, and walkways allows transport between any two attached nodes. Each Hulk can also be upgraded with retro-thrusters to provide additional maneuverability and control of your spacecraft. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/6e41b200d5963e8ad9497070fd7d6d235bbcb21c.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"A Hulk Node outfitted for basic mining operations. As the space industry grew, so too did the demand for modular components. The Hulk Node was designed to standardize this process and has remained virtually unchanged throughout its years of service."[/i] [/list][h2]Medium Array Node[/h2] The [I][b]T2 Array Node[/b][/i] connects to an empty T2 socket, providing an additional two to four T1 sockets for further expansion. This node is essential for optimizing space station design - the sophisticated power and resource management system enables you to maximize the number of components and systems you can integrate into your station. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/f9c6438a379cb2472a4135f1f9fc6c72599de668.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"The Array Node was created to support smaller stations that didn't need the larger attachment points provided by Hulk Nodes. Developed by the UEA to support its rapidly growing support fleets, its cheap and robust nature makes it popular among spacers."[/i] [/list][h2]T2 Solar Panel[/h2] The [i][b]T2 Solar Panel[/b][/i] is a reliable and basic energy generation module, that harnesses solar energy to power your station. It provides a steady electricity supply, essential for maintaining station operations and supporting other modules. To harvest energy from the sun, they use a "cold net" that attracts and siphons heat from solar rays, allowing them to function even in deep space. The underlying science behind it is a closely guarded secret. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/f45dda967c6342b4cf8f67983a1f102219b5fb85.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"With nuclear fuel an increasingly expensive resource, SOL-Tec's revolutionary solar harvesters have spread throughout the Systems."[/i] [/list][h2]Thermal Management Module[/h2] The [i][b]Thermal Management Module[/b][/i] is crucial for managing your station's thermal load, efficiently dissipating excess heat into space. It features a dual-functioning system, with one section continuously dissipating heat via infrared radiation while the other stores it temporarily, enabling controlled, large-scale heat dumps to prevent overheating. The hydrogen dump system collects heat, heats hydrogen, and expels the hot gas into space, providing an efficient method for removing excess heat from high-output modules. Failure to efficiently manage heat can result in failing and damaged components. However, be aware that releasing large bursts of heat could potentially reveal your location to nearby enemies in space. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/fbdbdc230740bf1de433a5c2600234d77326b1be.png[/img] [i][list] [*] "During the initial wave of space exploration, radiators were designed to prevent components from overheating and crewmembers from cooking due to their body heat. Today, these systems have evolved significantly, incorporating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency and provide effective thermal management." [/list][/i][h2]T2 Habitat Module[/h2] The [i][b]T2 Habitat Module[/b][/i] is a living space capable of housing up to 100 inhabitants. It provides all the necessary life-support systems and living quarters, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment for your crew and station residents. This module features a large ring that spins independently of its station, providing artificial gravity to its inhabitants. Modular wall panels with integrated wiring mean the layout can be changed to meet any situation. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/2c4478b115aed1535e1276ac69d75767e224a283.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"I.L.L. Habitats provide the latest in deep space crew accommodations. Easy to install and modify, these habitats are suitable for workers and luxury passengers alike."[/i] [/list][h2]Asteroid Excavator Module[/h2] The [i][b]T2 Mount and Drill Node[/b][/i] is specialized for asteroid mining operations, equipped with powerful drills to extract valuable materials. It also doubles as a transport mechanism, allowing the secure capture and relocation of smaller asteroids for processing or resource extraction. It consists of a two-part system used to harvest and transport smaller asteroids. By directing the main thruster's plasma through the drill's emitters, it breaks through the densest of materials in moments. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/11633566c14eb14db28920af8f815f77e1fa204b.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"While most asteroids can be broken apart with your standard mining laser, the larger - and more valuable ones - require specialized equipment."[/i] [/list][h2]Actuator Node[/h2] The [i][b]Actuator Node[/b][/i] is an advanced module that functions as a gimbal or joint, providing precise movement and orientation control for connected components. It enables flexible positioning and adjustment of modules, enhancing the station's operational versatility and adaptability. Actuators are simple in concept - a single, large motor that rotates one end, and a series of counter-motors prevent the force from tearing it out of its base. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35809242/36c82f620668992e30444a832da94e096df7bde3.png[/img] [list] [*] [i]"Actuators were originally designed by Bulwark Inc. as an experiment in even larger, stationary cannons. While this was eventually deemed non-feasible, the technology was adapted to support advanced station designs.”[/i] [/list]. 🪐　 ˚　.　　　 🛸　　.　　　　　　 ✦　　　.　　˚　🌒　　　　. ✦ 　 ˚　.　˚　　☄️　　　✦　　　.　 ˚　.　　 🚀　　.　　　˚　.　　　　 ✦　　　.　　　　. ✦ 　 ˚.　.  　 　　🌍　　˚　　✦　　　　*　　 .˚　 　　　 Thanks for joining us on this tour of the different nodes you can build for your space station! We’ve covered some core modules today, from the foundational Hulk Node to the advanced Thermal Management Module and Asteroid Excavator, each designed to enhance your gameplay and expand your station's capabilities. This is just a glimpse of the many nodes and modules you’ll use to construct your ship in Starminer. There are plenty more options to explore, each offering unique features and functionalities to help you customize and optimize your space station. Stay tuned for future updates as we dive deeper into the full range of possibilities and continue to refine your spacefaring experience. [b][i]Until next time![/i][/b] [h3]- Starminer Dev Team 🌌[/h3]