Asteroid Belt (Sol System)

Like many star systems, Sol possesses an Asteroid Belt. Between Jupiter and Mars stretches a wide belt of asteroids that marks the edge of the Mars Defense Perimeter and the boundary to the inner reaches of the Sol System. Many of the asteroids in the belt are dozens or even hundreds of kilometers in diameter. The asteroid field stretches between 1.7 and 4.0 astronomical units and is largely uninhabited. The unusual rock formations, of C-, M-, and S-type asteroids, and the impressive collisions between asteroids are a popular attraction. The Federation licenses several mining companies, including the Dytallix Mining Corporation, the Tellarite Mining Company, and the Janus Mining Consortium, to extract minerals from the asteroid field. Miners in environment suits survey an asteroid, then break it down, separate out the essential minerals, and store them on board their vessels. Starfleet uses the field as a place for testing starship weapon systems. The boundaries of the weapon range are indicated by automated marker buoys, which warn off other vessels. Careful isolation of the firing range keeps accidents to a minimum, and travelers are advised to obey transmitted warnings.

Starfleet Academy conducts regular training courses in asteroid field navigation and weapon control systems here, and as a cadet you can expect to spend some time in the asteroid belt.

Reference(s)

• Isaacs, Ross A., et al. A Cadet's Guide to Sector 001, New York: Last Unicorn Games, 1999.