Lotus Program
 | |
| Country of origin | Empire of Ela'r'oech |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Capture footage of atmosphere above Ela'r'oech. |
| Status | Active |
| Program history | |
| First flight | 23 April 2023 |
| Last flight | 25 April 2023 (latest) |
| Successes | Lotus I |
| Launch site(s) | New Da'a'ck, Ela'r'oech |
| Vehicle information | |
| Vehicle type | Publicly available drone (Initially) Modified privatized drone (Final) |
| Crew vehicle | LTS-001 |
The Lotus space program, also known as the Lotus project, is the second space program initiated by the Empire of Ela'r'oech. It's main goal is to simply acquire footage of the atmosphere which Ela'r'oech can say they gained on their own - bragging rights, more or less. The project follows the controversial Opportunity space program, which faced criticism for its lack of safety protocols and disregard for animal neglect.
On 23 April 2023, the Lotus program was announced and subsequently launched with the deployment of Lotus I, a drone designed to collect footage of the atmosphere and the effects of space on technology. The drone was modified by two engineers in the Empire of Ela'r'oech and was designed to capture footage by attaching a micro-camera to it, as well as being designed to withstand higher altitudes in the atmosphere. The Lotus program represents a significant achievement in technology and scientific research for the micronation, especially its space programs. Future missions of the Lotus program are expected to include more advanced drones with longer durations in space and more complex scientific experiments.
Creation
The Lotus program was approved on 20 April 2023 by Charles I after suggestions from Speaker Ramirez. It would be publicly announced three days later, and as such, Lotus I was launched. It was confirmed that Lotus I grounded Earth on 25 April 2023, with the assumption that it landed a day before confirmation.
Reactions
"... I [Emperor Charles I] would ... like to announce that, well, Opportunity III is not happening. Opportunity is cancelled for what I now realize was a dumb idea.
We will instead now attempt similar tactics used in Opportunity II, however, for our new project, Lotus. Furthermore, Opportunity II is hereby retroactively considered Lotus I. Lotus II will be done today. The drone used in Lotus I is to be used again, this time with a micro camera so we can see what it sees. It may not get a lot of video or, hell, even a good one, but Lotus II will only conclude when we see the skies!"
The above was the initial announcement discontinuing the Opportunity program and starting the Lotus program.
Following the initial announcement of the program, positive reactions were given to the news in Ela'r'oech. Foreign micronations are yet to react.