Secundomian Agency for Air and Space Exploration
The Secundomian Agency for Air and Space Exploration (SAASE) was a space agency created by the Republic of Secundomia. They operated two projects, Project Eagle, dedicated to rockets, and Project Dove, dedicated to long distance balloon vessels. The agency was defunded after January 2011 and later resources were largely folded into science foundations within the Eran Federation. After leaving Eran, any vestiges of the agency were dissolved.
Projects
SAASE operated for 2 months in January 2011. Two projects were approved by the government, only Project Eagle completed successful launches.
Project Eagle
Project Eagle, was dedicated to fast moving, small rockets. Project Eagle launched one rocket, the Eagle I on January 1, 2011. Eagle I was designed for multiple launches, but it did not survive its third launch, breaking apart on reentry. The Eagle II rocket was designed prior to the Eagle I launches and built on the same day. However, fuel shortages and weather issues prevented launch. After these issues were resolved the following week, SAASE discovered missing pieces under an inspection process. SAASE decided to abandon the rocket at this point. No more Eagle rockets were designed or built.
Project Dove
Project Dove was approved by the government on December 31, 2010. Parker I lead the design team and was inspired by the Nighthawk Programme. After the success of Eagle I, the SAASE put funds into Dove, however, the design process never concluded. The Eagle II ate into the Dove procurement budget and was fully defunded by the government after January 2011.
Planned Projects
Several projects were proposed by the SAASE but were never approved by the Secundomian government. These included the following:
- Project Boar (Large, slower rockets)
- Project Falcon (Rockets with the capability to deploy and let down landers, possibly with insect or non-sentient passengers. Prototypes for Project Hope)
- Project Hope (Human Passenger rockets, unlikely for the future)