The Sarif is the standard transatmospheric shuttle used by the GEC’s space program. The multipurpose shuttle is designed to take off from a vertical launch platform using an external fuel tank or launching horizontally from the sea, accelerating across the water till it gains sufficient speed to lift off. The shuttle is also designed to use filtered seawater to power its fusion tubes. High-efficiency rocket fuel offers some improved performance. Capable of lifting a hundred metric tons into orbit in its large cargo bay, the Sarif will then transfer its cargo to Orbital Transfer Stations (OTS). In returning to the surface, the shuttle uses its limited flight capabilities to set it gently down into the water, just like a seaplane.
Service Record
A centuries old design, the Sarif has served as the standard shuttle for Eden since the Colonial Era. The design has been gradually improved on, including improved engine efficiency. Current designs are based on surviving Sarifs that brought down the Sirone Observatory survivors a decade after the comet impacts. Some Sarif crews had attempted to land in the days following the impacts, but these shuttles were destroyed beyond repair by the nitrous-oxide precipitation that persisted for nearly a full year. These few brave crews did however, warn the other remaining Sarif crews urging them to make way for Sirone Observatory. Once, the worst of the impacts had passed, the Sarif was instrumental in transporting the dismantled equipment from the Observatory down to a few of the surviving cities. This technology helped Audu’uth, Reisling and Seiath to rebuild quickly. Today, the Sarif is now transporting equipment and materials back up into Eden’s orbit, serving the CI’s work at the rebuilt Sirone Observatory. The Sarif is also serving Audu’uthim interests in the Salus Expedition.
