Dyson Ring
Basic Information
A Dyson Ring is the simplest form of Dyson Swarm. It's a row of energy-collecting satellites (and possibly a few space habitats) in a single orbit. They follow like a chain or train, though they're probably not connected, and use wireless energy transmission to send the gathered energy wherever it's needed. Since a single orbit is involved, the components won't collide, overlap, or cross each other, and don't need energy or thrusters to keep their orbits stable.
Sources
Bibliography
1. Wikipedia
Game and Story Use
- Should a civilization be wiped out on the way to reaching a higher Kardashev state, they may leave a single Dyson Ring and a few other satellites as the only silent testament to their former existence.
- For a solid / one-piece ring, see Niven Ring. Note, however, that a Dyson Ring is in a stable orbit, whereas a Niven Ring is likely to collapse into the sun it orbits unless it receives frequent corrective propulsion.
- For additional ideas, see Dyson Swarm and Stellar Megastructure. Technically, a Dyson Ring probably isn't a Megastructure, but it's a stepping stone in that direction.
page revision: 5, last edited: 13 Aug 2009 21:31