A Target: Wastelands Addendum
by Jon Szeto [ j.szeto@insightbb.com ]
The advanced commercialization of orbital space in the Shadowrun world requires a wide variety of space
vehicles. In addition to launchcraft to take metahumanity into orbit, there also exist numerous smaller
shuttles for orbit-only traffic. Furthermore, many stations maintain a fleet of small craft and drones
for maintenance work and local intra-station traffic. Finally, with the initial stages of lunar colonization
sponsored by several megacorps, specialty ground and aerial vehicles exist to handle travel across the
moon’s surface.
Space travel has its own unique peculiarities that vehicle manufacturers must take into account. Consequently
some special rules apply when designing vehicles intended for use in outer space. Presented here is additional
information to help gamemasters in designing space vehicles. Following these rules is a sampling of some of
the specialty vehicles used in space.
Space Vehicle Construction
Vehicles used in deep space may only use the Bike, Car, Vectored Thrust, or Special Vehicle (as appropriate)
chassis categories. Space vehicles may only use the Electric Battery, Electric Fuel Cell, or Chemical Rocket
power plants, as well as the new Particle Rocket power plant (see New Power Plants, below). All space
vehicles must possess the Hostile Environment Adaptation (Space) quality factor. Vehicles intending to
contain an internal atmospheric cabin (and thus not requiring characters to wear spacesuits while traveling)
must possess EnviroSeal (with gas, water and engine seals), Life Support, and an Airlock.
Semiballistics and Suborbitals
Vehicles intended for long-distance travel must use the Suborbital or Semiballistic chassis types.
Long-distance travel in this case is defined as travel to and from two of the following locations: Earth
orbit (LEO/GEO), the LaGrange points, and the moon. Only the Suborbital and Semiballistic chassis have the
fuel capacity needed for the long haul required to reach lunar orbital points.
Because of the moon’s lower gravitational pull, suborbitals and semiballistics are capable of launching from
the moon’s surface into orbit unassisted. This makes them an economical alternative to larger, more expensive
launchcraft. The process for launching from the moon into space follows the same procedure for long-distance
space travel as detailed on p. 129 of Target: Wastelands.
New Chassis Types
Launchcraft
Launchcraft are spaceplanes capable of launching unassisted from the earth’s surface into near orbit (LEO or
GEO). This sets them apart from suborbitals, which require booster rockets and external fuel tanks to make
the jump into space. Because of their sheer size and high maintenance requirements, they are primarily used
for transportation from Earthside launch centers to the major orbital hub carriers in low-earth orbit. From
there traffic transfers to orbital shuttles for local intra-orbital travel.
Orbital Launch
An orbital launch is a small enclosed space vehicle used for local transportation around the outside of a
space station. This type of chassis is most commonly used as a workpod for technicians performing maintenance
on the station’s exterior hull. Other models serve as taxis for some of the larger space super-stations,
while still other variants function as security combat vehicles.
Orbital Shuttle
An orbital shuttle is a smaller model of suborbital, used for intra-orbital transportation from one space
station to another. Orbital shuttles can carry more cargo, passengers, and fuel than orbital launches, but
they lack the onboard fuel or structural integrity to change their orbital pattern.
Commercial LAV
A commercial LAV is a larger version of the well-known Thunderbird. As the name suggests, commercial LAVs
are primarily designed for carrying large and heavier cargo; this is particularly true in outer space, where
the lack of atmosphere precludes the use of ordinary cargo aircraft. This type of vehicle is particularly
present on the moon, where they fly above the lunar surface from one habitat to another. Space vehicles
using the commercial LAV chassis for both earth and space operations often use the Jet Turbine power plant
for operations inside the earth's atmosphere.
New Power Plants
Particle Rocket
A particle rocket superheats hydrogen gas into a charged ionic plasma state, which the rocket then expels to
create thrust. Particle rockets are capable of extended burns, which make them very useful for deep space
travel. However, they do not generate a lot of instantaneous thrust, which, along with the high radiation
generated, make them unsuitable for launches from the earth into near orbit.
New Quality Factors
Because of the low or zero-gravity environment of space, vehicles designed for functioning exclusively in
space do not need as much structural reinforcement to carry the same cargo payload. Consequently,
manufacturers use lighter frames and engines to reduce costs. However, this option has its drawbacks, as
these low-gravity vehicles tend to be more vulnerable to physical stress and damage.
These low-gravity design quality factors reflects this design consideration. Vehicles with these design
options cannot operate in a normal gravity environment, including the artificial gravity created on some
space stations.
Subgravity Design
Modifiers: -20 percent of chassis Markup Factor
This factor is used for the lunar and other locations with a gravity less than 0.5 g, and reduces the
chassis markup factor by 20 percent. However, the vehicle’s Body is also reduced by a factor of 25 percent,
rounded down. For simplicity, this Body reduction does not apply during vehicle construction.
Zero Gravity Design
Modifiers: -40 percent of chassis Markup Factor
This factor is used for freefall environments like most orbital stations, and reduces the chassis markup
factor by 40 percent. However, the vehicle’s Body is also reduced by a factor of 50 percent, rounded down.
For simplicity, this Body reduction does not apply during vehicle construction.
New Vehicles
AresSpace Armstrong Lunar Buggy
This mainstay of lunar exploration has only undergone a few changes since humanity first set foot on the moon
ninety years ago. Developments in Electric Fuel Cell technology have increased the buggy’s performance and
durability, while advances in materials engineering have allowed the frame to carry more weight in the moon’s
airless, irradiated environment.
Similar Models: Novatech Moonraker, Saeder-Krupp Mondwagen
Other Features: All models: Hostile Environment Adaptation (space); Security models only: Ring Mount,
Roll Bars
AresSpace Aldrin Lunar Transport
With the establishment of permanent facilities on the moon, transportation demands have prompted development
of this heavy track for transporting bulk cargo across the surface of the moon. Capable of carrying a payload
of up to 5 metric tons, the Aldrin is a regular sight around Artemis base, as it shuttles supplies back and
forth between the main base and its remote stations.
Similar Models: Novatech Astrotrain, Saeder-Krupp Drax
Other Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (gas, water, engine), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), Life
Support (24 man-hours), Subgravity Design
Novatech Nighthawk Lunar Flight Transport
Novatech’s lunar commercialization strategy, known as “Luna Automatica” strategy, envisions highly automated
remote stations on the lunar surfaces, with centralized operational support from Novatech’s Olympia base. To
facilitate logistical connection among Novatech’s far-flung outposts, the megacorp developed the Nighthawk,
a flight transport modeled after the LAV thunderbirds. Replacing the combustion turbines with CRs, this heavy
vector-thrust craft allows limited flight over the lunar surface, thus drastically reducing the travel time
between outposts while still maintaining an adequate payload capacity.
Similar Models: Ares Moonbird, Saeder-Krupp Seideln
Other Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (gas, water, engine), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), Life
Support (24 man-hours), Subgravity Design
Novatech Prospector Lunar Mining Drone
The Prospector is the workhorse of Novatech’s lunar program and sees heavy use in lunar geological surveys
and mining operations. Its onboard mineralogical survey software, coupled with the mini-caterpillar’s heavy
digging and drilling equipment, gives Novatech an increasingly comprehensive geological profile of the moon.
Novatech also produces a small run of this model Earthside, for geological work in extremely hazardous
environments like the SOX, Antarctica, or the French Auvergne volcanic region.
Similar Models: Ares Stardigger, Mesametric Volturna, Saeder-Krupp Feldmesser
Other Features: Autosoft (Geology 3), Crane (Scoop: 1,000 kg), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space),
Improved Suspension 2 (factored in), Off-road Suspension 2 (factored in), Remote Control Interface, Rigger
Adaptation, Special Equipment (Dozer Blade)
Saeder-Krupp Sternzug Orbital Shuttle
Used for travel from one space station to another, the Sternzug is a common sight in low-Earth orbit (LEO)
traffic. Since the Sternzug doesn’t undertake the onerous task of launching from Earth’s surface, this allows
Saeder-Krupp to produce an economical orbit-only spacecraft that efficiently hauls cargo and passengers across
the long distances separating one space station from another. Its limited fuel supplies, however, preclude it
from making runs to deep-space orbitals on the moon or at the LaGrange points. Available in both a passenger
and cargo variant.
Similar Models: Ares Starcab, Walker Aerodesign Peregrine, Yamatetsu Kossimo
Other Features: All models: Airlock, EnviroSeal (gas, water, engine), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space),
Zero Gravity Design; Cargo variant only: Life Support (96 man-hours); Passenger variant only: Life Support
(7,296 man-hours), 2 Partial Living Amenities (Basic), Zero Gravity Design
Shiawase Kakudo Orbital Workpod
The Kakudo is a familiar sight around many large orbital stations, from the Apollo transportation hub to the
fabled and enigmatic Zurich Orbital. Used by orbital technicians for routine external servicing, the Kakudo’s
articulated mechanical arms enable it to perform precise electronics maintenance, while its onboard crane and
laser cutter make it no slouch for heavy repair work.
Similar Models: Ares Illudium, Shibata Q-36 series
Other Features: Airlock, Crane (800 kg), EnviroSeal (gas, water, engine), Hostile Environment Adaptation
(space), Life Support (10 man-hours), Mechanical Arm (Strength 16), Special Equipment (Industrial Cutting
Blade and Laser Welder), Zero Gravity Design
Shibata “Orbot” Orbital Work Drone
The Orbot drone, used for automated maintenance, is a common sight on space stations, both large and small.
Its smaller size and vast maintenance expert routines make it a particular favorite of smaller stations,
which use the Orbot to perform the bulk maintenance work, thus keeping their onboard technical staff at a
minimum. Although quite capable of communicating with control networks via radio, most stations have their
Orbot drones hardwired via a communications tether, to prevent them from wandering too far from station and
drifting forever in space.
Similar Models: Ares Gnome, Saeder-Krupp Kilmante, Walker Aerodesign Novacat, Yamatetsu Rondu
Other Features: Autosoft (Spacecraft B/R 5), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), 2 Mechanical Arms
(Strength 9 each), Remote Control Interface, Rigger Adaptation, Special Equipment (Industrial Cutting Blade
and Laser Welder), Zero Gravity Design
Walker Aerodesign Geraint Orbital Combat Drone
The Probe Race has revived interest in space exploration, but the same race has also showed some of that
interest to be malicious in nature. To protect stations from criminal mischief, Walker Aerodesign has
produced the Geraint combat drone, a medium-sized drone interceptor designed to patrol the space vacuum
within the near vicinity of a station. Their low maintenance requirements make them a favorite of smaller
stations that can’t afford to maintain a full-time security staff.
Similar Models: Ares Salamander, Shibata K-76 series, Yamatetsu Tulka
Other Features: Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), Mini Remote Turret (1 CF Ammo Bin), Remote Control
Interface, Rigger Adaptation
Walker Aerodesign “Star Cop” Orbital Security Launch
The increasing growth of the spaceborne population has also unfortunately resulted in a corresponding rise
in criminal activity in outer space as well. To counter the threat of space crime, Walker Aerodesign,
subsidiary to Novatech, has unveiled its “Star Cop” line of orbital security launches. Equipped with light
vehicle armor and remote turret, the Star Cop provides an effective deterrent from would-be saboteurs and
other malcontents planning mayhem in the dark vacuum of space.
Similar Models: Shibata Shoun, Ares Starcutter
Other Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (gas, water, engine), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), Life
Support (24 man-hours), Small Remote Turret (1 CF Ammo Bin)
| New Chassis Table |
|---|
| |
Body | Start
CF | Max
CF |
Handling |
Armor | Autonav/
Pilot |
Sensor |
Seating | Entry
Points | Design
Points | Mark-Up
Factor |
| Vector Thrust |
| Comercial LAV | 8 | 48 | 600 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2e | 1h+1d+1r | 4,800 | 2.50 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Enviroseal (gas), VSTOL Profile |
| Special Vehicles |
| Orbital Launch, Light | 4 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1b | 1h | 64 | 2.75 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (all), Life support (10 man-hours), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), VTOL Profile |
| Orbital Launch, Medium | 6 | 3 | 160 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2b | 1h | 420 | 2.75 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (all), Life support (10 man-hours), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), VTOL Profile |
| Orbital Launch, Heavy | 9 | 5 | 240 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2b + 1b | 1h | 1,280 | 2.75 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (all), Life support (10 man-hours), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), VTOL Profile |
| Orbital Shuttle | 8 | 120 | 600 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2b | 1h | 60,000 | 3.00 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Airlock, EnviroSeal (all), Life support (24 man-hours), Hostile Environment Adaptation (space), Standard Profile, Rigger Adaptation, VTOL Profile |
| Launchcraft | 3H | 200 | 400 | 6 | 1B | 4 | 4 | 2b + 2b + 2b (crew)/6b (x20) + 8 PBA | 2 + 2 + 2 +1D2 | 600,000 | 3.00 |
| Other Accessories & Features: Special Takeoff/Landing Profile, Rigger Adaptation |
| New Power Plant Table |
|---|
| | Load | Speed | Acceleration |
Signature | Fuel Size
(Starting) | Economy | Design
Points |
| Start | Max | Start | Max | Start | Max | Start | Max |
| SPECIAL VEHICLES |
| Semiballistic | 8,000 | 15,000 | 200/750 | 200/1,500 | 40 | 60 | 2 | 50,000* | 0.01 | 0.02 | 250,000 |
| Suborbital | 10,000 | 20,000 | 150/750 | 150/2,000 | 80 | 240 | 2 | 80,000* | 0.01 | 0.025 | 50,000 |
| |
| Orbital Launch, Light | 400 | 1,600 | 30 | 360 | 10 | 15 | 3 | 200 | 0.025 | 0.07 | 64 |
| Orbital Launch, Medium | 550 | 4,000 | 30 | 360 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 250 | 0.025 | 0.05 | 420 |
| Orbital Launch, Heavy | 1,250 | 10,000 | 30 | 360 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 400 | 0.02 | 0.05 | 1,280 |
| Orbital Shuttle | 8,000 | 15,000 | 750 | 2,000 | 60 | 150 | 2 | 50,000 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 30,000 |
| Thunderbird | 4,000 | 8,000 | 250/600 | 250/1,500 | 35 | 75 | 2 | 7,500 | 0.025 | 0.15 | 2,400 |
| Commercial LAV | 7,500 | 15,000 | 250/500 | 250/1,000 | 25 | 60 | 2 | 9,000 | 0.02 | 0.05 | 3,200 |
| Vector Thrust UAV, Medium | 10 | 500 | 150 | 600 | 10 | 45 | 5 | 120 | 0.3 | 0.75 | 55 |
| Vector Thrust UAV, Large | 10 | 750 | 250 | 1,000 | 15 | 45 | 4 | 180 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 80 |
| Launchcraft | 6,000 | 12,000 | 150/750 | 150/2,000 | 40 | 160 | 1 | 50,000* | 0.01 | 0.02 | 400,000 |
| |
| PARTICLE ROCKET |
| Suborbital | 7,500 | 17,500 | 500 | 1,500 | 20 | 60 | 2 | 80,000 | 0.01 | 0.025 | 80,000 |
| Orbital Shuttle | 6,000 | 12,500 | 500 | 1,500 | 25 | 75 | 2 | 50,000 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 45,000 |
| |
| Jet Turbine |
| Commercial LAV | 7,500 | 15,000 | 250/350 | 250/900 | 20 | 45 | 3 | 9,000 | 0.04 | 0.2 | 2,400 |
| New Vehicle Table |
|---|
| Model | Handling | Speed | Acceleration | Body | Armor | Signature | Autonav | Pilot | Sensor | Cargo | Load |
| AS Armstrong L. Buggy |
| — standard model | 4/4 | 90 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | — | 1 | 10 | 148 |
| — security model | 4/4 | 90 | 6 | 2 | 6P | 5 | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 21 |
| AS Aldrin L. Transport | 5/4 | 75 | 2 | 6 (4) | 0 | 4 | 3 | — | 3 | 600 | 7,500 |
| NN L. Flight Transport | 5 | 250/500 | 25 | 8 (6) | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | 3 | 300 | 7,625 |
| N PL. Mining Drone | 3/4 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | — | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1,025 |
| SKS Orbital Shuttle |
| — cargo variant | 5 | 1,000 | 50 | 8 (4) | 0 | 2 | 4 | — | 4 | 500 | 10,000 |
| — passenger variant | 5 | 1,000 | 50 | 8 (4) | 0 | 2 | 4 | — | 4 | 52 | 2,200 |
| ShK Orbital Workpod | 3 | 30 | 10 | 4 (2) | 0 | 3 | 2 | — | 1 | 3 | 800 |
| Shibata “Orbot” O. Work D. | 4 | 250 | 15 | 3 (1) | 0 | 4 | — | 2 | 3 | 6 | 400 |
| WA Geraint O. Combat D. | 3 | 250 | 25 | 2 | 3P | 5 | — | 3 | 5 | 4 | 253 |
| WA “Star Cop” O. Sec. Launch | 4 | 210 | 10 | 6 | 4P | 5 | 2 | — | 4 | 4 | 207 |
|
| Model | Seating | Entry | Fuel | Econ. | S/B | L/T Profile | Chassis | PP | DP | MF | Cost |
| AS Armstrong L. Buggy |
| — standard model | 2 | o | EC (100 PF) | 1 km/PF | NA | NA | Sand Buggy | EFC | 248 | 0.60 | 14,880¥ |
| — security model | 2 + 1 | o | EC (100 PF) | 1 km/PF | NA | NA | Sand Buggy | EFC | 316 | 0.60 | 189,600¥ |
| AS Aldrin L. Transport | 2 + 2fb (x2) | 1 | EC (EC (250 PF) | 2 km/PF | NA | NA | Heavy Snow Crawler | EFC | 4,972 | 1.08 | 536,976¥ |
| NN L. Flight Transport | 2e | 1d | CR (10,000 l) | 0.04 km/l | NA | VSTOL | Commercial LAV | CR | 11,073 | 2.16 | 2,391,768¥ |
| N PL. Mining Drone | 0 | NA | EC (300 PF) | 1 km/PF | None | NA | Med. Industrial Mover | EFC | 1,322 | 0.60 | 79,320¥ |
| SKS Orbital Shuttle |
| — cargo variant | 2 + 2 | 1h | PR (50,000 l) | 0.01 km/l | NA | VTOL | Orbital Shuttle | PR | 109,137 | 1.80 | 19,644,660¥ |
| — passenger variant | 2 + 2 + 4 (x15 rows) | 1d | PR (50,000 l) | 0.01 km/l | NA | VTOL | Orbital Shuttle | PR | 116,377 | 1.80 | 20,947,860¥ |
| ShK Orbital Workpod | 1 | 1h | CR (200 l) | 0.025 km/l | NA | VTOL | Light Orbital Launch | CR | 736 | 1.65 | 241,440¥ |
| Shibata “Orbot” O. Work D. | 0 | NA | CR (200 l) | 0.4 km/l | None | VTOL | Large Vector-thrust UAV | CR | 1,041 | 1.32 | 257,412¥ |
| WA Geraint O. Combat D. | 0 | NA | CR (270 l) | 0.6 km/l | None | VTOL | Med. Vector-thrust UAV | CR | 1,080 | 2.20 | 237,600¥ |
| WA “Star Cop” O. Sec. Launch | 2 + 2fb | 1h | CR (500 l) | 0.025 km/l | NA | VTOL | Med. Orbital Launch | CR | 2,208 | 2.75 | 607,200¥ |
|
