The ROPE (Remotely Operated Packaged Elevator) vehicle was a semi-autonomous transportation device introduced by Doctor Morphologis as a means of achieving access to the The Shaft. It's design was less than successful, as an apparent loss of control on descent led to extensive systems damage and propulsion failure. The out of control landing destroyed the thrusters required for ascent, stranding the Survivors at the bottom of the shaft.
General Design[]
The ROPE has two internal decks - a command deck where the pilot of the craft sits and a passenger/cargo deck with seating for two and several small cargo containers. Propulsion in the four cardinal directions are handled by atmospheric thrusters and four hydrogen thrusters provide upwards thrust with tankage for hydrogen fuel immediately above them. Sensors are prevalent on all four sides, presumably to provide the vehicle a way to autonomously navigate the shaft. Rounding out the design was a high power radio repeater to make it possible to maintain contact with the surface.
Maiden Voyage[]
On its maiden voyage, the vehicle appeared to suffer complete guidance failure, entering an unrecoverable spin that crashed the vehicle into damaged tunnel supports at the bottom of the shaft. Its crash position destabilized the supports, necessitating an emergency evacuation before the craft could break through and plummet to the ground. After this penultimate crash, there was little left of the ship for salvage aside; the onboard hydrogen supply had been leaked and ignited in the crash and the radio repeater was destroyed.
Overall view of the ROPE, as seen from the fore and slightly starboard. From cursory view, the craft appears to be fully maneuverable in at least three of the four cardinal directions.
This view of the ROPE captures the command deck (top) and passenger area (bottom).
A view of the lower motor stage of the ROPE showing the hydrogen tanks and rockets. There was insufficient footage shown to verify the proper balance of the thrust on the port sections.
The ROPE's initial crash location gives way under the added weight of the craft, allowing it to plunge to the bottom of the shaft.
The wreck of the ROPE.