Halo Alpha
Halo Alpha
m (swithing a picture from gallery with main pic.)
Tag: rte-source
m (corrected "Space stations" to "Space station")
Tag: Visual edit
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
+
{{Era|Navy|HCW|Post|H2|H2A|H4|H5}}
  +
{{Infobox/Vehicle
{{Ship
 
  +
<!-- BASIC INFORMATION -->
|name=Orbital Defense Platform
 
|image=[[File:H2A Mission CairoStation.jpg|330px]]
+
|image=[[File:H2A Mission CairoStation.jpg|300px]]
  +
|caption=[[Cairo Station]], a [[Moncton-class orbital weapon platform]] and several [[UNSC Starship]]s just prior to the [[Battle of Earth]]
|manufacturer=
 
 
|name=Orbital defense platform
|class=Weapon Platform
 
  +
<!-- PRODUCTION INFORMATION -->
|height={{Convert|1336|m|ft}}
 
  +
|manufacturer=[[Vosper Engineering]] {{C|''Moncton''-class}}{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=warfleetpgs3031}}
|hull=
 
  +
|line=
|countermeasures=
 
  +
|model=
|armament='Super' [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] (1)
 
  +
|class=
|complement=UNSC Marines, Naval crewmen
 
  +
|pattern=
  +
|variants=
  +
|colors=
  +
<!-- DIMENSIONS -->
  +
|length={{Convert|1336|m|ftin}} {{C|''Moncton''-class}}{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=EVG}}
  +
|width={{Convert|789|m|ft}} {{C|''Moncton''-class}}{{Ref/Book|RefName=EVG|Book=Halo: The Essential Visual Guide|PageNum=27}}
  +
|height=
  +
|mass=2,900,000 metric tons {{C|''Moncton''-class}}{{Ref/Book|RefName=warfleetpgs3031|Book=Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|PageNum=30 & 31}}
  +
<!-- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS -->
  +
|max speed=
  +
|max accel=
  +
|engine=
  +
|reactor=
  +
|has shields=
  +
|shield generators=
  +
|weapons=
  +
*''Moncton''-class
  +
**1 [[Mark V Super MAC - 14D4A1]]{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=warfleetpgs3031}}{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=EVG}}
  +
**7 [[M606 Goalkeeper Point Defense Gun]]s{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=warfleetpgs3031}}
 
|crew=
 
|crew=
  +
|complement=
|role=Defensive Weapons Platform
 
  +
|passengers=
|era=*Insurrection
 
  +
<!-- GAMEPLAY INFORMATION -->
*Human-Covenant War
 
  +
|req rarity=
*Post-war
 
  +
|req price=
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
 
  +
|blitz rarity=
  +
|drivable=
  +
|destructible=
  +
<!-- USAGE -->
  +
|affiliation=
  +
|role=
  +
|era=
  +
|introduced=
  +
|retired=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{BigQuote|That MAC gun can put a round clean through a Covenant Capital Ship.|Avery Johnson{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=cairo}}}}
   
 
An '''Orbital Defense Platform''', also known as a '''MAC Platform''',{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo: Uprising|Chapter=[[Halo: Uprising Issue 4|Issue #4]]}} was a type of large [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[Space station]], used to defend strategic locations of great importance, typically planets of high strategic value.
{{Quote|That MAC gun can put a round clean through a Covenant Capital Ship.|Avery Johnson<ref name="cairo" />}}
 
   
 
The stations were frequently placed in geosynchronous orbit and deployed in groups, or clusters, of two to five platforms. The well-equipped and large bridge of an ODP is suitable for directing large-scale engagements. Such was the case when [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] directed UNSC forces from an ODP during the [[Battle of Earth]].{{Ref/Game|RefName=cairo|Game=Halo 2|Level=Level: [[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]}}
An '''Orbital Defense Platform''' is a class of large [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] space stations, used to defend strategic locations of great importance, typically planets of high strategic value.
 
   
  +
==Class History==
The stations are frequently placed in [[geosynchronous orbit|geosynchronous]] orbit and deployed in groups, or clusters, of two to five platforms. The well-equipped and large bridge of an ODP is suitable for directing large-scale engagements. Such was the case when [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] directed UNSC forces from an ODP during the [[Battle of Earth]].<ref name="cairo">'''[[Halo 2]]''' - ''[[Cairo Station (level)]]''</ref>
 
 
They were originally proposed sometime before 2490 as [[Avery Johnson]] mentions that they were being proposed around the same time he shipped out for boot camp.{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=armory}}
   
  +
At least one ''Moncton''-class was operational above Reach in [[2517]].{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo: Fall of Reach}} More platforms were in place by [[2527]].{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe|PageNum=50}}
==Facilities==
 
Internally, the stations are remarkably spacious and comfortable, complete with high ceilings, atriums, observatories, and a monorail system to move personnel and equipment. In addition to numerous small craft bays, there are two docking stations for UNSC Warships, large enough to station [[UNSC frigate|frigates]], such as the {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}}. The design incorporates many features to guard against potential hostile boarding action, such as a large garrison of marines and armories situated throughout the station.
 
   
  +
Camber had at least two ''Moncton''-class platforms in place by the 2530s. At least one of which was destroyed during the [[Battle of Camber]].<ref name="Honor">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''' - Collectible: ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 2 - ONI File: Honor Bound]]''</ref>
Each station appears to have "habitats." These areas appear to be purely cosmetic and for the enjoyment of the staff and personnel on the platforms, featuring vaulted ceilings, numerous plants (likely plants found in the region, planetside, which each station orbits over) observatories, and seating areas.
 
   
 
===Fall of Reach===
Internal security stations are likely not utilized for actual combat with hostile forces. More than likely, the stations are used more to keep the staff and personnel aboard safe during non-combat situations and ensure the smooth operation of the station.<ref name="armory">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Armory]]''</ref>
 
  +
{{Main|Fall of Reach}}
  +
[[File:Magnetic Accelerator Cannon.png|thumb|right|200px|Unknown class of ODP, about to fire during the Fall of Reach.]]
   
 
During the Fall of [[Reach]], the planet was protected by 20 ODPs. [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and the [[Spartan|SPARTANs]] were deployed to protect the orbital platforms' planetside power generators but were ultimately unable to do so against determined enemy assaults. The disabling of the defense platforms was a major factor on the battle's outcome.{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo: The Fall of Reach}}
===Armament===
 
The Mk. V "''Super''" [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] is the station's primary armament. By activating several sets of super conductive coils in a series which envelope the barrel, the Mk. V can launch a 3,000 ton tungsten/depleted uranium projectile at 11991698.32 meters per second. As noted by Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the Mk. V can punch a hole clean through a shielded Covenant Capital Ship. Orbital Defense Platforms fire at 4% of the [[wikipedia:Speed of light|speed of light]], around 12,000 kilometers per second (11991698.32&nbsp;m/s).
 
   
 
===Earth===
These cannons fire a 3000-ton ferric-tungsten round at 119991698.32 metres per second. At 3000 metric tons (3'000'000 Kilograms), and using the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v<sup>2</sup>, then the energy of each shot should equal, 0.5 * 3'000'000 * 11'991'698.32<sup>2</sup>, which equals 2.15701E<sup>20</sup> joules of force. Given that a Kiloton = 4'184'000'000'000 joules, then 2.15701E<sup>20</sup> / 4'184'000'000'000 is equal to 51'553'834.34 kilotons, which is 51553.83 megatons, or 51.56 gigatons of TNT.
 
 
The outbreak of the [[Human-Covenant war]] prompted a massive expansion of [[Earth]]'s defenses. Even as late as the [[Fall of Reach|Battle of Reach]] preparations had not yet been completed; they were set to come online on September 14.{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo: First Strike|PageNum=104}} By October 2552, some 300 ODPs were operational.{{Ref/Game|RefName=armory|Game=Halo 2|Level=Level: [[The Armory]]}} Many of Earth's ODPs were named after points of interest that they roughly kept station over.
   
 
A portion and small section of the 300 platforms first saw action at the early stages of the [[Battle of Earth]]. ''[[Athens Station]]'' and ''[[Malta Station]]'' were each destroyed by conveniently placed [[Antimatter charge|Covenant Bombs]] installed by [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] boarding parties, while ''[[Cairo Station]]'' only narrowly avoided the same fate as the other platforms thanks to [[John-117]]'s [[cairo Station (level)|removal]] of the Covenant bomb on board.{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=cairo}}
Only the Didact's personal ship has been shown to survive the impact of these rounds. Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship, and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to destroy a second ship, and cripple a third ship.
 
   
 
The ODPs were also used later in the Battle of Earth after [[Truth's fleet|Truth's Fleet]] arrived, but the Covenant might have already destroyed numerous stations when Truth himself arrived at Earth on the [[Forerunner dreadnought]] in November.{{Ref/Game|Game=Halo 2|Level=Level: [[The Great Journey]]}}
It is theorized that if a ship's armor or shields were to absorb all the kinetic energy of a super [[MAC]] round, the release of thermodynamic energy would still vaporize the ship. By receiving power from [[Orbital Defense Generator|ground-based power plants]], orbital platforms could achieve a recharge and reload rate as short as five seconds.
 
   
  +
===Post-War===
No sources indicate the presence of additional weapons, such as point defense cannons commonly mounted on UNSC warships (the absence of such weapons may explain why so many [[Type-28 boarding craft|Covenant Boarding Craft]] were able to latch onto the Platforms orbiting [[Reach]] and Earth). A possible explanation is that UNSC warships may be assigned to preventing the boarding and loss of the essential platforms-the fact that boarding craft were able to secure several stations during the battles of Reach and Earth can be explained by the fact that the Covenant naval force was overwhelming and any assets were already engaged or out of action.
 
 
The ODP's of New Carthage were the testing grounds for the [[Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator]].{{Citation needed}}
   
 
In 2557 several ODPs and the UNSC Fleet engaged the Mantle's Approach, hardly denting the ship until the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} took out the ship's shielding with the help of John-117.{{Ref/Game|RefName=h4midnight|Game=Halo 4|Level=Level: [[Midnight (level)|Midnight]]}}
===Power plant===
 
Orbital Defense Platforms do not posses their power supply on board-as such generators would consume far too much space and provide for quicker neutralization by hostile naval forces. Instead, ground-based generators transmit power to the stations. This allows for bigger, more efficient generators for the platforms. Each cluster is in geosynchronous orbit with its generator complex-contrary to the popular belief that the stations are in orbit with the cities or regions which they are named after.
 
   
  +
[[File:H5G Campaign-Guardian EMP.jpg|thumb|right|200px|ODPs and UNSC ships about to be disabled by a Guardian.]]
However, the ground-based generators are also a great weakness, while heavily shielded and protected are the platforms, the generators can be easily overwhlemed and destroyed by Covenant ground forces. As such was the case in the Battle of Reach-a single Covenant cruiser was able to deploy sufficient ground forces to have overwhelmed the UNSC defense-had the [[Red Team]] Spartan IIs not interfered.
 
  +
By October 28, 2558, several ''Moncton''-class ODPs were still in use over Earth. They were disabled when the [[Guardian (Forerunner AI)|Guardians]] were released by the [[Created]] during [[The Reclamation]].{{Ref/Game|Game=Halo 5: Guardians|Level=Level: [[Guardians (level)|Guardians]]}}
   
  +
==Design==
It is unknown exactly how the generators' power is transmitted to the orbiting stations.
 
 
[[File:CairoStation-Callouts.jpg|thumb|150px|Diagram of ''Cairo Station''.]]
 
===Armament===
 
The Mk. V "''Super''" [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] is the station's primary armament. By activating several sets of super conductive coils in a series which envelope the barrel, the Mk. V can launch a 3,000 ton tungsten/depleted uranium projectile at 11991698.32 meters per second. As noted by Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the Mk. V can punch a hole clean through a shielded Covenant Capital Ship. Orbital Defense Platforms fire at around 12,000 kilometers per second, 4% of the [[wikipedia:Speed of light|speed of light]].
   
 
The metals used on the ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' were known to withstand blasts from ODPs.{{Ref/Reuse|RefName=h4midnight}} Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship, and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to destroy a second ship, and cripple a third ship.{{Citation needed}}
===Locations===
 
{{ODP Locations}}
 
   
 
It is theorized that if a ship's armor or shields were to absorb all the kinetic energy of a super MAC round, the release of thermal energy would still vaporize the ship. By receiving power from [[Orbital Defense Generator|ground-based power plants]], orbital platforms could achieve a recharge and reload rate as short as five seconds.
==Deployment==
 
===Earth===
 
The outbreak of the [[Human-Covenant war]] prompted a massive expansion of [[Earth]]'s defenses. Even as late as the [[Fall of Reach|Battle of Reach]] preparations had not yet been completed; they were set to come online on September 14.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 104''</ref> By October 2552, some 300 ODPs were operational.<ref name="armory" /> Many of Earth's ODPs were named after points of interest that they roughly kept station over.
 
   
  +
ODPs can also rotate to fire planetside.{{Ref/Game|Game=Halo: Reach|Level=Level: [[ONI: Sword Base (level)|ONI: Sword Base]]}}
A portion and small section of the 300 platforms first saw action at the early stages of the [[Battle of Earth]]. ''[[Athens Station]]'' and ''[[Malta Station]]'' were each destroyed by conveniently placed [[Antimatter charge|Covenant Bombs]] installed by [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] boarding parties, while ''[[Cairo Station]]'' only narrowly avoided the same fate as the other platforms thanks to [[John-117]]'s [[cairo Station (level)|removal]] of the Covenant bomb on board.<ref name="cairo" />
 
   
 
===Power===
The ODPs were also used later in the Battle of Earth after [[Truth's fleet|Truth's Fleet]] arrived, but the Covenant might have already destroyed numerous stations when Truth himself arrived at Earth on the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] in November.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
 
 
Orbital Defense Platforms do not posses their power supply on board-as such generators would consume far too much space and provide for quicker neutralization by hostile naval forces. Instead, ground-based generators transmit power to the stations. This allows for bigger, more efficient generators for the platforms. Each cluster is in geosynchronous orbit with its generator complex-contrary to the popular belief that the stations are in orbit with the cities or regions which they are named after.
   
 
However, the ground-based generators are also a great weakness, while the platforms are heavily armored and shielded, the generators can be easily overwhelmed and destroyed by Covenant ground forces. As such was the case in the Battle of Reach-a single Covenant cruiser was able to deploy sufficient ground forces to have overwhelmed the UNSC defense-had the [[Red Team]] SPARTAN-IIs not interfered.
In 2557 several ODPs and the UNSC Fleet engaged the Mantle's Approach, hardly denting the ship until the Infinity took out the ships shielding with the help of John-117.
 
   
===Reach===
 
By August [[2552]], [[Reach]] was protected by 20 ODPs. At least some of these platforms were in place as early as [[2527]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', ''page 50''</ref> During the [[Fall of Reach]], [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and the [[Spartan|SPARTANs]] were deployed to protect the orbital platforms' planetside power generators but were ultimately unable to do so against determined enemy assaults. The disabling of the defense platforms was a major factor on the battle's outcome.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page ??''</ref>
 
   
===New Carthage===
+
===Layout===
 
{{ODP Locations}}
The ODP's of New Carthage were the testing grounds for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator]].
 
  +
   
==Known ODPs==
+
==Stations of the Line==
 
{| class="article-table" style="width: 500px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
{| class="article-table" style="width: 500px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 89: Line 121:
 
|'''N/A'''
 
|'''N/A'''
 
|}
 
|}
  +
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
*All known Orbital Defense Platforms over Earth are named after cities on Earth, presumably the city each station is in geo-synchronous orbit above.
 
*All known Orbital Defense Platforms over Earth are named after cities on Earth, presumably the city each station is in geo-synchronous orbit above.
 
*Two weeks after the Battle of Reach, when the UNSC Security Committee met at HIGHCOM in Sydney, it is mentioned by Colonel Ackerson that most of Earth's ODP'S would take ten days before being fully operational.{{Citation needed}}
 
*Two weeks after the Battle of Reach, when the UNSC Security Committee met at HIGHCOM in Sydney, it is mentioned by Colonel Ackerson that most of Earth's ODP'S would take ten days before being fully operational.{{Citation needed}}
*The kinetic energy of a single shell from an orbital defense platform would be equivalent to almost 51.6 gigatons of TNT, 1031.08 times the yield of the current world's largest nuclear weapon ever tested.
+
*The kinetic energy of a single shell from an orbital defense platform would be equivalent to almost 1.gigatons of TNT, 1031.08 times the yield of the current world's largest nuclear weapon ever tested.
*They were originally proposed sometime before 2490 as [[Avery Johnson]] mentions that they were being proposed around the same time he shipped out for boot camp.
 
*ODPs can also fire downwards into the atmosphere, as shown in Halo: Reach when an ODP's MAC round destroys a [[Covenant Corvette]] in atmosphere.
 
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery widths="150" spacing="small">
 
<gallery widths="150" spacing="small">
 
BootCamp - Reach.png|A Reach ''Moncton''-class along with the [[Epsilon Eridani Fleet|Epsilon Eridani Defense Fleet]].
Orbital defense grid.png|The Orbital Defense Grid around Earth.
 
BootCamp - Reach.png|Reach's ODP along with the [[Epsilon Eridani Fleet|Epsilon Eridani Defense Fleet]].
 
 
Nassau.png|[[Nassau Station]] firing its MAC.
 
Nassau.png|[[Nassau Station]] firing its MAC.
H2-Cairo_Station_1600.jpg|ODPs over Earth
+
H2-Cairo_Station_1600.jpg|''Moncton''-class ODPs over Earth
 
Macstationcairolarge1ki.jpg|Cairo Station in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
CairoStation-Callouts.jpg|A schematic of Cairo Station
 
  +
H2A Terminal MACFiring.png|''Moncton''-class platforms over a planet.
 
  +
Super MAC.png|Close up of ''Cairo Station''s gun.
Macstationcairolarge1ki.jpg|Cairo Station in ''[[Halo 2]]''
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
{{Reflist|2}}
+
{{Ref/SourceList|Columns=2}}
 
[[Category:Orbital Defense Platforms| ]]
 
[[Category:Orbital Defense Platforms| ]]
[[Category:Human-Covenant war]]
 
[[Category:UNSC]]
 

Latest revision as of 15:53, 18 August 2021

35#.png35#.png35#.png
35#.png35#.png35#.png35#.png


“
That MAC gun can put a round clean through a Covenant Capital Ship.
”
— Avery Johnson[3]


An Orbital Defense Platform, also known as a MAC Platform,[4] was a type of large UNSC Space station, used to defend strategic locations of great importance, typically planets of high strategic value.

The stations were frequently placed in geosynchronous orbit and deployed in groups, or clusters, of two to five platforms. The well-equipped and large bridge of an ODP is suitable for directing large-scale engagements. Such was the case when Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood directed UNSC forces from an ODP during the Battle of Earth.[3]

Class History

They were originally proposed sometime before 2490 as Avery Johnson mentions that they were being proposed around the same time he shipped out for boot camp.[5]

At least one Moncton-class was operational above Reach in 2517.[6] More platforms were in place by 2527.[7]

Camber had at least two Moncton-class platforms in place by the 2530s. At least one of which was destroyed during the Battle of Camber.[8]

Fall of Reach

Main article: Fall of Reach
Magnetic Accelerator Cannon

Unknown class of ODP, about to fire during the Fall of Reach.

During the Fall of Reach, the planet was protected by 20 ODPs. Marines and the SPARTANs were deployed to protect the orbital platforms' planetside power generators but were ultimately unable to do so against determined enemy assaults. The disabling of the defense platforms was a major factor on the battle's outcome.[9]

Earth

The outbreak of the Human-Covenant war prompted a massive expansion of Earth's defenses. Even as late as the Battle of Reach preparations had not yet been completed; they were set to come online on September 14.[10] By October 2552, some 300 ODPs were operational.[5] Many of Earth's ODPs were named after points of interest that they roughly kept station over.

A portion and small section of the 300 platforms first saw action at the early stages of the Battle of Earth. Athens Station and Malta Station were each destroyed by conveniently placed Covenant Bombs installed by Covenant boarding parties, while Cairo Station only narrowly avoided the same fate as the other platforms thanks to John-117's removal of the Covenant bomb on board.[3]

The ODPs were also used later in the Battle of Earth after Truth's Fleet arrived, but the Covenant might have already destroyed numerous stations when Truth himself arrived at Earth on the Forerunner dreadnought in November.[11]

Post-War

The ODP's of New Carthage were the testing grounds for the Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor/Infiltrator.[citation needed]

In 2557 several ODPs and the UNSC Fleet engaged the Mantle's Approach, hardly denting the ship until the UNSC Infinity took out the ship's shielding with the help of John-117.[12]

H5G Campaign-Guardian EMP

ODPs and UNSC ships about to be disabled by a Guardian.

By October 28, 2558, several Moncton-class ODPs were still in use over Earth. They were disabled when the Guardians were released by the Created during The Reclamation.[13]

Design

CairoStation-Callouts

Diagram of Cairo Station.

Armament

The Mk. V "Super" Magnetic Accelerator Cannon is the station's primary armament. By activating several sets of super conductive coils in a series which envelope the barrel, the Mk. V can launch a 3,000 ton tungsten/depleted uranium projectile at 11991698.32 meters per second. As noted by Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the Mk. V can punch a hole clean through a shielded Covenant Capital Ship. Orbital Defense Platforms fire at around 12,000 kilometers per second, 4% of the speed of light.

The metals used on the Mantle's Approach were known to withstand blasts from ODPs.[12] Against Covenant shield technology, the rounds possess enough kinetic energy to punch through shields, cut through the ship, and, upon exit, still retain enough energy to destroy a second ship, and cripple a third ship.[citation needed]

It is theorized that if a ship's armor or shields were to absorb all the kinetic energy of a super MAC round, the release of thermal energy would still vaporize the ship. By receiving power from ground-based power plants, orbital platforms could achieve a recharge and reload rate as short as five seconds.

ODPs can also rotate to fire planetside.[14]

Power

Orbital Defense Platforms do not posses their power supply on board-as such generators would consume far too much space and provide for quicker neutralization by hostile naval forces. Instead, ground-based generators transmit power to the stations. This allows for bigger, more efficient generators for the platforms. Each cluster is in geosynchronous orbit with its generator complex-contrary to the popular belief that the stations are in orbit with the cities or regions which they are named after.

However, the ground-based generators are also a great weakness, while the platforms are heavily armored and shielded, the generators can be easily overwhelmed and destroyed by Covenant ground forces. As such was the case in the Battle of Reach-a single Covenant cruiser was able to deploy sufficient ground forces to have overwhelmed the UNSC defense-had the Red Team SPARTAN-IIs not interfered.


Layout



Stations of the Line

Station Name Identity Code
Cairo Station UNSCDF-ODA142
Malta Station UNSCDF-ODA143
Athens Station UNSCDF-ODA144
Nassau Station N/A
Oaxaca Station N/A

Trivia

  • All known Orbital Defense Platforms over Earth are named after cities on Earth, presumably the city each station is in geo-synchronous orbit above.
  • Two weeks after the Battle of Reach, when the UNSC Security Committee met at HIGHCOM in Sydney, it is mentioned by Colonel Ackerson that most of Earth's ODP'S would take ten days before being fully operational.[citation needed]
  • The kinetic energy of a single shell from an orbital defense platform would be equivalent to almost 1.3 gigatons of TNT, 1031.08 times the yield of the current world's largest nuclear weapon ever tested.

Gallery

Sources