Rocket Control Station

The Rocket Control Station is a rocket module used to launch and steer rockets. A rocket cannot be launched without one, but once the rocket is already in flight, the station can be dismantled. If a rocket in space loses its Rocket Control Station, its travel speed is cut in half, although it can still change direction.

A duplicant operating the station does more than simply advance the current flight path. The operation applies a speed bonus to the rocket based on the duplicant’s Piloting skill, and that bonus persists for a time even after the rocket has landed. Dismantling the station resets this bonus. During flight, the rocket must be operated at intervals; if too much time passes without someone using the station, the rocket enters autopilot mode, which also halves flight speed.

If the Rocket Control Station is disabled or made invalid, such as by opening the Mechanized Airlock built beneath it, the station does not reset the existing speed bonus. Once it becomes valid again, it immediately returns to an operable state.

The station also interacts with the Interior Building Restrictions system. When that system is enabled, or when the building receives a green signal, the following controlled buildings become restricted while the station is active:

• Mess Table
• Hygiene buildings: Lavatory, Hand Sanitizer, Outhouse, Shower, Wall Toilet, Sink
• Beds: Cot, Ladder Bed, Comfy Bed
• Storage: Ration Box, Refrigerator, Storage Bin, Smart Storage Bin
• Recreational buildings: Arcade Cabinet, Beach Chair, Hot Tub, Juicer, Mechanical Surfboard, Jukebot, Sauna, Soda Fountain, Party Line Phone, Vertical Wind Tunnel, Water Cooler

Any of these buildings can be excluded from the station’s restrictions by selecting the building and setting it to Uncontrolled.

The station also needs attention while the screensaver is active; someone must remain nearby to jiggle the controls when it comes on.