Catacombs Reference LibraryThe Year 2 handbook
Catacombs Reference LibraryThis 31 page handbook was sent to TV stations to help them promote Space: 1999. It is bound with a black spine and clear plastic covers. The spelling is a mix of British English ("defence") and US English ("color", "behavior", "labor"), and many typing errors ("sit comes" and "Gorskie"; mostly corrected here for clarity and marked in tooltips). Print reproduces the original format. Thanks to Steven Reder.
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This handbook has been designed to inform, stimulate and provide the reader with a reference guide to the science-fiction series of the 70s; SPACE: 1999.
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Across the country and around the world, the phenomenon of science-fiction has taken the public by storm. This wave has only just begun to find its way into the sophisticated minds of television producers who are searching for something new and different at a time when the television medium has almost exhausted itself with story formats that have long since been over-used, (detective shows, doctor shows, sit-coms, etc.)
Never has the interest in sci-fi entertainment been higher. Books, movies, and television programs about space adventure are experiencing tremendous popularity across a wide range of demographics. From a technical point of view, SPACE: 1999 represents true science-fiction of the seventies.
Let us consider just why science-fiction is in demand today. Hardly a day goes by without the American public being informed of some new wonder of technology; a spacecraft landing on Mars, a microwave oven, men living on the bottom of the sea, supersonic planes to cross oceans in mere hours, etc. Whether they realize it or not the American public and the rest of the world are slowly being nursed into 'future shock'. Of course, no shock is actually involved because people have been well prepared for just such a development. Headlines in the newspapers and magazines have kept the country informed of the technological developments for over 12 years now. New gadgets and new science related developments have become a part of our everyday lives. The American public has a sweet tooth for fantasy that has yet to be satisfied. Therefore, it is inevitable that science should find itself being closely pursued by fantasy writers.
Page 4If the science-fiction writer is well informed, and can make those way-out plots and ideals seem understandable to the buff as well as to the novice, then the genre of science-fiction can become a huge success for television. These are just the elements that have been incorporated with a marked success for SPACE: 1999; fantasy which is based on technology.
In the late 1960s and early 70s, the series "Star Trek" achieved a successful breakthrough for science-fiction on television, but like the era in which it was made, it is now outdated. SPACE: 1999 takes up where "Star Trek" left off, transporting us to new territory and new adventure.
In Hollywood presently, there are hundreds of sci-fi projects in the works by major studios and independent producers. Ninety percent are destined for theatrical release and fewer still will reach a mass audience through the television medium.
There is still another asset for SPACE: 1999. The story is set in the very near future 1999, making all its characters children of the late 1950s through the '60s. It is now possible for the young people of today to have a sneak preview of what their adult lives may be like in a world that will seek a future perspective in the spirit of human development and prosperity.
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Capriconus is the Latin name for the constellation of Capricorn.
In the early 1990s, mankind's search for life in the galaxy reached its climax. Signals were received from space in the region of Capricornus which were interpreted as a possible intelligent communication. To verify and investigate this startling discovery, a world council was formed and funds were appropriated for a research base on the moon.
In 1988, Nuclear Reactors became the major source of power for the world and consequently the radioactive waste had to be safely disposed of. The best method devised was to transport the waste to the dark side of the moon and bury it deep in rock.
Until September 13, 1999, one operation had virtually nothing to do with the other....
Moonbase Alpha must have existed by 1986 as the Uranus Probe crew knew about it. Gorski is misspelled "Gorskie" throughout. The normal abbreviation for a Doctor of Philosophy is PhD.
Moonbase Alpha became operational in the spring of 1997, with an original staff of 311 scientists and technicians. The first commander of Moonbase Alpha, Gorski, was a Russian-born scientist whose four PH doctorates center around radio astronomy.
Although not explicitly stated, Meta seems to be a "rogue planet" entering the Earth's solar system, not around another star. Koenig was not involved with the Meta Probe before being appointed to address the "virus infection". It appears Alan Carter was in charge.
In the first month of 1999, Commander Gorski and his staff discovered a star which was determined to be the source of the signals code-named "Meta." Further investigation revealed that the star held a planetary system. The World Space Council immediately called for a manned research mission. The man placed in charge of this operation was American-born astronaut John Koenig, whose four PHD doctorates included Extra-Terrestrial Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Space Propulsion. Gorski was summoned back to Earth and John Koenig replaced him as acting Commander.
Page 6At this time, the strange and unparalleled events that were to change the face of the world began to take shape. A disease of unknown origin began to infest Moonbase Alpha. The first to be affected were the "Meta" probe astronauts. Other members of Alpha were stricken with 'brain damage' as well as many workers at the nuclear waste disposal area on the far side of the Moon. It was then discovered that intense magnetic energy of a kind never encountered before was streaming out of the nuclear waste disposal areas. The "Meta" probe was canceled and a state of emergency was declared on the Moon. The cause of the magnetic leakage stemmed from tons and tons of nuclear waste being deposited in the same place for a period of years. No one could have guessed the outcome of placing great amounts of radioactive material in the same vicinity and leaving it to react with itself. The result was catastrophic.
An attempt was made to break up the radioactive pile, and distribute the waste over a large area, it was the only solution to the problem...and as the massive task began, so did the explosion.
The Moon was wrenched from its 4 billion year old orbit around Earth, the result of megatons of energy being fused at once, and began its embryonic voyage into the void of space, carrying with it Moonbase Alpha and all its inhabitants.
Page 7This is the only "official" explanation of why Bergman disappeared from Year 2.
The story of the people of Moonbase Alpha and their quest for survival continued in the first year of SPACE: 1999. A number of the Alpha personnel were lost in their struggle, including Professor Victor Bergman, one of the designers of Moonbase Alpha. He was trapped on the Moon when it left the Earth and lost his life after an encounter with a computerized spacecraft called "Gwent." Bergman had a mechanical heart that was recharged by an extremely high voltage shock from the evil computer. Afterwards when his mechanical heart could not stand the strain, Professor Bergman expired. There were many hardships to follow but there were rewards as well.
Titanium is actually a common lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant metal (this is a fault in the episode too). In reality it is an excellent material for surgical tools and implants.
As the second season of SPACE: 1999 opens, the Moon is found to be in a completely uncharted area of the Galaxy resulting from a warp in space. Commander John Koenig ordered an immediate search for a habitable planet. More immediately Moonbase Alpha needed a mineral called Titanium, for their life support systems. Titanium is a very rare crystal which is used inside surgical lasers with advanced surgical techniques. This perfect crystal is the main focus for all surgically related equipment and is used to produce replacement sections of human tissue, repair optic nerves, regenerate muscle fibers, focus X-ray equipment, and diagnose all symptoms of disease.
After an extensive search, the Moon found itself drawn into the vicinity of a planet which was thought to be newly formed and whose surface was covered with volcanoes and fresh lava flows. One of the five most common elements on the planet was Titanium. It was deduced that the planet must be very old, since one of the most common elements was a crystal that took many billions of years to form.
Page 8The text suggests Mentor was responsible for the volcanism on Psychon; in the episode he was trying to reverse it. His computer was called "Psyche" (the grove was its physical location).
The planet called "Psychon" was older than anyone could have imagined, and was mastered by a being called Mentor. Mentor, and his beautiful daughter Maya, were members of a handful of inhabitants who survived a cataclysmic destruction on their planet. The nature of the destruction was never disclosed, the cause was undoubtedly linked to Mentor, who had created from his life's work with "psychic" behavior, an awe inspiring Biological Computer. The computer called "The Grove of Psyche" was fed psychic energy from any and all forms of intelligent life. Mentor gained powers that were impossible to comprehend. Through the gathered energy of "Psyche," he learned the secret and power of molecular transformation. Mentor would stop at nothing to gain a chance to build the power of his biological computer until finally he would have enough power to transform his entire ravaged planet into a lasting paradise. His victims, and there were many, were left as mindless hulks, good for nothing except physical labor. They were put to work down beneath the planet's scorched surface in mineshafts digging for crystals. The crystals in turn were used as raw power until 'Psyche' was strong enough to achieve its long sought goal. Mentor not only deceived the hundreds whom he put to work in the crystal mine pits, he deceived his daughter Maya as well. He promised her that the psychic donations were voluntary and that soon their world would prosper. Maya loved and respected her father and she believed him.
When Maya was of age her father with the aid of the power of Psyche, taught her the art of Molecular Transformation. After years of trial, she perfected the skill and as a result could change her entire form at will by extended concentration. Her only weakness is that her form may be retained for the limited time of one hour or else she will fade into unconsciousness and lose all form entirely, her molecules dispersing into thin air. Maya must also return to her own form before she can assume another.
Page 9When the moon came within its closest reach of the planet Psychon, a survey team was sent to investigate the planet and return with Titanium crystals. The ship with its crew was drawn down to the planet's surface by an energy sphere and all contact was lost. Commander Koenig, Dr. Helena Russell, and a ground support team followed but they too, failed to return.
Mentor had intended to capture the entire staff of Moonbase Alpha and give their minds to "The Grove of Psyche." Commander Koenig in desperation convinced Maya of her father's plans for destruction. Before Mentor can react Commander Koenig lunges at the century old Biological computer, and smashes as much as he can unleashing the stored power of Psyche, sending the entire planet into a raging fury of explosions and quakes. Mentor's last words were to save his daughter Maya whom he cared for more than his entire world. Just before Psychon detonated itself out of existence, a tiny spacecraft emerged carrying one extra passenger, an enchanting, and at the moment, a weeping survivor of a world that she would never see again.
The dialogue attributed to Koenig is not in the episode.
The people of Alpha welcomed their new resident. "Maya is an incomparable asset to our survival," Commander Koenig said, "She possesses knowledge of the Universe that otherwise would have remained a complete mystery to us. In the light of her unusual scientific, cultural, and biological abilities, Page 10 I am placing her in the command position of 'First Space-Science Officer'. She has a home here and she is no longer alone."
Page 11It is well known by now that SPACE: 1999 has brought to television the most unusual and innovative special effects ever seen. The question remains, how is it done? The answer is through the genius of several men. Brian Johnson and his crew, along with Gerry Anderson, Fred Freiberger, and the directors. They are the men responsible for the magic. The effects themselves have been perfected after months of trial and error with a variety of techniques.
Brian Johnson explains, "We are paying very strict attention to perspective and detail. For instance, we have constructed the Eagle spacecraft model in three scales. The largest is 4 1/2 feet long which represents a size of approximately 76 feet or a scale of 1/19th. The next is about 1 1/2 feet long and smallest is 8 inches in length. This gives us a lot of versatility and it provides us with the ability to place an Eagle against any size of background and have the effect show a great feeling of bigness." As far as the final product is concerned, the color quality of the footage alone is outstanding. The color quality along with optical effects such as matte technique (which is the method for taking two separate pieces of film and re-photographing them onto one final take) make for exciting possibilities in portraying alien civilizations. Another technique for special effects is called the 'held take', where one piece of negative film is passed through the camera several times and then developed. This allows you to use one model and by moving across the screen you end up with six or twelve copies of the same model side by side.
Page 12Johnson's theories about special effects are akin to those of Jim Danforth, world renowned special effects expert, who has said that "visual effects are actually created in the minds of the audience." According to Johnson, the primary result that he strives for is psychological. "I never allow anybody to stand near the models and see the false perspective. Not even the director I'm working with," said Johnson, "because special effects design is the art of optical illusion. A person will be more likely to believe what he's seeing on the screen if he hasn't seen the tricks of perspective on the models and the sets." One of the problems of working with miniature effects is motion; small models seem to move jerkily at 24 frames a second. To create a smooth and realistic illusion of motion, Johnson shoots the model sequences at extremely fast speeds up to 120 frames per second, with high speed Mitchell cameras. At these speeds high intensity lights must be used to provide sufficient depth of field.
Brian explains his past experience as a special effects engineer, "I started as a camera assistant for a small film company. I met Les Bowie, one of Britain's top effects men, and he hired me as an operator on THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE. "I got rather keen on effects after that, and went on to do sci-fi for Hammer. Then I did thirteen episodes of the TV series THUNDERBIRDS for Gerry Anderson. After that I got a call from Wally Gentleman to come and work on 2001. I learned a great deal in those three years working with a special team of close to 80 men on the effects team directed by Douglas Trumbull."
Although Anderson's productions are known for their special effects, he has never been directly involved with filming effects. The voice synchronisation for puppets used electrical solenoids, not computers.
Gerry Anderson, executive producer of SPACE: 1999, has been perfecting techniques for working in miniature for over twelve years. His spectacular credits include two major motion pictures shot almost entirely in miniature for Universal, JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN and for United Artists, THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO. Anderson has pioneered a technique for working with marionettes which involves a computer toPage 13 synchronize a human voice with the moving mouth of a puppet, plus computer commands to work the strings of the puppet while the humans sit back and watch. His famous credits involving the progression of this technique which he dubbed "Supermarionation" include SUPERCAR, FIREBALL XL-5, STINGRAY, THUNDERBIRDS and CAPTAIN SCARLET. Anderson got his start in film, as a film cutting room assistant. After R.A.F. services, he returned to films, working in the editing departments on such productions as SO LONG AT THE FAIR, APPOINTMENT IN LONDON, CLOUDED YELLOW, and THE PRIZE OF GOLD. He then turned to television filming and became a director. He was later to mastermind the whole 'Disney-like' studio complex set in England with over 200 people employed on the unique production staff working for "Supermarionation."
Fred Freiberger, the new producer of SPACE: 1999, is no newcomer to science-fiction, having worked as producer for TV's space classic STAR TREK. His many famous credits include: WILD, WILD WEST, BEN CASEY, SLATTERY'S PEOPLE and STARSKY & HUTCH. Freiberger has thirteen feature film credits as a script writer, among them BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS and CRASH LANDING. He brings to SPACE: 1999 a fresh new look of electricity and emotion.
Page 14Commander John Koenig: {Martin Landau} Commander-In-Chief of Moonbase Alpha. Appointed Commander in September of 1999. His orders were to oversee launching operations for a deep space probe. After the lunar accident, he was confronted with a job he neither wanted nor was prepared for; he was the man to guide 311 men and women in an ultimate quest for survival. When he is in Command Center he is purposeful, proficient, a man with a hard core of cool concentration and control. Not until he is in his quarters does he allow himself to relax. He has a wry sense of humor and an easy smile, especially when he is with...
Dr. Helena Russell: (Barbara Bain) Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Russell is in charge of all medical facilities and life support systems. Helena is an attractive, vibrant woman who is very much in love with John Koenig, as he is with her. Helena takes her Hippocratic oath very seriously and although she will never dispute any of Koenig's orders in Command Center, she will in privacy get into conflict with him when she feels he is letting "command" get in the way of "humanity." In her off-duty hours, which aren't many, Helena paints and sculpts for relaxation.
Maya:(Catherine Schell) Space-Science Officer. An alien from the planet Psychon, Maya is an enchanting, sensuous, amazingly graceful woman, who has gained the power to transform herself into any object or life form she chooses. She has become a tiger, a raven, a dolphin, and many mind-boggling alien beings as well. She can do this through the gift of Molecular Transformation given to her by her father and his incredible computer. Maya has an advanced knowledge of space-science and technology and becomes a valuable asset to the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha. She has an effervescent sense of humor and falls deeply in love with Tony Verdeschi.
Page 14An anachronistic reference to Main Mission. In the series, Tony never uses a sword.
Tony Verdeschi:(Tony Anholt) He is First Officer. When the Commander is not in Main Mission, he is the man in charge of the entire base, as well as its defense and security. Tony is irreverent, quick-witted and sharp-tongued... but he is never insubordinate and has a deep respect for Koenig. Like Koenig, he is in top physical shape. Tony has also developed a complete fascination for Maya. In his spare time, Tony prides himself on being the only man off the Earth to have grown perfect hops. Naturally he is an inter-stellar brewmaster, whose beer is as unique as the location of the Brewery. He is also an excellent swordsman.
We never see Alan's soccer or martial arts skills (we do see him playing rugby in one episode).
Alan Carter:(Nick Tate) Alan is First Flight Lieutenant and Chief Astronaut-Pilot in charge of all space reconnaissance missions. Alan is at his best when his life is on the line. He would sacrifice his own life at a moment's notice if a fellow Alphan needed his support. Being a skilled technician, engineer, and an experienced space authority, he is not afraid to voice his opinions to the command staff when he differs with their judgment. He feels that he is personally responsible for every spacecraft that leaves Moonbase Alpha, whether it's for a rescue mission or just a test flight. Originally from Australia, Alan is a natural born soccer player. He plays often in his spare time, and enjoys a lengthy physical workout. He maintains a Karate black belt and has several military recommendations for bravery and loyalty.
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(Commander John Robert Koenig)
BIO
The versatile Brooklyn-born actor originally studied fine art at Pratt Institute and the Art Students League, before he joined the New York Daily News art department as a staff artist. A short time later, Landau decided to give up his job at the News for a career in the theatre.
As Landau learned his craft, he gradually began to attract attention. He auditioned for the world renowned Actors Studio and was one of only three actors chosen that season, out of over two thousand applicants, to become lifetime members.
Landau began appearing professionally on more and more stages. He toured in "Detective Story" and "Stalag 17." On Broadway he played in Paddy Chayefsky's long-run hit, "Middle of the Night" with Edward G. Robinson.
It was just after "Nevada Smith" was completed that Landau got a call from his friend Bruce Geller. Geller asked him if he would appear in the first episode of "Mission: Impossible" playing five roles. Landau agreed to do "just the one episode."
Eighty shows later, Landau was still playing the character Rollin Hand, master of disguise. The hit series was the first opportunity for the Landaus to appear together since they toured in "Middle of the Night." ITC's series "Space: 1999" again reunites them as a starring team.
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(Dr. Helena Russell)
BIO
A lifetime member of the world-renowned Actors Studio, Barbara is a native of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in sociology and headed for New York. There she studied modern dance with Martha Graham. To pay rent and tuition, she was a high fashion model, appearing on the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Mademoiselle.
Barbara found that neither modeling nor dancing suited her career ambitions. She was all set to dust off her sociology degree when she paid a visit to Curt Conway's action group one evening and decided to make her commitment to drama.
Barbara's stage credits include "Miss Julie," "Desire Under The Elms," "The Wedding Breakfast," "Richard the Third" and "Don Juan In Hell," among others.
Some of her early appearances on television were in such shows as "Wagon Train," "Bonanza," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Get Smart," "Studio One," "Kraft Theatre," "Omnibus," "Philco Playhouse," "Kraft Music Hall," "The Greatest Show on Earth," the ABC Movie of the Week, "Goodnight My Love" and the CBS Movie of the Week, "Murder My Sweet."
These numerous guest appearances eventually brought her the coveted role of Cinnamon Carter on "Mission: Impossible." It was this portrayal of the sexy and sophisticated agent that won her the three consecutive Emmys.
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(Maya)
BIO
Recently winning world-wide acclaim for her performance with Peter Sellers in "The Return of the Pink Panther," Miss Schell has a host of motion picture and television credits, including the feature film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," and television series such as "The Persuaders," "The Adventurer," and "The Rivals to Sherlock Holmes."
Born in Hungary, Catherine is the daughter of the Baron and Baroness Schell Von Bauschlott, but her father renounced his title when the family fled to the United States during the Communist take-over in Hungary. Formerly a diplomat in the Hungarian Embassy at Washington D.C., he returned to Washington with his family and became tours manager for visiting European orchestras until going back to Europe.
Catherine therefore spent her schooldays in America, first of all in Washington and then Staten Island, New York, completing her education at the American School in Munich, Germany.
When embarking on a stage and screen career, she changed her name to Caterina Von Schell, later changing it to its present Anglicised form of Catherine Schell.
Catherine is blonde and 5'7" in height.
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(Tony Verdeschi)
BIO
Tony Anholt, star of "The Protectors," joins the Second Year of SPACE: 1999, portraying Tony Verdeschi, described as "the most dynamic adventurer in the universe," a new continuing character in SPACE: 1999.
As a key Alphan leader, Tony develops a romantic relationship with Maya, the new resident alien possessing the incredible power of molecular transformation, portrayed by Catherine Schell.
A world popular performer, Anholt's stage credits include "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Enemy of the People," and "Boys in the Band.
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(Alan Carter)
BIO
Popular Nick Tate, who receives nearly 5,000 fan letters a week for his charismatic portrayal of first flight lieutenant Alan Carter in the ITC series "Space: 1999," continues a family tradition of fine acting. His parents, John Tate and the late Neva Carr-Glynn, have many distinguished acting credits; indeed, soon after Nick was born in Sydney, Australia, he too became a trouper and won notice as a child actor. After a small featured role in the award-winning "A Man For All Seasons," he gained roles in several British television dramas and series including "The Detectives," "Sherlock Holmes," and "The Troubleshooters." His motion picture credits include "Battle of Britain" and "The High Commissioner." Recently Nick Tate was honored as the best Australian Actor of the Year for his performance as a lay Catholic brother of tortured conscience in "The Devil's Playground," which is scheduled to be released here in the United States this fall. He then returned to England for an interview at Pinewood Studios with producer Gerry Anderson who was scouting talent for the key role of an Italian space pilot in a spectacular new science-fiction adventure series. Though Nick didn't look in the least Italian, Anderson was so impressed with the interview that the nationality of the character was forgotten. The character became an Australian and thus Alan Carter of "Space: 1999" was born!
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Moonbase Alpha is the finest collection and integration of man's greatest scientific achievements to date. Encapsulated here are all the latest advancements in the fields of Engineering, Computer Technology, Medical Engineering, Architecture, Astronomy, Mass Transportation, Physics, and Art.
Indeed, it is ironic that such a fine example of human endeavor should find itself adrift in the void of space, perhaps to supply some alien race with a perfect specimen of mankind at his best.
This document established Plato as the home of Moonbase Alpha. It was repeated in Starlog's Technical Notebook. Evidence in the series itself suggests a different location, perhaps closer to the lunar poles.
Moonbase Alpha is located in a well protected crater called "Plato", clearly visible just above the Sea of Showers, it is about 100 kilometers in diameter. The complex itself is a marvel of modern engineering. Constructed out of a material of melted rock and metal, it was originally meant to support 311 scientists and engineers above ground. The base is 4 kilometers in diameter and extends 1 kilometer farther in areas below the lunar surface. The major research sections break down as follows:
Responsible for air circulation and re-circulation, also responsible for detecting radiation or other harmful elements in the space in which the Moon travels. The Environmental Section is constantly monitoring space for alien viruses by means of the thousands of bristling antennae and sensory devices located on the outside of the structure.
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Moonbase Alpha in crater Plato
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These devices were originally meant as an early warning system for Earth, searching the heavens for any signs of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Responsible for the production and preservation of many plant forms which generate life giving oxygen (the humans on the base themselves supply the carbon dioxide needed by the plants). Also responsible for the recycling of food and other spent materials. Much of the food consumed on Alpha is of a healthy synthetic origin. The food is flavored and then nutrients are added to keep the Alphans in top physical condition, as a simple case of the measles could mean the extinction of life in a sealed environment.
The term "Technics" is odd (it means "technical" or "technique"). The series always uses the term "Technical".
Responsible for the production, re-cycling, and repair of all hardware used. Through the Engineering genius of Moonbase technicians they were able to successfully convert a transitory base on the Moon, and turn it into a permanent world. This department is certainly the most active one on Alpha since they must clear the dirty work of repairing spacecraft, repairing computer equipment, manufacturing raw materials in makeshift atomic furnaces, keep careful record of all security equipment in operation, plus feeding and nursing the three nuclear fusion reactors which keep the lights on (among other things).
Responsible for special scientific and philosophical research into problems facing Moonbase and its inhabitants. This section operating closely with the Engineering Page 24 and Technics section, consists of physicist-philosophers who understand the structure of the universe better than any other scientist. This section will perform the experiments needed to find a planet suitable for the Alphans.
Responsible for psychological and physiological maintenance of the personnel of Moonbase Alpha. Medical facilities of every kind have been employed by the manufacturers of Moonbase to insure a cure for every conceivable medical emergency. This section is headed by Dr. Helena Russell and Dr. Bob Mathias.
Responsible for monitoring areas which have restricted access to members of the base, as well as notifying command personnel of any possible threat to the well-being of the base either from within the Moon complex or from out in the space through which the Moon will travel. Tony Verdeschi is First Officer in charge of defence and security in Command Center.
All of the above mentioned operating stations are controlled at Command Center, an influx of receiving stations where all Moonbase sections are monitored by their respective service officer. It is here under tight security where all command decisions originate. The commander's console is here as well as all master computer links, which govern the computerized base.
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Despite the "new consoles for new personnel", there are less people, and desks, in Command Center than in Main Mission.
All facilities for Main Mission were moved deep underground for obvious reasons.
First, in the event of an attack all command personnel and equipment will be well protected. This also serves to keep Main Mission personnel isolated in times of extreme tension so that emotional stability can be boosted. New receiving stations were added to Main Mission, new consoles were added for new personnel with more efficient means to process information.
The Eagles are powered by a small quantity of highly combustible fuel mixed with a radioactive core. The result is an enormous amount of thrust with little weight. This allows an Eagle to fly anywhere, even on a planet with strong gravity and atmosphere. These rockets are alternated with pure hydrogen compressed to within an inch of its life, giving a tremendous thrust without the danger of harming any life form on a planet's surface.
Uniforms with identity transmitters anticipates Star Trek Next Generation. In the series it is commlocks that identify individuals and control their access. The "security coded badges" seem to be simply membership insignia.
The marking and patches on the uniforms serve a variety of functions. They identify rank and department, some have a small magnetic transmitter to allow certain individuals access to areas where others are forbidden to go. There are security clearance coded badges which are distributed at various times on a weekly basis whenever there is a major change in service command.
Example: LSRO stands for Lunar Space Research Organization
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The original text refers to "plain" (instead of "plane") throughout. The regions above and below the ecliptic plane are clearly visible in the night sky.
The Moon was catapulted into a region of space that has never been studied before. All the planets lie in a straight plane, their orbits extend out from the Sun in concentric circles like rings drawn on a dinner plate. Until the time of the lunar accident no-one had ever sent a probe to the regions above or below the even plane in which all the planets lie. The Moon, driven by nuclear holocaust, is forced up and out of the plane of the planets and after traveling for almost a year becomes caught in a powerful warp in space of unknown origin.
There are three nuclear fusion reactors on Moonbase Alpha which supply enough power to run a major city. Fusion is a process by which elementary particles such as protons, neutrons, etc. are fused together under indescribable forces, resulting in an energy release similar to that of the Sun.
With the exception of scientific researchers, most jobs on a Moonbase, from pilots to engineers, would not require an advanced academic qualification.
In order to have been assigned a position on Moonbase Alpha to begin with, the individual had to have been of exceptional mental and physical status. The average person on Moonbase Alpha holds a PHD or an equivalent scholastic degree in some field of research. Some individuals hold more than one doctorate in related subjects. An applicant for a position on Alpha could come from any nationality and must be recommended by four instructors. Once picked by a review board the appointee undergoes two years of lunar status preparation training, and then six months training in his or her individual field.
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The Eagle is a completely modular space vehicle. There is a vast underground repair and service complex strictly designed for the regeneration of space equipment. If a spacecraft should sustain some damage it is immediately taken to the engineering repair and modification center. Technicians will then call from a computer file all parts necessary for a complete repair, and proceed to dismantle the craft. Alpha is capable of building completely new spacecraft with the aid of an atomic furnace and raw materials for metal which are taken from the crater left by the tragic nuclear explosion on September 13, 1999.
The base was situated on the near side of the Moon because of the ease of transportation and communication, (if the base were placed on the far side of the Moon there could be no communication with Earth because the Earth would have been behind the Moon in radio silence) To probe deep space the antenna and probe equipment were located on the far side of the Moon away from Earth radio noise. The information was transmitted around to Alpha and then radioed back to Earth.
A particularly bizarre misspelling of "commlock" (or "comlock"!). We see the commlock being used as a clock, but not as a Geiger counter, thermometer or infra red camera.
COM-LOC stands for Portable Communications Locking Device. It is a handheld multi-functional device used by every member of the base. It has a wide range of Page 28 30 functions, but only 4 can be used at any one time, unless it is plugged into a desktop receiver which puts the COM-LOC in direct contact with the main computer. Otherwise the COM-LOC is in radio contact with the main computer and must divide up its functions into 4 parts. Apart from a logarithmic calculator, the COM-LOC opens most air pressure sealed bulkhead doors unless there is a prevailing security code. There is a two way audio-visual communications network in each device, although depending on the status of the individual, personal COM-LOCs have limitations. For instance, a worker in the nuclear plant would not be given free access to Main Mission with his COM-LOC unless it was previously obtained by the proper higher ranking officer. A COM-LOC can process information, transmit information, and monitor controlled operations. On a limited scale, they are similar to the large data processing computers. Anyone on Alpha can be located instantly through a paging system in the main computer banks. The COM-LOC is also a Geiger counter, a thermometer, an air pressure gauge, a clock, and an Infrared TV camera. (nail file and can opener not included).
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The selling of SPACE: 1999 began at the convention of the National Association of Television Program Executives in Atlanta, February, 1975. Abe Mandell, president of Independent Television Corporation, was heard to have said, "If SPACE: 1999 is not sold in 150 markets by August, 1975, I'll be seeing you in Macy's window selling shoes!"
Mandell didn't have to switch jobs. SPACE: 1999, Year One, was sold in 155 U.S. cities, including 50 of the top 50 markets! In the fall of 1975, SPACE: 1999 made a worldwide premiere in 101 countries around the world!
Several ingredients went into chalking up this phenomenal sales record. The first of these was the carefully planned promotion campaign under the leadership of 'marketing genius' Abe Mandell. Originating at the ITC Communications Center, high atop Madison Ave., the SPACE: 1999 Network Newsletter linked the stations carrying SPACE: 1999 and for the first time formed a totally separate Network system: THE SPACE: 1999 NETWORK. The newsletter (and it is still running for Year 2) also highlights promotional efforts of individual stations and provided promo directors with a tremendous amount of exploitation ideas. The newsletter also sends press releases, full color brochures, contact sheets in both color and black and white, film trailers etc. In short, every conceivable promotion accessory.
The next ingredient was the tireless cooperation of the stars, Martin Landau and Barbra Bain, who conducted numerous interviews with TV editors, made personal appearances in major cities, appeared on "The Merv Griffin Show," "The Mike Douglas Show," Page 30 "The Tonight Show," "Dinah!", made personalized tape promos for stations and captured plenty of space in Sunday supplements, TV Guide and magazines and newspapers around the world! (The same is planned for Catherine Schell and Brian Johnson for SPACE: 1999, Year 2).
But the major ingredient was the show itself. Originally built for a network sale, it gathered steam when network affiliated stations saw it as a possible replacement for the weaker shows on the network schedules.
Most importantly though, SPACE: 1999 has broken all the stereotyped rules in the books of syndication. Since a full hour on Sunday evening was taken away from affiliated stations by the networks under the revised Prime Time Access Rule, stations looked for vehicles to recapture that spot revenue. The natural direction to go was to preempt of DB (delayed broadcast) the weaker shows on the schedule. Some stations even moved some of the stronger network shows as a lead-in to SPACE: 1999. Since a one hour spot carrier is economically attractive, SPACE: 1999 Year 1, was actively pushed by the station reps who recommended it to their stations. (Of the 148 network affiliates carrying the show, almost 100 slated SPACE: 1999, Year 1, in primetime).
In a broader sense, the SPACE: 1999 program clearances are a classic confrontation between the syndication market and the other markets (the three networks) meeting head on, with the syndication market winning in the initial stages. In the intensely competitive syndication arena, many syndicators are privately applauding this historic achievement... The preemptions and the DBs have indicated bolder moves by affiliates this year than ever before in previous seasons. Mandell has built such an impressive line-up of stations Page 31 on an individual market basis for SPACE: 1999, Year 1, that he has decided to repeat his success with SPACE: 1999, Year 2. "Four years of my life have been involved in this project," Mandell says. "The program is off the launching pad, and we've made Year 2 so much bigger, better, more exciting than ever. The future is fantastic!"