4.3 Near Space Operations

The regulations governing ship operations near or inside a star system have as their primary objective the safe movement of large numbers of spacecraft in a limited region. Most of the time the ship will be on its own for the final approach to a planet. Under these conditions the navigator has certain responsibilities. The approach must not interfere with any existing traffic in the system, and must be compatible with any established interplanetary traffic patterns. The orbit established must be clear of communication and power beams, and be at a high enough altitude so that it will not decay. Also, the approach chart for the system should be checked for specific approach requirements and any special or unusual conditions.

Whenever a ship is in a controlled system the space control of the system has the final authority over ship movement. Any instructions received must be followed precisely and immediately. Failure to do so can result in great danger to the other ships in the system. If a ship is unable to comply with the instructions from space control because of equipment failure or other difficulties, space control must be informed of the problem. A rescue ship will be dispatched to assist if the ship is unable to correct the problem on its own. In the event that the ship's radio is rendered inoperative, the ship must maintain its