The number of command centers deployed in combat zones drove the development of standard schematics to upgrade them into a dedicated military role. One variant was the orbital command.[2] The ATVX orbital command entered service following the Brood War and allows space assets to better assist ground forces;[1] it includes a satellite comlink useful for reconnaissance.[3]
The following section contains information from a previous version of StarCraft II which is no longer valid.
Dominion Special Forces utilized advanced orbital commands with cutting edge scanners for reconnaissance, much to the pleasure of the ground forces usually assigned on that duty.[5]
Game Structure
The orbital command retains all of the command center's functionality except it may no longer load SCVs, or be changed into a command center or planetary fortress. The orbital command takes over the role of StarCrafts ComSat station with the Scanner Sweep ability.
The orbital command has the ability to temporarily clear the fog of war and detect all cloaked or burrowed units within the target area.
This can be executed anywhere on the map at any time. The circular view shown lasts for about 12 seconds before changing to the fog of war static view.
An orbital command summons one MULE via drop pod. If the ability is targeted on a mineral patch the MULE will begin mining automatically, extracting 45 minerals per trip. The ability may be used only on areas uncovered by the fog of war.
The orbital command can target a supply depot to permanently grant it an extra 8 supply. The modified supply depots look different, but are still capable of raising and lowering themselves.
ATVX now manufactures a satellite comlink that can reveal unexplored areas on the map. The comlink can also call down a MULE. A MULE gathers much faster than an SCV and can produce a major surge in mineral production. Because it is a prototype, the MULE will come apart after a short period of time, but it is still well worth the cost.
A Covert Ops Crew orbital command structure exists within the map editor. Except multiplayer, it can use Scanner Sweep and add supplies to supply depots.
Co-op Missions
Orbital commands are exclusive to Jim Raynor in Co-op Missions. Except multiplayer, it can use Scanner Sweep and deploy MULE.
Upgrades and Abilities
Lift Off
This structure can Lift Off, enabling it to fly. It cannot produce units or conduct research while in flight.
The orbital command calls down a MULE via Drop Pods. MULEs can gather minerals at a faster rate than SCVs, and last for 90 seconds. One MULE and one SCV gather from the same mineral patch simultaneously.
100 Mastery: -2 per Research Resource Cost mastery point. Down to a minimum 40 100 Mastery: -2 per Research Resource Cost mastery point. Down to a minimum 40 60
The orbital command's functions were originally possessed by the sensor tower (albeit prior to the conception of the MULE). Its design was carried out after that of the planetary fortress, and didn't undergo much variation.[7]
Trivia
An orbital command appears on the in-game maps around the Blizzard World map in Overwatch as part of an attraction named "Command Center Lift Off."
Images
Covert Ops Crew orbital command model (Nova Covert Ops campaign)