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[[file:Life-support-belt.jpg|thumb|Life support belts used in [[space]].]]A '''Life support belt''' was a type of portable protective [[technology]] in use experimentally within the [[Federation]] [[Starfleet]] in the mid-[[23rd century]].
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[[file:Life-support-belt.jpg|thumb|Life support belts used in [[space]].]]A '''life support belt''' was a type of portable protective [[technology]] in use experimentally within the [[Federation]] [[Starfleet]] in the mid-[[23rd century]].
   
 
==Specifics==
  
==Specifics==
  +
[[file:life support belt.jpg|thumb|A life support belt.]]
 
A gray, metallic belt worn at the waist generated a glowing personal [[force field]]. Within the field, pressure, heat and [[atmosphere]] remained at [[class M]] conditions, allowing the wearer to travel in [[space]], under[[water]], or in other hostile climates without needing an [[environmental suit]]. A charged belt would last for four [[hour]]s. They were disallowed in combat situations, as a [[phaser]] beam could potentially collapse the force field. Starfleet distributed belts on an experimental basis aboard various {{class|Constitution}} vessels. ({{rpg|FASA RPG|Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook|Star Fleet Intelligence Manual}})
  
A gray, metallic belt worn at the waist generated a glowing personal [[force field]]. Within the field, pressure, heat and [[atmosphere]] remained at [[class M]] conditions, allowing the wearer to travel in [[space]], under[[water]], or in other hostile climates without needing an [[environmental suit]]. A charged belt would last for four [[hour]]s. They were disallowed in combat situations, as a [[phaser]] beam could potentially collapse the force field. Starfleet distributed belts on an experimental basis aboard various {{class|Constitution}} vessels. ({{rpg|FASA RPG|Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook|Star Fleet Intelligence Manual}})
   
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The normally greenish-yellow glow would flare brighter to signal an impending failure of the force field. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}})
  
The normally greenish-yellow glow would flare brighter to signal an impending failure of the force field. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}})
   
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The belts were not available commercially. ({{rpg|FASA RPG|Trader Captains and Merchant Princes (1st edition)}})
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The belts were not available commercially. ({{rpg|FASA RPG|Trader Captains and Merchant Princes, 1st edition}})
   
 
==Service history==
  
==Service history==
 
In the late [[2250s]], the {{USS|Aeolus}} was attacked by [[Orion]] [[pirate]]s. The ship was nearly lost, and afterwards [[second officer]] [[James T. Kirk]] discovered a life support belt hidden in the luggage of [[Cecilia Simons]], a visitor he then suspected of being a [[saboteur]]. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Enemy Unseen}}}})
  
In the late [[2250s]], the {{USS|Aeolus}} was attacked by [[Orion]] [[pirate]]s. The ship was nearly lost, and afterwards [[second officer]] [[James T. Kirk]] discovered a life support belt hidden in the luggage of [[Cecilia Simons]], a visitor he then suspected of being a [[saboteur]]. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Enemy Unseen}}}})
   
  +
Starfleet's EVA Atmospheric Containment Field belts debuted in the [[year]] [[2267]] and were removed from active service in [[2271]]. ({{rpg|Adventures RPG|The Animated Series Supplemental Guide}})
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In [[2269]], life support belts were worn by a [[landing party]] to explore an [[insectoid pod ship]] exposed to open space. They were also worn by the crew after [[life support]] was partially shut down by the [[magnetic organism]]. It saved the life of [[Montgomery Scott]], who was wearing one when the organism slammed the [[engineering]] core hatch on him. Both [[James T. Kirk]] and [[Spock]] wore belts during their final confrontation with the entity, which protected them from some of the effects of sustained phaser fire from the [[automated bridge defense system]]. ({{en|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}})
  
  +
  ⚫
In [[2269]], life support belts were worn by a [[landing party]] to explore an [[insectoid pod ship]] exposed to open space. They were also worn by the crew after [[life support]] was partially shut down by the [[magnetic organism]]. It saved the life of [[Montgomery Scott]], who was wearing one when the organism slammed the [[engineering]] core hatch on him. Both [[James T. Kirk]] and [[Spock]] wore belts during their final confrontation with the entity, which protected them from some of the effects of sustained phaser fire from the [[automatic bridge defense system]]. ({{en|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}})
   
 
A [[Vendorian]] impersonating {{dis|Carter Winston|Vendorian}} beamed aboard the {{uSS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} from his disabled [[transport]] while wearing an activated belt. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Survivor}})
  
A [[Vendorian]] impersonating {{dis|Carter Winston|Vendorian}} beamed aboard the {{uSS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} from his disabled [[transport]] while wearing an activated belt. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Survivor}})
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Kirk felt that trying to [[swim]] underwater with a belt was too awkward. It was one reason Kirk preferred to use an [[aquashuttle]] while exploring the [[water]] world {{planet|Argo}} in [[2269]]. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log Five|The Ambergris Element}})
  
Kirk felt that trying to [[swim]] underwater with a belt was too awkward. It was one reason Kirk preferred to use an [[aquashuttle]] while exploring the [[water]] world {{planet|Argo}} in [[2269]]. ({{n1|TAS|sub=Log Five|The Ambergris Element}})
   
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When Kirk and Spock were mutated into water breathers on Argo, Scott wore a belt to talk with them underwater. To treat Kirk and Spock aboard the ''Enterprise'' within an [[aquarium]] tank, [[Christine Chapel]] and [[Leonard McCoy]] wore belts. ({{en|TAS|Log Five|The Ambergris Element}})
 +
When Kirk and Spock were mutated into water breathers on Argo, Scott wore a belt to talk with them underwater. To treat Kirk and Spock aboard the ''Enterprise'' within an [[aquarium]] tank, [[Christine Chapel]] and [[Leonard McCoy]] wore belts. ({{en|TAS|sub=Log Five|The Ambergris Element}})
   
  +
In [[2270]], Kirk [[beam]]ed to a [[planetoid]] without an [[atmosphere]] to receive a container of stolen [[strobolin]] from an [[Orion]] [[privateer]] [[unnamed Orions#Captain|ship's captain]]. Both wore life support belts during the encounter. ({{e|TAS|The Pirates of Orion}})
⚫
In [[2270]], [[Nyota Uhura]], [[Hikaru Sulu]] and Spock wore life support belts while searching for a [[Slaver weapon]] on a [[Beta Lyrae planetoid]] in the [[Beta Lyrae]] [[star system]]. [[Kzinti]] [[type-2 phaser]]s were able to penetrate the force fields and stun the wearers. Although a [[Slaver]] energy absorber shut down a [[police web]] and lights aboard the Kzinti's {{ship||Traitor's Claw}}, it failed to deactivate the belts. ({{en|TAS|sub=Log Ten|The Slaver Weapon}})
  
   
  ⚫
In [[2270]], [[Nyota Uhura]], [[Hikaru Sulu]] and Spock wore life support belts while searching for a [[Slaver weapon]] on a [[Beta Lyrae planetoid|planetoid]] in the [[Beta Lyrae]] [[star system]]. [[Kzinti]] [[type-2 phaser]]s were able to penetrate the force fields and stun the wearers. Although a {{dis|Slaver|species}} energy absorber shut down a [[police web]] and lights aboard the Kzinti's {{ship||Traitor's Claw}}, it failed to deactivate the belts. ({{en|TAS|sub=Log Ten|The Slaver Weapon}})
⚫
In [[2273]] of the ''{{sT|Phase II}}'' continuity, life support belts would have been used when stepping outside the ''Enterprise'' to explore [[V'Ger]], but they became unnecessary after an [[oxygen]] [[atmosphere]] formed around both vessels. ({{e|Phase II|In Thy image}})
  
  +
  ⚫
In [[2273]], life support belts would have been used when stepping outside the ''Enterprise'' to explore [[V'Ger]], but they became unnecessary after an [[oxygen]] [[atmosphere]] formed around both vessels. ({{e|Phase II|In Thy Image}})
   
 
Eventually the belts were discontinued on the notion that any belt failure could kill its wearer, whereas a puncture to an [[environmental suit]] would give the wearer time to repair it or retreat to safety. ({{n|DTI|Forgotten History}})
  
Eventually the belts were discontinued on the notion that any belt failure could kill its wearer, whereas a puncture to an [[environmental suit]] would give the wearer time to repair it or retreat to safety. ({{n|DTI|Forgotten History}})
   
 
==Appendices==
  
==Appendices==
−
===Appearances===
 +
===Appearances and references===
  +
====Appearances====
 
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}}
  
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log One|Beyond the Farthest Star}}
 
* {{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Survivor}}
  
* {{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Survivor}}
 
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log Five|The Ambergris Element}}
  
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log Five|The Ambergris Element}}
  +
* {{e|TAS|The Pirates of Orion}}
 
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log Ten|The Slaver Weapon}}
  
* {{en|TAS|sub=Log Ten|The Slaver Weapon}}
   
−
===References===
 +
====References====
−
* {{e|Phase II|In Thy image}}
  
 
* {{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Lorelei Signal}}
  
* {{n1|TAS|sub=Log Two|The Lorelei Signal}}
−
* {{n|TOS|{{nd|Enemy Unseen}}}}
 +
* {{e|Phase II|In Thy Image}}
⚫
* {{n|DTI|Forgotten History}}
  
 
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook}}
  
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook}}
 
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Game Operations Manual}}
  
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Game Operations Manual}}
 
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Star Fleet Intelligence Manual}}
  
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Star Fleet Intelligence Manual}}
−
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Trader Captains and Merchant Princes (1st edition)}}
 +
* {{rpg|FASA RPG|Trader Captains and Merchant Princes, 1st edition}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|{{nd|Enemy Unseen}}}}
  ⚫
* {{n|DTI|Forgotten History}}
  +
* {{rpg|Adventures RPG|The Animated Series Supplemental Guide}}
   
 
===External links===
  
===External links===
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[[category:technology]]
  
[[category:technology]]
 
[[category:equipment]]
  
[[category:equipment]]
  +
[[category:energy technology]]

Latest revision as of 17:50, 10 March 2024

Life-support-belt

Life support belts used in space.

A life support belt was a type of portable protective technology in use experimentally within the Federation Starfleet in the mid-23rd century.

Specifics

Life support belt

A life support belt.

A gray, metallic belt worn at the waist generated a glowing personal force field. Within the field, pressure, heat and atmosphere remained at class M conditions, allowing the wearer to travel in space, underwater, or in other hostile climates without needing an environmental suit. A charged belt would last for four hours. They were disallowed in combat situations, as a phaser beam could potentially collapse the force field. Starfleet distributed belts on an experimental basis aboard various Constitution-class vessels. (FASA RPG modules: Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook, Star Fleet Intelligence Manual)

An internal belt radio transmitted speech through the force field or between users, allowing conversation without the need of a communicator even in space. However, the field blocked any sense of touch. There was a known upper limit to its pressure tolerance: it could not withstand crushing pressures in a deep ocean. (TAS - Log One novelization: Beyond the Farthest Star, TAS episode: "The Ambergris Element")

Engineering and medical personnel trained in life support technology could repair a damaged belt. (FASA RPG module: Game Operations Manual)

In practical use, the force fields not only withstood prolonged phaser fire for several seconds, but they also endured crushing pressure that would kill a Human. Significantly, they were unaffected by energy absorbers that disabled lights and deactivated equipment aboard spacecraft. They were also versatile enough to be worn over early 2270s security officer uniforms. (TAS episodes: "Beyond the Farthest Star", "The Ambergris Element", "The Slaver Weapon", FASA RPG module: Star Fleet Intelligence Manual)

The normally greenish-yellow glow would flare brighter to signal an impending failure of the force field. (TAS - Log One novelization: Beyond the Farthest Star)

The belts were not available commercially. (FASA RPG module: Trader Captains and Merchant Princes, 1st edition)

Service history

In the late 2250s, the USS Aeolus was attacked by Orion pirates. The ship was nearly lost, and afterwards second officer James T. Kirk discovered a life support belt hidden in the luggage of Cecilia Simons, a visitor he then suspected of being a saboteur. (TOS novel: Enemy Unseen)

Starfleet's EVA Atmospheric Containment Field belts debuted in the year 2267 and were removed from active service in 2271. (Adventures RPG module: The Animated Series Supplemental Guide)

In 2269, life support belts were worn by a landing party to explore an insectoid pod ship exposed to open space. They were also worn by the crew after life support was partially shut down by the magnetic organism. It saved the life of Montgomery Scott, who was wearing one when the organism slammed the engineering core hatch on him. Both James T. Kirk and Spock wore belts during their final confrontation with the entity, which protected them from some of the effects of sustained phaser fire from the automatic bridge defense system. (TAS episode & Log One novelization: Beyond the Farthest Star)

A Vendorian impersonating Carter Winston beamed aboard the USS Enterprise from his disabled transport while wearing an activated belt. (TAS - Log Two novelization: The Survivor)

Before a landing party from the Enterprise beamed down to Taurus II in the Taurean system, life support belts were discussed but deemed unneeded. (TAS - Log Two novelization: The Lorelei Signal)

Kirk felt that trying to swim underwater with a belt was too awkward. It was one reason Kirk preferred to use an aquashuttle while exploring the water world Argo in 2269. (TAS - Log Five novelization: The Ambergris Element)

When Kirk and Spock were mutated into water breathers on Argo, Scott wore a belt to talk with them underwater. To treat Kirk and Spock aboard the Enterprise within an aquarium tank, Christine Chapel and Leonard McCoy wore belts. (TAS episode & Log Five novelization: The Ambergris Element)

In 2270, Kirk beamed to a planetoid without an atmosphere to receive a container of stolen strobolin from an Orion privateer ship's captain. Both wore life support belts during the encounter. (TAS episode: "The Pirates of Orion")

In 2270, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu and Spock wore life support belts while searching for a Slaver weapon on a planetoid in the Beta Lyrae star system. Kzinti type-2 phasers were able to penetrate the force fields and stun the wearers. Although a Slaver energy absorber shut down a police web and lights aboard the Kzinti's Traitor's Claw, it failed to deactivate the belts. (TAS episode & Log Ten novelization: The Slaver Weapon)

In 2273, life support belts would have been used when stepping outside the Enterprise to explore V'Ger, but they became unnecessary after an oxygen atmosphere formed around both vessels. (Phase II episode: "In Thy Image")

Eventually the belts were discontinued on the notion that any belt failure could kill its wearer, whereas a puncture to an environmental suit would give the wearer time to repair it or retreat to safety. (DTI novel: Forgotten History)

Appendices

Appearances and references

Appearances

References

External links

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