Vadhavul

Vadhavul
Stellar Cartography
Region	Sagittarius Reach
Sector	Delta Vega
System	Vadhavul
Sun(s)	Yellow dwarf
Moon(s)	2
Class	M
Physical
Diameter	11,252 km
Atmosphere	Oxygen/Nitrogren
Hydrosphere	Subterranean
Climate	Arid
Gravity	Earth standard
Primary terrain	Desert
Points of interest	High radiation
Length of Day	26.2 hours
Length of Year	380 days
Native species	Vadhavulan
Other species	Human Augment
Societal
Official Language	n/a
Population	n/a
Technological Classification	n/a
Major cities	n/a
Imports	n/a
Exports	n/a
Affiliation	Independent

Vadhavul

Vadhavul is an arid, marginal Class-M planet located in the Sagittarius Reach region. The planet's stellar cartography classifier is M-18138512 and is preliminary designated by the name Rachel. It is approximately 50 light years from the edge of the Galactic Barrier and the closest inhabited system to it is Delta Vega.

Vadhavul orbits a yellow dwarf star and possesses two small moons. It is the only planetary body in the system but there is a large asteroid field orbiting farther out. Several derelict vessels and a dangerous radiation minefield have been discovered in the vicinity of the asteroids including the USS Belle, a research vessel assigned to the Sagittarius Reach.

Vadhavul's atmosphere is thin by comparison to Earth but still breathable by most species. The surface temperatures average in a range from 25°C to 50°C with most areas of the planet covered in desert terrain. Some vegetation including grasslands and a few forests cover approximately 5% of the planet. Rocky mountain ranges dot the surface and provide cave systems that support life. There are no substantial oceans on the planet as the water table is mostly subsurface. An animal species called the cowmel has been domesticated and is used as a pack animal for carrying supplies. It is similar to a cross between a Terran cow and camel. Its fatty milk can be consumed for nourishment.

An indigenous species called the Vadhavulans inhabit the planet but due to ecological disaster their few settlements are mostly uninhabited. The numbers of the Vadhavulans have been further diminished by the presences of Human Augments that have taken up residence on the planet after the arrival of their 20th century sleeper ship, the USS Monticello, from Earth. As a byproduct of the Augment's industry and infighting, several areas of the planet have high gamma radiation levels. Hydronalin treatments are recommended for visitors to these areas.

The USS Columbia was the first Federation presence to visit the planet on stardate 239510. They mounted a search and rescue mission to find their captain. The captain's yacht, the USS Kumari, was discovered crashed on the planet's surface. The crew was recovered with all hands, foiling a plot by lead Augment Verne who took Captain Whittaker and two others hostage.

The planet has been labelled as a Dead Zone system and all travel there is restricted.