Ascension Astro

Ascension Astro is a Human spacecraft equipment company that develops and manufactures aftermarket stealth components. It was founded in 2901 by a group of friends who had developed a new technique to reduce the infrared and electromagnetic signature of standard ship thrusters. Over time, Ascension Astro has shifted from selling only high-end boutique thruster modifications aimed at the ultra-wealthy to mass producing thruster and shield generator units.

History

The company was founded in 2901 by the childhood friends Kaitlyn Barwick, Candace Cowley, and Tim Kraft. Barwick took over her father's repair shop, which she restructured with the help of Cowley, who had previously worked at an Origin Jumpworks dealership. Cowley was fired by Origin after referring its customers to the repair shop run by Barwick and her husband, Kraft. The two had devised a way to reduce the infrared and electromagnetic signature of the thrusters fitted as standard to Origin ships, and the trio built the company around that modification.

Marketing

Ascension Astro is known for its unconventional marketing strategy.

Its first storefront opened in 2901 in New York City, Earth. Customers needed an appointment to visit the store, and the company underdelivered on its high-priced products while avoiding direct advertising. Instead, it relied on paid media coverage of Cowley's social engagements with the upper class. A second store opened on Terra in 2903, and Cowley gave a controversial interview to the Terra Gazette. She then disappeared from the public eye, which marked a turning point in the company's strategy.

Production capacity was increased and the appointment-only model was dropped. The company opened more stores and began running regular advertisements. Cowley returned to public life in 2908.

In-game description

Ascension Astro started off as a boutique specialty company; selling high-end, low IR thrusters to wealthy clients who wanted to fly their luxury ships while avoiding the eyes of greedy pirates. As good as their thrusters were at being low-sig, the effect was often ruined when the engines or shielding made by other manufacturers would be screaming the ship presence. Slowly, Ascension began expanding their line to include a whole suite of components that, when working in conjunction, would provide an extremely low profile and a safer journey.

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