Games Like Closer Than Stars

JANUS-3 • GANYMEDE / CALLISTO

You are Owen, one of two operators aboard JANUS-3, a remote radio observatory in the Jovian system. You work alone at G-Node near Ganymede. Rachel operates the second node near Callisto, millions of kilometres away.

Your job is simple: monitor deep space for faint radio signals and compare your findings across the array. Between shifts, Rachel is your only regular contact.

<span class="bb_img_ctn"><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/5790bba2c3acf179f81680c0040de89b.poster.avif?t=1788784067" width=1170 height=658 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/5790bba2c3acf179f81680c0040de89b.webm?t=1788784067" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/5790bba2c3acf179f81680c0040de89b.mp4?t=1788784067" type="video/mp4"></video></span> <br>◆ Detect faint signals

Use the Signal Acquisition Module to scan the spectrum, tune frequencies, and isolate possible detections from the noise.

What begins as routine observation slowly stops feeling routine.

<span class="bb_img_ctn"><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/981f3c5ac61cb1a001ae77351f7e925d.poster.avif?t=1788784067" width=1170 height=658 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/981f3c5ac61cb1a001ae77351f7e925d.webm?t=1788784067" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/981f3c5ac61cb1a001ae77351f7e925d.mp4?t=1788784067" type="video/mp4"></video></span>◆ Track and record the source

Once a signal is isolated, use the Dish Control Module to point the array, manage line of sight, and record the source.

Interference, obstruction, and imperfect readings can complicate even a routine observation.

<span class="bb_img_ctn"><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/788d65eff8b9501ca6acba3d47d2c0c7.poster.avif?t=1788784067" width=1170 height=658 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/788d65eff8b9501ca6acba3d47d2c0c7.webm?t=1788784067" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/5158290/extras/788d65eff8b9501ca6acba3d47d2c0c7.mp4?t=1788784067" type="video/mp4"></video></span>◆ Analyze what you find

At the workstation, review recordings, refine unusual signals, and compare results across the JANUS-3 array.

Some signals can be explained. Others become stranger the closer you look.

◆ Two stations. One voice on the line.

After months working the array together, you and Rachel have settled into a familiar routine. She’s your only regular contact.

As the signals become harder to explain, familiar readings become harder to trust.