Reactor

Reactor
Grid size	3 x 3
Base cost	100
Fuel consumption	0.01 per MW output
Inputs	Fuel
Outputs	2 to 100 MW of Power

Reactors are the most common form of power generation on ships. Reactors require a pipe connection to a Fuel Loader and a cable connection to whatever equipment they are intended to power.

A reactor does not change output power instantly. When the power demand of the ship rises (e.g. because the player just fired the engines), it takes some time for the reactor to spool up. During this time, the engines will be operating at reduced power. This momentary excess of power demand can be offset by connecting batteries to the power grid.

After placement a reactor requires 10 fuel to start up.

A Tank can be connected to the fuel piping between the reactor and the Loader. This saves cargo space because crew members will preemptively load fuel canisters into the tank, and it also prevents the reactor from going offline during the time it takes crew members to replace spent fuel canisters.