Disposable Nanodrone System
Latest breakthrough in remotely controlled spacecraft technology consists of palm-sized disposable spacecraft remotely powered by ships laser array. The nanodrone system consists of remote laser array, control computer and a nanodrone assembly plant.
The assembly plant is capable of rapidly assembling hundreds of tiny spacecraft from on-board storage. Drones can be outfitted for on-the-fly repairs, tugging and other purposes.
Single drone contains a solid block of aluminium propellant that's remotely vaporized from the ship to provide thrust. Ablative laser propulsion uses array of mirrors to enable thrusts vectoring. Drone is expected to perform it's role in less than a minute and is considered disposable after launch.
Drone assembly plant occupies a hardpoint and requires a companion nanodrone storage to function.