Colonization of Freya

The colonization efforts of Freya began with the establishment of an orbital station designed to oversee the exploration and settlement of the moon. Since then, Frey now has a permanent population of citizens living on the surface.

Exploration
The Jamestown Colony constructed the Freya Orbital Research Station which was put into a polar orbit around Freya and mapped the moon’s surface. Balloon-suspended atmospheric probes were launched from the station and took scientific measurements of the atmosphere. Later, solar-powered rotorcraft repeatedly landed on the surface, the first artificial objects to do so. Single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spaceplanes were the first to land on and return to orbit from the Freyan surface. Crewed variants were used by the first explorers to set foot on Freya. Cargo landers were landed and were used as outposts for extended surface operations.

Settlement of McCoy Island
McCoy Island on the southern coast of Landing Bay was selected as the site of first permanent outpost for its relative isolation as an island yet proximity to the mainland. A series of cargo landers landed on the island followed by SSTO ships whose crew began construction of the settlement, called McCoy Colony. The settlement gradually expanded as the population grew, and eventually permanent residents began living in the growing town.

Port Mercury
McCoy and the surrounding islands could not support the rapid growth of McCoy Colony, and so a separate settlement was founded on the opposite side of Landing Bay on Cape Leads called Port Mercury.