A Solium radiation device was installed on the planet Albian by the Federation to deter attempts of rebellion.
Once detonated, the radiation it emitted could destroy all life on the planet but leave buildings intact. The radiation would then decay rapidly and contaminated areas could be safely re-entered within a day.
It was remotely activated from a control bunker on the inhabited equatorial belt, where it was guarded by a detachment from the Federation's Space Assault Force. The actual device was located on one of the polar caps of Albian, at grid reference 11179 intersect 441. It had three detonators that contained mercury, with an individual plunger construction.
The device was deactivated by Avon and Del Grant with seconds to spare by using a peg to prevent the plungers from making contact. (TV: Countdown)
Behind the scenes[]
- The description of Solium radiation device's effects is based on a (slightly inaccurate) outcome of a neutron bomb.
- Episode writer, Terry Nation previously used a similar concept of the fallout of a neutron bomb in his script for Doctor Who serial, The Daleks.