Description

Atmospheric Conditioners generally take the form of large buildings, the size of skyscrapers covered in large ventilation ports.  The ports serve to draw in the planet's atmosphere, and to expel the newly conditioned atmosphere.

Inside the conditioner ducts lead the incoming air first to a bioreactor that uses genetically engineered algae and other microorganisms to remove unwanted substances and to add oxygen, and other gasses if needed.  If the planet's greenhouse effect is too low to sustain a habitable climate, the air then goes to a chamber where the appropriate gasses are added, often by burning certain fuels.  The heat produced by this process is re-captured to provide power.  If the planet's climate is too cold, the conditioner may also include a Heat Mill to warm the outgoing air.  If the air is too dry or too humid, an atmospheric conditioner also includes humidifying/dehumidifying equipment.

The number of atmospheric conditioners installed on a planet depends on the volume of the atmosphere, as well as how much the air needs to be altered.  Planets with higher populations also tend to need more conditioning.  

Atmospheric Conditioning technology also has its abuses.  The corporate state of Cosmid used this technology on several planets to test new drugs on unsuspecting populations.  The Holy Empire of Man also used atmospheric conditioners to drug entire planets.