Long-range science vessel was a category of science vessel in starship classification in use by Starfleet by the 2400s decade. It denoted versatile science vessels equipped for independent operation in deep space. This classification was based on the Intrepid-class starship USS Voyager, which successfully traversed the Delta Quadrant without immediate Federation support.
History and specifics[]
The newly launched Intrepid-class vessel USS Voyager was launched in the year 2371. It was designed to maneuver within the Badlands in the Alpha Quadrant, which was usually off limits to larger starships. Voyager was pulled 70.000 lightyears away into the Delta Quadrant by the Nacene Caretaker and remained stranded in that part of space. (VOY episode & novelization: Caretaker)
After seven years, Voyager returned to Earth in December 2377, and Project Full Circle was launched to study the knowledge and advanced technologies recovered by the ship and crew. (VOY episode & novelization: Endgame; VOY novel: Homecoming)
From the 2390s decade, Starfleet invested in newer, modular classes based on successful space frames. The Cochrane-class and Discovery-class long-range vessels were inspired by the unscheduled sojourn through the Delta Quadrant undertaken by the Voyager, which made the Intrepid-class the gold standard for deep-space explorer starships. Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards planned to update the Intrepid-class with the latest in Starfleet design, realised with the addition to the Cochrane- and Discovery-classes. (STO website: Ships of the Line)
The Discovery class entered service in 2400. By the year 2409, components between the Intrepid and derived ship classes were mutually interchangeable. (STO - Klingon War mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
The Pathfinder-class, rated tier 6, was conceived and launched as the next iteration of long-range science vessel. (STO Issue 07: "USS Pathfinder")
At some point in the 32nd century, ships of Janeway-class were time-displaced to the 2410s decade and re-entered service as tier 6 command science vessels in the Khitomer Alliance. Vessels of this class did not share the specifications of long-range science vessels. (STO website: House Reborn: The Janeway Class Takes Flight)
Variants[]
- tier 4 variants:
- Intrepid-class long-range science vessel
- Intrepid class
- Cochrane-subclass
- Discovery-subclass
- Bellerophon-class long-range science vessel
- Intrepid-class long-range science vessel
Tier 6 long-range science vessels.
- tier 5 variants:
- tier 6 variants:
- Pathfinder-class long-range science vessel
- Fleet Intrepid-class long-range science vessel
- Legendary Intrepid-class miracle worker multi-mission science vessel