Science: Observer, Medium - Discovery-class

History And Mission Overview

After the Dominion War, several members of Star Fleet Science felt that Star Fleet was losing focus of its science mission. They successfully lobbied to begin R & D into a new generation long-range science vessel. After recovery of the Prometheus in 2374, it was decided to use a modified design as a basis for the new class. The primary and secondary hull we’re left as a single unit, changing the three-stage separation to a two stage. Do to its role as a science vessel, 10 phaser arrays and one torpedo tube were removed. This exchange allowed ample room for the addition of science labs and conference rooms. Most notable is the addition of two interchangeable mission modules: One in the primary hull and one in the secondary. These modules can be changed according to the ships mission. The ship is also equipped for a planetary landing should such be warranted and necessary.

The designers opted to keep several key advancements. The quad nacelle and the MARA Mark II Dual-Split Prototype were kept. This design allows both the primary and secondary hulls to remain warp capable during a separation. They also kept the holo-emitters placed throughout the ship. Placement of the holo-emitters throughout the ship allows the upgraded EMH (Mark IV) access to the entire ship in the event of a medical emergency and no medics were available.

One final addition was the conference rooms. This allows the class to also be utilized for diplomatic missions. It may be utilized in both a courier and/or hosting capacity.

• Deep Space Exploration
• First Contact
• First Response Planetary Assistance
• Diplomatic Transport
• Diplomatic Hosting

Structure And Construction

The Discovery, like the Prometheus, is a hybrid of the Intrepid and Sovereign classes. It utilizes a quad-nacelle design allowing the primary and secondary hulls to both remain warp capable during a separation. The separation occurs between decks 7 and 8. The nacelles are similar in design to the Sovereign class. The rest of the frame is based on the Intrepid class with one exception; the “saucer” section is more triangular in shape; not quite as much as the Prometheus, however.

The ships contain a double hull constructed of heavy duranium/tritanium alloy. It also contains a high-level structural integrity field. The ships have 13 decks and come equipped with landing struts should a planetary landing be necessary. The secondary hull is capable of a planetary landing during a separation.

Mission Modules

The class is equipped with interchangeable modules on decks 2 and 12 with the capability of being changed at a starbase. Several modules have been developed to enhance the ships effectiveness in different missions.

“Standard Module” – contains systems that are not required for a specific mission, hence the name ‘Standard’, such as two Type X phaser banks per module (one ventral, one dorsal), additional crew quarters, and additional sensory and communication pallets.

“Diplomatic Mission Modules” — The Discovery Class has a Federation diplomatic rating of 4. Although any star ship can be transformed into a diplomatic vessel, the Discovery class can be re-fitted with the Diplomatic Modules. These modules include, additional staff quarters, independent communications facilities, facilities for up to 50 members of the press, and a conference hall for 450 guests. The addition of the modules would also require an adjustment to existing diplomatic facilities. The conversion would raise the diplomatic rating of the class to 5 and final specs would be as follows:

• 20 - Ambassadorial quarters at 100 square meters each
• 400 - Staff quarters at 15 square meters each
• 1 - 1,000 square meter conference hall complexes for 450 guests
• 20 - 90 square meter 25 seat-briefing rooms
• 20 - Independent communications facilities
• 15% of all facilities, including interconnecting corridors, capable of supporting H, K, or L environments
• Facilities for up to 50 members of the press

The addition of the diplomatic modules requires both module sections to be utilized; hence no other module can be used in conjunction.

“Medical Mission Module” – When in construction, Lt.Cmdr Mackael Stockhausen thought about a ‘Medical Emergency’ or Evacuation plan. The Medical Module could transform a portion of the ship into a medical response team. Two additional sickbays could be added; another Emergency Medical Hologram would be added. Due to the extreme circumstances under which this module would be utilized, however, the module EMH would be restricted to the module sickbays. In order to accommodate the possibility of a planetary evacuation, the medical module facilities include extra equipment for xeno-biology.

“Advanced Science Module” – This module provides the Discovery with the ability to perform deep space exploration and mapping. Additional science labs, such as Xenobiology, Exobiology, Stellar Cartography, Astrometrics, etc., along with additional sensor arrays come standard with this module.

Additional modules may be created if a need arise for a specific mission.

Science And Remote Sensing Systems

The Discovery Class contains a bio/neural gel pack computer system network with LCARS 3.1 interface. It has 2000 dedicated modules, a data transfer rate of 7500 kilo quads/sec, and a total storage capacity of 852,000 module/module.

The class also contains an advanced version of the Mark IV Emergency Medical Hologram. The modified EMH Mark IV is capable of responding anywhere in the ship due to strategic placement of holo-emitters throughout all habitable portions of the ship with exception of Jeffries tubes.

Warp Propulsion Systems

The class is equipped with dual M/ARA warp cores each feeding two nacelles, one located on decks 4 through 6 and one on decks 9 through 11. This setup provides for both the primary hull and secondary hull to remain warp capable during a separation. This design gives both sections the capability of a cruising velocity of Warp 7.25, maximum sustainable velocity warp 8.6, and a maximum velocity of warp 9.8 for 12 hours. When not separated, only one warp system will be active, while the other is kept in cold standby. Should the ship be brought to yellow or red alert the system will be brought automatically to hot standby in anticipation of a separation or of damage to the active system. The time from cold to hot standby is ten minutes.

The Discovery is equipped with a quad-nacelle design. The nacelles are similar to the Sovereign class in design and are of variable geometry. When not at warp, the four nacelles give the appearance of 2 large nacelles, extending out along the horizontal axis of the ship. When at warp, the nacelles are at a 30-degree angle from the horizontal axis. The 30-degree angle is not static, however, as minor adjustments in angle may be necessary during warp travel. The computer handles all adjustments automatically, keeping the angle at the optimum setting for the particular area of space.

Impulse Propulsion Systems

The class contains the standard impulse drive system. It contains 16 fusion generators feeding four impulse engines. There are 2 impulse engines located on deck 3 and 2 on deck 11. The impulse engines propel the class to a maximum of 0.27c.

Tactical Systems

The Discovery class employs a standard shield system with a total dissipation rate of 2.43x10^5 kW. It also is equipped with metaphasic shielding for use in areas with especially high solar radiation. It also contains 400 type-10 phaser emitters (50 emitters per array) with a total output 5.0 MW. There are 2 arrays located on the ventral section and 2 located on the dorsal section. The other four are only exposed during times of separation, allowing each section to retain 360-degree phaser coverage. Finally, the class carries a standard compliment of 200 torpedoes feeding 4 tubes. There are 2 forward, one on deck 4 and one on deck 9, and 2 aft, one on deck 7 and one on deck 11. The four-tube system provides for complete protection during a separation.

Command And Support Systems

Bridge

The bridge is situated in the center of deck one. It is modular as to facilitate upgrades in space dock as needed. Images of the default configuration are below.

Bridge

Viewscreen

Utility Systems

Cargo Bays

The Discovery contains 5 cargo bays located as follows: 2 on deck 6, 2 on deck 12, and one auxiliary on deck 13. All cargo bays are on the interior of the ship and therefore are not directly accessible to the exterior of the ship without the use of transporters.

Tractor Beam Systems

The Main Tractor beam is located on deck 13 and the secondary is on deck 6. Both have a maximum range of 500,000 km.

Transporter Systems

The class also contains 4 transporter rooms each with a range of 40,000 km. The transporter rooms are located as follows: Two on deck 3 and two on deck 8.

Crew Support Systems

Diplomatic Systems

The class carries a diplomatic rating of 4. In accordance with Federation standards, the class is equipped with 5 Ambassadorial quarters, 50 staff quarters, 1 conference hall, 5 Briefing rooms, and one independent communications facility.

Alternate Enviornment

The VIP Quarters, Conferences rooms, Briefing rooms, Communication facility, and adjoining hallways on deck three have been equipped to provide an H or K environment to suit the needs of the diplomats that may come aboard.

Holodeck

The Discovery Class has the most advanced holo-technology in Star-Fleet. Two main holodecks for crew use are installed. These holodecks are standard size, which is two decks tall. The Discovery is also equipped with a holo-engineering facility used for Scientific and Medical work only. The holo-engineering systems are mainly used for scientific purposes, so that the primary holodecks are not being used for Star-Fleet Science work.

Starfleet has spent time on working on ways to improve Holodeck safety. Research has shown ‘Holo addiction’ and ‘Safety Protocol Deactivation’ has been a high risk factor. This has led to an improved safety protocol.

Holo-Addiction Protocol Zeta Nine - A New piece of ‘Software’ which is embedded within the Primary and Secondary Holodeck systems. This software is set to shut down the holodeck when the desired program has been running for a maximum of 8 hours. The protocol will shut down the holodeck, save any relevant data, and open the holodeck doors.

Safety Protocols - The Standard Safety Protocols have been shown to have flaws in the design. The new protocol will reengage after 5 minutes, if the program has a bug in it’s coding, or if the holodeck/ship has experienced damage. Two Command level officers, XO or above, and an override code are required to deactivate the Safety Protocols.

VIP Quarters

The VIP quarters contain LCARS terminal, communications display and conference desk, one queen-sized bed, three leather chairs, and a replicator similar to the design on the bridge. The quarters, along with a portion of the deck and the conference rooms, have been equipped to provide an H or K environment to suit the needs of the diplomats that may come aboard.

Sickbay

The sickbay is one of the advanced systems on the Discovery. Within the sickbay a total of five biobeds are available, and three emergency biobeds can be constructed within a matter of minutes. Five medical LCARS terminals are within the Sickbay, along with three different surgical beds.

The Chief Medical Officer’s Office is separated off to the side of the main sickbay; it consists of one chair, desk, replicator and LCARS Interface.

Crew Lounge

The Crew lounge, Nine Forward, is a recreational area for the crew when off duty, the lounge itself is pointed towards the front of the ship, giving a peaceful environment to the lounge. It has a compliment of 12 tables and 25 chairs, 12 bar stools and a bar that occupies the left side of the lounge, approximately 8 meters in length.

Auxiliary Spacecraft Systems

The Discovery class carries a compliment of 4 Type 12 personnel shuttles and 2 Valhalla class Runabouts located in the main shuttle bay. The main shuttle bay encompasses 2 decks and is to the rear of the ship on decks 8 and 9.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Structure

Length

415 meters

Beam (Width)

163 meters

Height

58.5 meters

Decks

13

Crew Complement

Officers and Crew

141

Visiting Personnel

500

Maximum Evacuation Limit

950

Computer Systems

Core

Bio-neural data core

Chipset

N/A

Operating System

Starfleet Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS)

User Interface

MAJEL

Warp Systems

Power Plant

Two 1500+ cochrane M/ARA cores feeding four nacelles

Crusing Velocity

Warp 7.25

Maximum Sustainable Velocity

Warp 8.6

Maximum Velocity

Warp 9.8 (12 hours)

Impulse Systems

Full Impulse

0.27c

Accellerate

5.13 seconds

Decellerate

5.85 seconds

Defensive Systems

Shield Maximum Graviton Load (Continuous)

895 MegaWatts

Shield Maximum Energy Dissipation Rate

2.43x10^5 kilowatts

Offensive Systems

Torpedoes

Torpedo Tubes

4

Standard Payload (total)

200 photon torpedoes

Phasers

8 Type-X Phaser Strips

Deck Layout

Deck 1

Captain’s Ready Room
Main Bridge
Observation Lounge
Science Lab 1

Deck 2

CO’s Quarters
XO’s Hot Tub
Astrometrics 1
Environmental Controls
Geophysics Lab 1
Life Support
Mission Module (interchangeable)
Stellar Cartography 1

Deck 3

Antimatter Storage Pods
CO Quarters
Conference Room
Briefing Rooms
Diplomatic Communications Facility
EPS Support
Gymnasium
Life Boats
Senior Officers Quarters
Transporter Room 1 and 2
VIP Quarters
XO Quarters

Deck 4

2 Dorsal Type X Phaser Arrays (50 emitters per array)
Antimatter Injector Reactors
Biochemistry Lab
Bioscience Lab 1
Forward Torpedo Launcher
Genetics Lab
Microbiology Lab
Phaser Batteries
Torpedo Magazine
Science Lab 2
Sick Bay
Upper Computer Core

Deck 5

Arboretum
Astrometrics 2
Engineering Support Labs
Holodecks 1 and 2
Junior Officers’ Quarters
Main Engineering
Power Distribution
Quantum Physics Lab 1
Science Lab 2
Stellar Cartography 2

Deck 6

Cargo Bay 1 and 2
Crew Quarters
Impulse Reactors
Main Sickbay
Medical Labs
Officer’s Mess
Shuttle Bay
Shuttle Bay Support
Secondary Tractor Beam Emitters
Surgical Suites

Deck 7

2 Ventral Type X Phaser Arrays (50 emitters per array)
Aft Torpedo Launcher
Bioscience Lab 2
Brig
Deuterium Fuel Pumps and Fill Ports
Deuterium Fuel Storage
Deuterium Injector Reactors
Docking Latches
Geophysics Lab 1
Science Lab 3
Secondary Hull Docking Latches
Security Office
Quantum Physics Lab 2
Warp Core Docking Hatch
Warp Core Jettison Hatch

Deck 8

2 Dorsal Type X Phaser Arrays (50 emitters per array)
Battle Bridge
Deuterium Fuel Pumps and Fill Ports
Deuterium Fuel Storage
Deuterium Injector Reactors
Docking Hatches
Environmental Support
Life Support
Warp Core Docking Hatch
Upper level Main Shuttle Bay

Deck 9

Battle Sickbay
Nine Forward Lounge
Crew Quarters
Forward Torpedo Launcher
Lower Computer Core
Transporter Room 3 and 4
Lower level Main Shuttle Bay

Deck 10

2 Ventral Type X Phaser Arrays (50 emitters per array)
Auxiliary Engineering
Bioscience Lab 2
Emergency Batteries
Geophysics Lab 2
Phaser Batteries

Deck 11

Aft Torpedo Launchers
Antimatter Injector Reactors
Deflector Control
Deflector Signal Processing
Life Boats
Main Deflector Dish
Main Deflector Field Emitter
Navigational Control
Photon and Quantum Magazine

Deck 12

Antimatter Fuel Pumps and Fill Ports
Antimatter Storage Pods
Cargo Bays 3 and 4
Mission Module (interchangeable)
Transporter Room 4
Waste Management

Deck 13

Auxiliary Cargo Bays
Hover Pods
Landing Legs
Main Tractor Beam Emitters
Warp Core Jettison Hatch

Ships Of The Class

USS Discovery, NCC-73237
USS Cassini, NCC-74254
USS Resolution, NCC-74646
USS Rosetta, NCC-75674
USS Ceidrwin, NCC-76321
USS Hippocras, NCC-76585
USS Endeavor, NCC-76801
USS Galileo, NCC-87292
USS Fastrac, NCC-87453
USS Columbia, NCC-20103
USS Europa, NCC-87125

Conclusion

The Discovery class is on of the more advanced ship in Star Fleet. Its state of the art systems also allow it to be very versatile ship. In addition to all of the labs, the class also boasts two interchangeable mission modules, which can be utilized in a variety of functions, depending on the mission.

Illustrations

Additional visual representations of the Discovery-class are available.