Vesta class

	Vesta
	Information
Affiliation	Starfleet
Role	Explorer
Date Entered Service	2386
Expected Refit Cycle	5 years (minor); 20 years (major);
Time Between Resupply	3-5 years
	Crew Capacity
Standard Complement	750 persons 125 officers; 625 enlisted;
Emergency Capacity	3,080 persons
	Dimensions
Length	672 meters
Width	195 meters
Height	88 meters
Decks	22 decks
	Propulsion
Propulsion System	matter/anti-matter warp drive; quantum slipstream drive;
Cruising Speed	Warp 9.2
Maximum Speed	Warp 9.99
Emergency Speed	Warp 9.995 (for 12 hours)
	Armaments
Energy Weapons	8 phaser arrays; 2 phaser cannons;
Torpedo Launchers	2 forward launchers; 2 aft launchers;
Torpedo Payload	photon torpedoes; quantum torpedoes; probes;
Shields	standard shielding system;
Defensive Systems	ablative hull armor; duranium/tritanium double hull; structural integrity field;
	Auxiliary Craft
Facilities	3 shuttlebays;
Support Craft	26 shuttlecraft; 4 transports; 8 maintenance craft;
	Template:Specifications

The Vesta-class starship was introduced by the Federation Starfleet in the late 24th century. It was created to be a multi-mission explorer and was a test-bed for a number of experimental technologies including the quantum slipstream drive.

History

Development of the Vesta-class can be traced back to the triumphant return of the USS Voyager in 2378. After nearly seven years in the Delta Quadrant, the crew of Voyager brought back a veritable treasure trove of new technology and scientific data. It included records of their encounters with alien species, spatial phenomena, and the challenges of such a long journey without the usual support of Federation assets. This information was immediately turned over to Starfleet engineers and scientists for analysis.

While a good deal of what they learned was able to be incorporated into existing starship classes, other aspects lent themselves more readily to the development of new designs. One item in particular that fascinated them was the quantum slipstream drive encountered by Voyager in 2374. Although an attempt by the Voyager crew to recreate and utilize slipstream technology as a way of hastening their trip home proved almost disastrous, Starfleet engineers saw potential and spent months studying the data. They eventually managed to improve upon Voyager's efforts and create a functioning, albeit simulated model of the drive system.

Trials using the simulated drive system appeared to show the technology was viable. However, the only way to prove its effectiveness was to develop a physical working model and test it aboard an actual vessel. This was done using the specially designed Spirit-class courier. The results seemed to confirm what had been produced during the simulated trials and paved the way for what would eventually become the Vesta-class starship.

Although much of the initial research and conceptual design had been done by the engineers at Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards, the prioritization of the Romulan evacuation fleet in 2381 caused a major shift in the project. Development of quantum slipstream technology and the Vesta-class was relocated to the 40 Eridani A Starfleet Construction Yards in orbit of Vulcan where the prototype was laid down in early 2385. Construction was overseen by Captain Emily Quinn who assumed command of the vessel upon its commissioning the following year.

After fitting out, the Vesta trained at testing grounds just outside the Vulcan system. She then set out for the Eleventh Fleet patrol zone and arrived at Starbase 332 for resupply. Over the ensuing month, the Vesta conducted her shakedown and slipstream trials away from civilized areas. The results of these trials were found to be in line with those of earlier testing. Although testing did uncover some flaws the smaller test vessels did not experience, refinements to the system and additional tuning of the Vesta spaceframe ultimately proved the system's viability for use aboard larger starships. ("The Next Great Experiment").

Mission and Purpose

Content Coming Soon

Shipboard Life

Content Coming Soon

Ships Commissioned

USS Vesta (NX-82601)
USS Niagara (NCC-80485-B)

Appendices

Background Information

The design of the Vesta-class is by Mark Rademaker, who drew influence from several ships including the Intrepid-class and USS Dauntless, as both had previously used slipstream.
The Vesta-class was introduced to the Pegasus Fleet community by Emily Quinn. Additional class info was developed by the resources team.

Writing Notes

The Vesta-class is one of the most complex starship designs in Starfleet history, due in large part to the integrated quantum slipstream drive. As such, there are only a limited number of Vesta-class starships currently in operation, making them a rare sight. Encountering a vessel of this type as an NPC would be extremely unusual as they are typically assigned to important, long-range exploratory missions at or beyond the limits of Federation space.

Serving aboard a Vesta-class starship is among the more prestigious assignments in all of Starfleet. Individuals, particularly those being considered for command or other leadership responsibilities, are often the best in their given field. Because of this, many view being assigned to one of these rare vessels as the culmination of their career (or, at least, a major high point). Command is only given to those who have considerable experience, either in command of other starships or as the executive officer of an explorer.