Ship's Manual

Andromeda Class Manual • USS Athena Abridged Version 001.47.01

ATTENTION! This manual is for the specific use of authorized Starfleet personnel and contains select material from the data banks of the master computer. Under the laws of the United Federation of Planets unauthorized use, or reproduction, in whole or in part, of this information without the written permission of Starfleet or its planetary agents is strictly prohibited.

Mission Ship Registry Specifications History Ship Life Etymology

Mission Objections

Starfleet Command authorizes the Andromeda Class Exploratory Cruiser as the premier successor to the Galaxy Class starship, designed to push the boundaries of exploration, diplomacy, and scientific discovery in the vast expanse of the cosmos. The mission objectives for the Andromeda Class are as follows:

Space Exploration: Undertake extended exploratory missions to uncharted regions of the galaxy, seeking out new lifeforms, civilizations, and celestial phenomena to expand our understanding of the universe.
Diplomatic Engagement: Serve as a flagship for peaceful diplomacy and cooperation with newly encountered species, fostering alliances and promoting interstellar harmony to strengthen the bonds of the United Federation of Planets.
Scientific Advancement: Facilitate cutting-edge research and scientific experiments to push the boundaries of knowledge, with a particular focus on studying unique stellar phenomena, spatial anomalies, and alien technologies.
Humanitarian Aid and Relief: Respond to distress signals and provide assistance to planets or civilizations in need, showcasing the Federation's commitment to compassion, cooperation, and the betterment of life throughout the galaxy.
Technology Integration: Incorporate and test the latest advancements in Starfleet technology, ensuring the Andromeda Class remains at the forefront of innovation, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.
Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural exchange initiatives by hosting diverse delegations onboard, encouraging the sharing of ideas, arts, and philosophies to strengthen the fabric of interspecies understanding within the Federation.
Defensive Preparedness: Maintain a robust defensive capability to protect against potential threats and hostile encounters, ensuring the safety of the crew and the preservation of the Federation's values during deep-space missions.

The Andromeda Class Exploratory Cruiser stands as a testament to Starfleet's commitment to exploration, diplomacy, and the pursuit of knowledge, embodying the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the United Federation of Planets.

Andromeda Class Exploratory Cruiser

Ship Registry

Ship Name
USS Athena
Registration No.
NCC-93277-B
Designation
Andromeda-Class
Classification
Exploratory Cruiser
Affiliation
United Federation of Planets
Operator
Starfleet
Designer
Advanced Starship Design Bureau
Development Facility
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yard
Production Facility
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yard
Service Year
2409

Specifications

Length
695 Meters
Height
133 Meters
Decks
42
Crew
1000 Standard Compliment

15,000 Emergency Capacity
Speed
Cruise: Warp Factor 7

Warp: Warp Factor 9.8

Slipstream: 30 Min @ 300/LHpH

Emergency: 36 Hours @ Warp Factor 9.975
Propulsion Systems
1-Yoyodyne 47A Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Assembly

2-Cochrane Type 11K7 Eco-linear Warp Drive Units

3-Andromeda-class Impulse Engines

1-Rigel Labs X06-A Quantum Slipstream Field Projector

1-Ithra IT-6 Transwarp Coil
Armaments
12-Type-X Annular Confinement Beam-Jacketed Phaser Arrays

1-Type-VII Phaser Cannon

6-Mk 112 Burst Fire Torpedo Tubes
Defenses
3-Yoyodyne 960-A Unified Field Emitter Arrays

1-Nexus Defense Screen

Neutronium Alloy Hull w/ Duranium Nanomesh
Auxiliary Craft
32-Type 11 Shuttlecraft

10-Work Pods

1-VAR-5 Mollard-class Captains Yacht
Auxiliary Systems
Shipwide Holographic Projectors

Zimmerman HS-5.3 Photonic Core

History

With the Andromeda-class the Starfleet Corps of Engineers meant to duplicate the success of the earlier Pathfinder-class update to the Intrepid-class hull plan. Designed and built at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, the Andromeda-class featured improved capabilities over even retrofitted Galaxy-class vessels.

Ship design occurred under the Andromeda Class Development Project moniker in 2409. Its layout and systems resulted from compromises between the traditionalist, pragmatist, and progressivist factions within the Advanced Starship Design Bureau. The traditionalist camp argued for always having a multi-role exploration cruiser, including for sentimental value. The pragmatists and progressivists were convinced by building the USS Andromeda technologically advanced and wartime-ready.

The Andromeda exploration cruiser was earmarked for Operation Delta Rising, the project to expand the Khitomer Alliance into the Delta Quadrant in 2410.

The systems updates developed for the Andromeda-class were later reused in the Yamato-class dreadnought cruiser, a variant of the Galaxy X-class.

The design aesthetic, including deflector dish assembly and warp nacelles, were replicated on ships of other classes.

As of 2411, the Andromeda-class remained the newest iteration of the Galaxy-class series of exploration cruisers.

Ship Life

Assignment to a Andromeda-class ship is something highly sought by ambitious officers, as it is only granted to the absolute best in every area. While their missions might be shorter, these ships are sent to areas which Starfleet is interested in examining quickly and effectively with little external support, so they have to be prepared for anything. As such, this leads to a sense among Andromeda crews that they are elite units, leading to both positive displays of comradeship as well as sometimes exclusionary and cliquish practices which make it difficult for new crewmembers to integrate, especially if a crew has already been deployed in the field.

Recreational facilities aboard a Andromeda are quite comprehensive, having quite the luxury like of a Galaxy or Odyssey-class ship. Holodecks, holosuites, and recreational lounges are plentiful and most crew members have their own quarters.

Divsion head roles aboard this class are often seen as direct stepping stones towards the command track on other explorers, with a tour on one of these ships being enough to catapult many officers up to executive officer positions. On that token, however, these assignments are so popular that crews will often stay together for many years.

Etymology

The USS Athena is named after the ancient Greek goddess Athena, a revered deity symbolizing wisdom, strategic warfare, and protection. In Greek mythology, Athena was celebrated not only as a goddess of knowledge and strategic prowess but also as a protector of cities and civilizations. This connection to intelligence, careful planning, and defense aligns with Starfleet's mission to explore the galaxy with a thoughtful, scientific approach while safeguarding Federation citizens and allies. The USS Athena, therefore, embodies Starfleet's commitment to both knowledge and responsible, strategic action in the face of the unknown.

The name Athena also signifies Starfleet's preference for peace and diplomacy over aggression, as Athena herself represented disciplined and just warfare. Unlike Ares, the god of chaotic conflict, Athena's strength was tempered with a preference for resolution and protection. This ideal is reflected in the USS Athena's role within Starfleet: while equipped with the technology and tactical capability to defend the Federation, the ship and its crew prioritize peaceful exploration, scientific discovery, and diplomatic relations with new civilizations.

Additionally, the USS Athena honors Earth's cultural heritage by drawing inspiration from one of humanity's oldest and most respected mythologies. Starfleet's choice of this name represents a nod to the wisdom of the past, guiding the Federation toward a prosperous future. The USS Athena serves as a vessel of knowledge, protection, and unity, carrying forward Athena's legacy of intellectual curiosity and principled defense across the stars.