Class-9 probe

A class-9 probe or more specifically class IX long-range multimission warp probe was a type of probe used by Starfleet in the 24th century. The probes were housed within modified photon torpedo casings and had a range of 7.6x102 light years.

The probes were powered by a matter/antimatter warp field sustainer engine which could propel them at warp 9 for 12 hours or warp 8 for 14 days. In addition to standard sensors the probes could be fitted with mission specific modules. (TNG reference: Technical Manual)

The typical usage of this type of probe was as an emergency log/message capsule sent on a homing trajectory to the nearest Starbase or allied vessel. The USS Enterprise-D used a class-9 probe in just this manner in 2370 to send logs to Starbase 122 following an unprovoked attack in the Bandor system. (TNG reference: Technical Manual; comic: Strategy)