- For other uses, see Mars.
The Mars class[7] was a 31st century[3] Federation starship class, a scout in Starfleet service in the 3180s decade. (DSC episode: "Die Trying")
Technical specifications[]
The Le Guin.
The Mars class was a starship consisting of three detached components, a triangular primary hull flanked by curved warp nacelles on either side. The primary hull narrowed to a round section at the bow, with the ship's name and registry number displayed around windows or lights.
Its design belied its purpose as a scout vessel. (DSC episode: "Die Trying")
Development[]
In the 30th century, dilithium resources started to dry up. In 2958, Starfleet began to trial alternative propulsion technologies besides warp drive. (DSC episode: "People of Earth")
The design of the Mars class was a result of the pursuit of these alternative forms of FTL travel, with its goal of becoming independent of dilithium-based reactions. In an effort to reduce the vessel's warp bubble size, Starfleet turned the main hull into a streamlined structure and added comparatively substantial propulsion nacelles. Starfleet incorporated ideas of theoretical subspace propulsion techniques.
The experiments into subspace manipulation failed to provide any viable FTL alternatives. Despite that, the technology itself was deemed a suitable for a defensive purpose. Therefore, Starfleet deemed the resulting Mars-class escort a qualified success.
As a result, Starfleet put the Mars class into production. The equipped specialized subspace emitters were repurposed to serve as deterrents for factions who might threaten the Federation.
Bridge officer stations included a dedicated seat for a combined tactical officer/pilot specialist, and another for an intelligence operative. (STO website: House United: The Mars Class Comes to the Infinity Lock Box!)
Livery[]
In the 25th century, the design of the Mars-class pilot escort allowed its commanding officer to choose from different designs of hull materials, which could be modified further at shipyards.
The ship's name and NCC or alternative registry number were emblazoned on the hull. (STO - Klingon War mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock")
Furthermore, the installation of deflector shields from specific factions modified the hull appearance, including shields from the Reman Resistance, the Breen Confederacy and the Dominion. (STO missions: "Coliseum", "Cold Storage", "Boldly They Rode")
Service history[]
It was one of ten Federation classes active in the 3180s.
In that decade, Mars-class scouts operated from inside the distortion field surrounding the Federation Headquarters space station.
A Mars-class scout in 3189.
In 3189, ships of the class, including the USS Le Guin, were present as the time-displaced USS Discovery made its way through the distortion field towards Federation HQ. Lieutenant Commander Nhan of the Discovery identified the ship as a scout on sight, wondering what its range was. (DSC episode: "Die Trying")
Three weeks later, Fleet Admiral Charles Vance sent the Le Guin, under the command of Captain Bandra, on a long-range mission. (DSC episode: "Scavengers")
Known vessels[]
A Mars-class scout between Saturn-class ringships.
- USS Le Guin (NCC-325059/-325060)[1]
- USS Liu Cixin (NCC-325060)[8]
- USS Scarab (NCC-93461)[3]
- USS Zheng He (NCC-325057)[8]
- unnamed:
- ships docked at Federation Headquarters in 3189[1]
Appendices[]
Connections[]
Appearances and references[]
Appearances[]
- DSC episode: "Die Trying" (first appearance)
- DSC episode: "That Hope Is You, Part 2"
- STO website: House United: The Mars Class Comes to the Infinity Lock Box!
- ST reference: Shipyards: Starfleet Ships 2294 - The Future (2nd ed.)
- STU Issue 15: "USS Liu Cixin NCC-325060"
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 DSC episode: "Die Trying".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 STO - House Reborn mission: "Welcome to Earth Spacedock"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 STO website: House United: The Mars Class Comes to the Infinity Lock Box!
- ↑ DSC episode: "Kobayashi Maru".
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 STU Issue 15: "USS Liu Cixin".
- ↑ DSC episode: "That Hope Is You, Part 2"
- ↑ DSC episode: "That Hope Is You, Part 2" promo image
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 ST reference: Shipyards: Starfleet Ships 2294 - The Future.
External links[]
- Mars class article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Mars Pilot Escort article at Star Trek Online Wiki.
- The Mars Class Comes to the Infinity Lock Box! dev blog on the official ARC website.