The Ship

Galaxy Class

About this Starship Class

That said, due to their size, Starfleet Command never intended to order many Galaxy-class vessels. Initially, Starfleet Command ordered six to immediate production, with a projected twelve held to be activated should conditions warrant. Once the initial spaceframe design was finalized, Starfleet Command decided to proceed with completing six vessels and to take the other six to the end of the framework stage only. These six spaceframes were broken down into manageable segments and dispersed to remote sites within the Federation as a security measure. Those projected emergency conditions came in the aftermath of the Batthel of Wolf 359, those six spaceframes were completed, and additional Galaxy-class vessels were ordered for immediate production.

Pursuant to Starfleet Exploration Directive 902.3, the following objectives were established for the Galaxy Class Starship Development Project:

• Provide a mobile platform for a wide range of ongoing scientific and cultural research projects;

• Replace the fleet's aging fleet of starships as primary instruments of Starfleet's exploratory programs;

• Provide autonomous capability for full execution of Federation policy options in outlying areas; and

• Incorporate recent advancements in warp powerplant technology and improved science instrumentation.

In 2369, the Galaxy class saw an uprated refit, which added a third torpedo tube; this tube, located within the aft-facing cavity on the separated saucer module, gave additional firepower to the saucer during separated flight modes. Additionally, newer, more powerful deflector arrays were installed, further enhancing the defensive capabilities. 

The Galaxy-class consists of two spacecraft systems integrated to form a single, functional vessel. Under specific emergency conditions, the two-vehicle elements may perform a separation maneuver and continue independent operation. The two elements, the saucer module and the stardrive section were normally joined together by a series of eighteen structural docking latches, numerous umbilicals, and turbolift pass-throughs. Risks and vehicle stress associated with repeated separations, however, prevented frequent use of the separation maneuver. If the saucer section was disabled near a planetary body and could not maintain a stable orbit, landing the saucer was the final option. 

The interior space of a Galaxy-class starship comprises 42 decks located between its saucer and stardrive sections and was designed to be somewhat flexible, with specific areas like Deck 8 left unfinished and multipurpose, enabling customization if extra space was required for a particular mission. As such, the deck listing below identifies key interior locations, and we will add to this list over time.

Ships of the Line

Specifications & Deck Listing