Science Vessel

A Science Vessel is a type of starship designed for short-term research missions or long-term galactic exploration missions. They are not typically suitable for combat operations; however, larger science vessels have the capacity to defend themselves–while withdrawing–from light to moderate encounters with hostile forces.

In general, most science vessels are medium-sized, versatile starships, that typically deploy for exploration or research missions, but are marginally effective in light combat situations, at best.

Federation Science Vessels are starships designated as the multiple-purpose mission vessel; they are designed for a myriad of scientific missions, from general research to advanced research, from short-range to long-range observation, to mission-specific deep-space exploration. They were first placed in service to Starfleet in the mid-to-late 22nd century and are known as the "workhorse" of the Federation, as they take on various tasks from patrols to humanitarian or diplomatic missions, exploration and research duties. They have become one of the most influencial starship types in service to Starfleet to date.

The Standard Science vessel such as Starfleet's early Oberth-class or Miranda-class starship is designed for short-term planetary research missions. The newer Nova and Luna-class starships would later replace these type in the mid-to-late 24th century.

Federation Research Science vessels such as the Hope and Olympic-class are very distinct in appearance. They have, unlike most Starfleet vessels, a spherical hull rather than the typical saucer style and their pylons, which lead to the warp nacelles, are connected to the fore section of the secondary hull in an up-swept fashion.

Starfleet's Andromeda and Nebula-class starships are both examples of Advanced Research vessels; these ship types have been in service to the Fleet since the mid-24th century, servince as a modern workhorse. The replaced the aged and outdated Miranda-class as the multi-purpose mission vessel.

Finally, there is the Intrepid-class starship as an example of a Long Range Science Vessel, capable of both scientific and tactical missions.