In the year 2343 design began on a new multi-mission starship. The Galaxy Class starship, after a few set backs, would become one of the Federation's premier explore, diplomatic, and research vessels. She also packs punch in combat.
The Galaxy Class was developed to replace the aging Ambassador and Oberth Class starships as Starfleet's primary exploration vessel. In fact, many came to regard the requirement as too challenging; the project suffered from numerous delays due to a wide range of design, manufacturing, and construction problems. The first of the class, the USS Galaxy, was launched in 2357 and commissioned in 2362, nearly two decades after initial approval.
The increased internal volume allowed for 800,000 square meters of mission adaptable facilities. This allows the Galaxy Class to support a wide range of ongoing research projects independently of the vessels primary mission. Although not a new idea in Starfleet vessels, the Galaxy Class is unique in the extent to which this is possible. These ships are capable of supporting up to 5,000 mission specialists, while the decentralized nature of the secondary power grids allows laboratories to function effectively even during combat operations.
The three burst fire torpedo tubes are each capable of launching ten photon torpedoes every six seconds, while there are twelve type- X phaser arrays. As with many recent Federation designs, the use of long phaser arrays rather than banks gives the main Phasers of the Galaxy Class a great capability for sustained firing and rapid recharge/cool down time. The Galaxy Class is the first on which all segments of every phaser array are supplied by a separate power system; although this increases the complexity of the system tremendously, it gives the phaser arrays a tremendous survivability in the face of combat damage.
In service the Galaxy Class at first proved exemplary, but by 2371 no less than three of the initial six ships had been lost, one with her entire complement of crew and families. This alarming record led to many changes being introduced during refits of the remaining three vessels, and also to the construction of six new Galaxy Class ships from space frames held in reserve against future need. The unfortunate history of the Galaxy Class vessels combined with the recent escalation's in tensions within the alpha quadrant has led to all six vessels being subsequently completed, and all are now on active service against the Dominion.
Major changes to the Galaxy Class have included a new more powerful warp core, a redesigned shield system intended to perform far better against phased polaron beam weapons, various changes to the ships computer systems, plus many minor changes to the ships systems. There are currently nine Galaxy Class vessels in service. Production of these vessels continues today. Five Galaxy Class ships took part in the recent operation to retake Deep Space Nine from the Dominion and the class gained a fearsome reputation during the war, operating without loss. At this point further production is expected to be terminated in the next few years in favor of the new Sovereign Class.
2343: Starfleet issues a general design brief for a multi purpose vessel capable of deep space, combat, and diplomatic missions replace the aging Ambassador Class. The general idea is for a modular starship. Two project briefs are handed to Starfleet for the Galaxy. Permission for base designs are approved.
2344: Starfleet views the Design Schematics for the new class and after little deliberation, the primary design is approved and briefs propulsion, computer, weapons and spaceframe parameters are sent out to Starfleet Design agencies for consultation. Spaceframe Design is approved and full specifications are forwarded to the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards for designations. Production begins with a projected 13 year turnover for the Prototype ship.
2345: Saucer section separation mechanism is designed. This new design will allow the ship to separate saucer and stardrive sections and then reconnect without the need of a major starbase. Nacelle designs approved and construction begins.
2346: Separation systems fail Review One and are redesigned. Navigational deflector designed.
2347: Theoretical propulsions dynamics labs send a functional test core for fitting and alignment in the bare chassis. Chassis latching system passes Review One. By the end of the year the spaceframe is 54% completed.
2349: Saucer section separation latches pass Review Two. Early in the year, computer cores arrive and are fitted to the Galaxy. Propulsion dynamics labs deliver a fully functional warpcore for testing. By mid November, reactors are on line and supplying primary power.
2351: Computer system are operating at 68% of maximum. System expected to become self aware early next year. Warpcore begins primary testing. Star drive section nears completion. Bridge module attached to Primary hull. Master Chassis now completed for three Starships. Newly designed type-3 torpedo launchers fitted to Galaxy.
2353: Primary hull work complete. Habitat modules are attached and bridge unit is brought to functional status. Chassis is completed. Computer systems are uploaded and tested. Primary modules are attached and outer hull of the saucer section nears completion.
2355: Warpcore passes Review Three and it tested to 80% peak. Computer system fully self aware and umbilical from the station are cut as the ship become self sufficient. Structural latching systems onboard the USS Galaxy with regards to Saucer separation are tested and approved. Impulse systems pass Review Three and being autonomous low level power control. Secondary back up generators are shut down and become auxiliary system control. Structural latching system for saucer separation passes Review Three.
2357: USS Galaxy leaves dry dock for primary testing estimate to last four years.
2362: USS Galaxy returns to Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards early in year. Warp stress coating is applied and the ship is clear to begin deep space assessments. All primary tests have passed Review Four. Final exterior markings and paint applied. On 15, May 2362 the USS Galaxy is officially commissioned by Starfleet during a brief ceremony. Bridge plaque is put in pride of place and Captain Alex Burkes takes command of the ship.
Technical Specifications for
Galaxy Class ships