Subspace Relay

Universe :	Prime Timeline
Class Name :	Subspace Relay
Type :	Subspace communications relay facility
Unit Run :	14,372 built in total. 21 have been lost in all.
Commissioned :	2355 - present
Dimensions :	Depth : 20 m Span : 100 m Height : 90 m [1] Decks : 24
Mass :	8,600 metric tons
Crew :	2 [2]
Armament :	None
Defence Systems :	Duranium / Tritanium Single hull. Low level Structural Integrity Field
Docking Facilities :	None
Subspace Relay :	Not capable of independent movement; attitude control and/or orbital adjustment only.
Strength Indices : (Galaxy class = 1,000)	Beam Firepower : - Torpedo Firepower : - Weapon Range and Accuracy : - Shield Strength : - Hull Armour : 12.5 Speed : - Combat Manoeuvrability : -
Overall Strength Index :	1
Diplomatic Capability :	None
Expected Hull Life :	50
Refit Cycle :	Minor : 5 year Standard : 5 years Major : 25 years

Notes

The Federation issued a requirement for a new design of subspace communications relay station in 2352 in order to replace the Mark IX then in production. The requirement called for a station able to handle more than three times the information flow capacity as the Mark IX, and to include all the latest and projected scrambling and encryption systems. In addition the new station would include a higher accomodation standard and would require less frequent resupply stops.

The design proceeded smoothly, and the first of the stations was completed in 2354 and added to the network later in the same year for a one year trial period. The relay performed flawlessley, and by late 2355 series production had begun. By 2364 some 500 stations per year were being added to te network [3], and by 2370 this had risen to 1,250. [4] In service these stations have proved to be highly reliable and effective.

With the advent of the Dominion war, many of the relay stations adjacent to combat zones have been relocated in order to prevent the Dominion from destroying them. [4] Many of these have been put into storage until the end of the war, but most have been relocated to improve coverage in hitherto low priority areas.

Colour key

References

#	Series	Season	Source	Comment
1			Speculative	Scaled to the Enterprise-D in TNG episode 'Aquiel'.
2	TNG	6	Aquiel
3			Star Trek The Next Generation Technical Manual	Page 99
4			Star Trek Deep Space Nine Technical Manual	Page 69

Comments

There isn't much to say about these stations - we've seen only one of them, with TNG's "Aquiel" being the only appearence so far. The DS9 and TNG technical manuals both contain some details, and this is where the canon information comes from. The lack of armament seems in line with their role, while the development history and other specifications are once again just what 'feels right'. I'd be happy to hear any contradictory views.

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Last updated : 31 Jul 2005

Series :	TNG Season 6
Episode :	Aquiel

Source :	Speculative
Comment :	Scaled to the Enterprise-D in TNG episode 'Aquiel'.

Book :	Star Trek The Next Generation Technical Manual
Comment :	Page 99