New Science Ship in Star Trek Online

Sine Mora

Fans of the Star Trek universe who actively play in the MMORPG Start Trek Online can now add the Oberth Class Science Vessel to their personal fleet by unlocking it in the C-Store -- the in-game store for the MMO.

First used by Starfleet in the late 23rd century, the Oberth Class was officially phased out of service at the start of the Dominion War, though unofficially it continued to be used as a transport and a testbed for new technology, and privately for scientific research in planetary studies.

The Oberth that has been created in game is equipped with an Enhanced Plasma Manifold console, which may be placed in any console slot and, when activated, provides a short-duration increase to auxiliary and shield power levels, as well as repairing disabled auxiliary and shield subsystems.

About the Oberth Class
A versatile ship, the Oberth Class is considered to be a mid-sized Federation starship and is used primarily by Starfleet and civilian scientists. The ship's design provides adequate accommodations and space for a crew of 80, but can be fully operated by as few as five crew, which goes a long way towards explaining its use as both a science vessel and as a personal transport for important Star Fleet officers.

Some famous examples of the class include:

The USS Oberth (NCC-602)
The prototype that established the Oberth-class, USS Oberth was named for Austrian physicist Hermann Oberth, the author of the book Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen which is thought to have heavily influenced Wernher von Braun in forming his very early interest in the scientific use of rocketry for space travel.

The USS Cochrane (NCC-59318)
In service during the late 24th century, the Concrane is named after the man who invented the warp drive, and participated in a minor role in the Dominion War, though its primary assignment was to Star Fleet Academy, where it served as a special needs transport.

The Cochrane was used by retired Admiral Norah Satie for her visit to the USS Enterprise-D (TNG: "The Drumhead"), and a year later transported then Cadet Wesley Crusher for his visit to the Enterprise-D while he was on annual holiday from the Academy (TNG: "The Game").

The USS Grissom (NCC-638)
In service during the 23rd century under the command of Captain J.T. Esteban, fans of the movies will recall that it was the Grissom that transported Lieutenant Saavik and scientist David Marcus to the Genesis Planet (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock).

About Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online, often abbreviated as STO, is a Massively Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) developed by Cryptic Studios that is based upon the Star Trek various television series created by Gene Roddenberry.

The game is set in the 25th century, 30 years following the events of Star Trek Nemesis, and is the first MMORPG within the Star Trek franchise to actually be released and prosper. Launched on February 2, 2010, STO empowers each player to act as the Captain of their own vessels, and includes a mixture of space and ground-based play.

For more information about the game visit its official website at http://www.startrekonline.com