Science vessel

The science vessel is a type of terran starship used for general scientific research purposes.

Overview
In use since at least 2478, the terrans of the Koprulu Sector built Explorer-class science vessels to conduct a wide range of research and development projects, stationed at points throughout the Koprulu Sector and beyond to study anomalous phenomena and early on, search for alien life. In addition, the Confederacy's Epsilon Squadron used science vessels extensively for border surveillance and study.

When contact with the protoss and zerg devolved into open warfare, many Explorers were requisitioned by military authorities to provide electronic warfare and support for forces in the field, along with aiding the research and development of new weapons and technologies.

Science vessel commanders and crewmen required a PEB (Preferred Experience Base) of any hard science and electronic warfare.

The primary function of the science vessel was the employment of its detection abilities. Other functions, with the appropriate equipment, included the creation of a defensive matrix, the generation of a short ranged EMP (alternatively this could be detonated at a distance via the launching of a warhead) and irradiation of a target via a high-energy stream of radioactive particles, saturating it with damaging energy. For increased energy output, a titan reactor could be installed. All science vessels possessed Ghost Program files, stored in a secure room at the bottom of the vessel, in case a ghost required "repair" (what amounted to medical aid in the program).

After the, the Terran Dominion substituted the Raven for the expensive science vessel in the battlefield support role. During the Second Great War, Raynor's Raiders were able to develop a new class of science vessel. This model can carry out hull repairs through nano-technology and retains the irradiation function from its predecessor.

StarCraft
The science vessel is a terran mobile detector. Like most other spell casters, science vessels have no direct form of attack. Air units such as scourge, wraiths or scouts are ideal for dealing with the slower science vessel.

Quotations

 * See: StarCraft Science Vessel Quotations

StarCraft: Ghost
Science vessels acted as unseen support units in StarCraft: Ghost. Nova was able to call down irradiation, EMPs and a scan function that gave info on enemy strengths, weaknesses and history.

StarCraft II
The science vessel was replaced by the Raven in multiplayer.

They may be unlocked in campaign mode for 20 protoss research points.

The science vessel has limited offensive capability, and is geared for supporting mechanical units with its repair ability. In contrast, the Raven is less durable but its abilities are more versatile when directly attacking enemy units.

Quotations

 * See: StarCraft II Science Vessel Quotations

Known Science Vessels

 * Amerigo

Variants

 * Elite Science Vessel
 * Kang Science Station

Known Science Vessel Commanders/Crewmen

 * Captain Sandler
 * Specialist First Class Dr. Martens
 * Jenson Archimedes
 * Magellan