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

Overview[]

Science Vessel SC1 Art1

The science vessel

Science vessels have been in use since at least 2478.[2]

Explorer-class[]

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[3] and early on, search for alien life.[2] In addition, the Confederacy's Epsilon Squadron used science vessels extensively for border surveillance and study.[3] Explorer-class commanders and crewmen required a PEB (Preferred Experience Base) of any hard science and electronic warfare.[4] 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[3] (alternatively this could be detonated at a distance via the launching of a warhead)[5] and irradiation of a target via a high-energy stream of radioactive particles developed from technologies in nuclear waste disposal, saturating it with damaging energy.[3] For increased energy output, a titan reactor could be installed.[3] 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).[6]

ScienceVessel SC1 CineInauguration1

A science vessel being constructed

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,[3] along with aiding the research and development of new weapons and technologies.[4]

After the Brood War, the Terran Dominion substituted the raven for the expensive science vessel in the battlefield support role.[7]

Raiders-type[]

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.[8] The Dominion Armed Forces were seen using this type of science vessel later in the war.[9]

Kurzweil-class[]

The Kurzweil-class science vessel is an experimental craft, designed by Valerian Mengsk, and in service by 2505.[10]

Mini Science Vessel[]

StarCraft Ghost Logo2
This article or section contains information about StarCraft: Ghost, which has been declared non-canon. Elements may be taken as 'flavor lore' however.
The content may be significantly out of date. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details.

A type of robotic drone named the mini science vessel was often used to provide security and detection for terran facilities.[11]

Game Unit[]

StarCraft[]

For StarCraft gameplay information see: Science vessel (StarCraft).
For StarCraft in-game quotations see: StarCraft I Science vessel Quotations.

StarCraft: Ghost[]

Irradiate SC-G Game1

An overlord being irradiated

StarCraft Ghost Logo2
This article or section contains information about StarCraft: Ghost, which has been declared non-canon. Elements may be taken as 'flavor lore' however.
The content may be significantly out of date. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details.
ScienceVesselPortrait Ghost Game1

A science vessel portrait in StarCraft: Ghost

Science vessels acted as unseen support units in StarCraft: Ghost. Nova was able to call down irradiation,[12] EMPs and a scan function that gave info on enemy strengths, weaknesses and history.[13] Nova would also encounter mini science vessels, which could detect her through her cloak.[11]

StarCraft II[]

For StarCraft II gameplay information see: Science vessel (StarCraft II).
For StarCraft II in-game quotations see: StarCraft II Science vessel Quotations.

Known Science Vessels[]

UEDFleet SC1 CineUEDVicRep1

A science vessel (right) alongside battlecruisers (left)

Variants[]

Known Science Vessel Commanders/Crewmen[]

ScienceVessel SCR HeadAnim

A science vessel crewman

Trivia[]

The Skyrider from Stormgate (made by ex-StarCraft developers) has been compared to the science vessel.[14]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Barba, Rick. StarCraft Field Manual (hardcover). Insight Editions, November 17, 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 McNeill, Graham (December 30, 2008). StarCraft: I, Mengsk. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1-4165-5083-9.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. StarCraft (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Specialist Fields-StarCraft Beta. Accessed on 2008-02-01
  5. Mesta, Gabriel. StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga. Pocket Books, 2001. ISBN 0-671-04149-5.
  6. Rosenberg, Aaron (June 1, 2006). StarCraft: Queen of Blades. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-7434-7133-4.
  7. Nomad
  8. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Protoss research (in English). 2010.
  9. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Heart of the Swarm, Old Soldiers (in English). 2013-03-12.
  10. Dayton, Cameron et al (July 21, 2014). StarCraft II: War Stories. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ASIN B00IWTWTBY.
  11. 11.0 11.1 2014-18-12, StarCraft: Ghost Demo Build. Dropbox.com, accessed on 2020-02-16
  12. Goldstein, Hilary. 2003-03-31. Starcraft: Ghost Details. IGN. Accessed 2007-09-01.
  13. Official XBox magazine staff. 2003-08. "Ghost in the Machine." Official XBox Magazine. August 2003: 22-29.
  14. 2023-05-30, Stormgate Human Units Revealed! | Stormgate Snapshots. YouTube, accessed on 2023-06-09
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