2.16 Shuttlecraft and Shuttlebays

In brief: Voyager carries a number of small auxiliary spacecraft for short-range use when a transporter is inappropriate. Most of our shuttlecraft are named after famous explorers and scientists.

More: Voyager normally carries two standard shuttlecraft, four of the smaller shuttlepods, and four EVA workpods. Normal operating rules require the ship to maintain one shuttlecraft and one shuttlepod at operational (nearly ready to launch) status at all times. Standard shuttlecraft are used for transport of up to 12 people on short trips within a solar system. Maximum speed of these craft is Warp 3.

Shuttlepod: A small two-person craft, about the size of a Hyundai. The shuttlepod is used for very short-range transport and for extravehicular activity (like inspecting the ship’s exterior). Shuttlepods are incapable of warp speed.

Shuttlebay: Voyager has one SHUTTLE BAY located at the rear of the Engineering Hull. This facility is located on Decks 9 and 10.

EVA Workpod: A small, elongated hexagonal capsule sized to fit one crewmember. The workpod is equipped with manipulator arms containing various tools for repair and exploration tasks outside the ship, and operates on low-power thrusters only. Voyager normally carries four workpods.

AeroWing and Dock: The bottom of the Primary Hull or saucer holds a single aerodynamic shuttle capable of atmospheric travel as well as interplanetary flight at speeds up to Warp 3. The AeroWing can carry various combinations of crew and cargo; the usual flight complement numbers four crewmembers.

Shuttlecraft names: We have not yet established the names for the two main Voyager shuttles or AeroWing; these will be forthcoming as scripts call for them.