Excelsior-class Explorer

The decades prior to the Unification Wars were relatively peaceful. The Martian and Lunar colonies were booming, and humanity began leaving its mark in other star systems within a few light years of Earth. As colonies began to develop on extrasolar worlds, there were many on Earth who felt that they could and should extend their reach farther.

Over a century before the colonization boom, the space agencies of the world merged under one banner, calling themselves the Deep Space Exploratory Commission (DSEC). Through their research and extensive study of the stars, extrasolar colonization became a reality, and they began funding those who were brave enough to try. As the colonization frenzy dwindled, DSEC set its sights to explore the deeper mysteries of the Universe. It was this desire that led them to commission a vessel dedicated completely to exploration and research.

The Excelsior-class Explorers stand as a few of the most massive space vessels built so far by humanity. Measuring at over 1.6 kilometers in length alone, it eclipsed any other ship flying through space. Its immense size was a necessity, as the crews of these ships were expected to spend months or even several years exploring the black. The extra space was used for research laboratories, hydroponics gardens, recreation facilities, family sized quarters, and a host of other creature comforts one could find in a city center.

Four ships of the planned ten were completed and deployed before the onset of the Unification Wars. During the war they were advised to stay away from the Sol System and concentrate their efforts on expanding humanity's knowledge of the known universe. Contact with them during the chaotic time was sporadic, but the explorers sent back periodic reports on their progress regardless of the grim situation in the home system.

The EUN/Earth Federation considered recalling at least one Excelsior and refit it for warfare purposes. However, given its role as an explorer, its armaments were strictly limited to multiple batteries of 55 mm. point defense guns. Mounting heavier guns and other weapons systems would have required extensive modifications to the hull and power distribution systems. Furthermore, its large size was impractical for combat as it would make it an easy target for the opposition and one that could not easily be defended.

Ships of the line (completed):
-DSEC 00 Excelsior
-DSEC 01 Voyager
-DSEC 02 Intrepid
-DSEC 03 Cortez

Ships of the line (shelved):
-DSEC 04 Horizon
-DSEC 05 Magellan
-DSEC 06 Columbus
-DSEC 07 Galileo
-DSEC 08 Eriksson
-DSEC 09 North Star