Every spacecraft starts with a design. From simple napkin sketches to complex engineering models used by NASA missions, every spacecraft begins its life as an idea that’s eventually realized through NX, Siemens’ powerful computer-aided design software. Only experienced engineers know how best to utilize its power.
Rocket Lab’s US office requires an Administrator for Teamcenter/NX to continuously enhance design tools through standard parts, BOM & drawing templates, alternate part solutions and workflow automations.
The NX-class
The NX-class starships were constructed by Starfleet during the pre-Federation era. For humans, these vessels provided them with freedom to go where no man had gone before without Vulcan interference or restrictions from being an obstacle in their way.
This ship featured a large saucer-shaped design with two warp nacelles attached by upward-protrusions called pylons. A gold navigational deflector, observation lounge, aft torpedo tubes and impulse engines could be found at both bow and stern ends of the vessel respectively.
The NX-class was equipped with a new transporter system, phas cannons, spatial torpedoes (and photonic torpedoes after 2153) to enable exploration of previously unexplored systems, nebulae and planets. They possessed plasma banks for energy shielding on their hulls as well as being the first warp factor 5 engine in their fleet – yet even with these advances the ship often experienced malfunctions that rendered it less than ideal for long term exploration.
The Utopia-class
Starfleet began upgrading older NX-class vessels during the 23rd Century by retrofitting them with secondary hulls slung underneath their primary sections to increase cargo capacity and improve overall capabilities. Daystrom’s design of this Utopia-class vessel proved successful and she fulfilled its intended role admirably.
After the success of the NX-class starship design, Starfleet wanted to experiment with other new starship designs. These included Olympic project, which was intended for supply missions; Zodiac project – an exploration vessel featuring an toroidal saucer section and double pairs of warp engines; and Cora project, an escort type with an elongated triangular saucer section.
Each project was developed using NX CAD software, used by engineers to develop 3D mission concepts and model them with precision. L’SPACE participants will gain access to this tool free of charge in order to set themselves apart during their job searches and take advantage of an NX Design Associate Certification at no cost for added career advantage.
The Columbia-class
The Columbia class vessel was intended as a fleet support vessel to facilitate personnel and equipment transfers between various starships. Additionally, this class features a large room dedicated specifically for MACO detached units who required high levels of unit cohesion due to their unique missions.
Daystrom initially disapproved of including weapons in his design of the Columbia class starship. However, after consultation with colleagues from the Daystrom Institute he realized it would be unwise to send out such a vessel without safeguards against raiders and other space entities – persuading him to include 8 phaser emitters and 2 torpedo launchers as part of its layout.
The Columbia-class also featured an upgraded warp core capable of speeds of warp factor six or greater. This extra power allowed for larger senior officer quarters and conference room which proved invaluable during diplomatic talks. Furthermore, this ship marked the first Starfleet vessel that utilized an international common missile compartment developed jointly between US and UK for their respective SSBN classes; saving both nations significant funds by sharing one design rather than developing individual compartments from scratch.
The Excelsior-class
USS Excelsior was originally constructed as NX-2000 in 2284 as an experiment in Transwarp technology that would achieve warp speeds exceeding normal, however in 2287 its project was cancelled.
Excelsior-class ships are popular choices among junior medical officers looking for experience on frontline ships before transitioning onto bigger vessels. Their large cargo capacity makes them suitable for transport and humanitarian missions, which makes them attractive candidates for junior medical officer candidates gaining field experience before embarking on more substantial ships.
Engineered ships’ engineering hulls are capable of disengaging from each saucer section, enabling them to navigate hostile territory without leaving reactor shields in place. This ability is mentioned in both Admiral’s Handbook as well as numerous licensed reference books such as Federation Ship Recognition Manual/TNG Officer’s Manual from FASA/Decipher sourcebook Starships. Although large in size, automated operations have drastically decreased crew requirements onboard these massive ships compared with earlier generations of Star Trek ships.