Star Trek Spaceflight Chronology

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Book Cover
Author(s):	Stanley and Fred Goldstein
Illustrator(s):	Rick Sternbach
Published:	1980
Pages:	192
Reference #:	ISBN 0671790897

The Star Trek Spaceflight Chronology by Stanley and Fred Goldstein, with illustrations by Rick Sternbach. was published in 1980 and describes the history of Star Trek making use of a timeline and illustrations which are now considered by most to be outside of canon, as they have been contradicted by information presented since its publication, starting with TNG Season 1.

As the primary source available until TNG Season 1, it was used as a model for the FASA role-playing games, and a few novels. It was also used as a reference by the writers of The Next Generation.

In addition to newly-created starships found only within this volume, the chronology offered specifications for canon vessels such as the USS Enterprise (XCV 330) and DY-100 class.

Timeline

The timeline presented in the book was as follows:

20th century

1980

Space shuttle flights begin as available payload space is booked full. Early missions will demonstrate the many uses of the gravity-free vacuum of space.

1982

Lunar Polar Orbiter transmits data concerning surface chemistry and heat flow on the moon.

Project Galileo departs from Earth orbit for Jupiter. It will descend into the Jovian atmosphere behind a heat shield, radioing back data until the increasing pressure crushes the hull, about 30 minutes after entry.

1983

The Space Telescope is orbited. This 2.4m aperture optical telescope, working above atmospheric turbulence, will revolutionize man's view of the universe.

The Venus Atmospheric Balloon enters the Venusian atmosphere, sending back data from its gondola of scientific instruments; it circles the planet on the stratospheric winds for several days.

1985

Probe flies by Halley's Comet with a battery of instruments that measure its tenuous tail, and continues on to encounter comet Tempel 2 in 1988.

1986

Multiple Asteroid Rendezvous Mission will view these bodies in space close-up with an eye on the future mining of these interplanetary travelers.

1988

Mars Sample Return Probe is launched. It will retrieve soil and rocks for analysis back on Earth when it returns in 1991.

1991

The Saturn Dual Probe arrives at the planet, with the satellite going into orbit as the descent stage relays information as it enters the planet's atmosphere.

1992

The space shuttle completes its twelve-year series so successfully, man will forever be in space.

1994

Manned missions to the moon begin again with several nations taking part. Cooperating as never before, they have a goal of building a permanent moon base by the turn of the century.

1996

The DY-100 is the first mass-produced space ship capable of short interplanetary travel (Earth-moon). In an uprated mode, it will be able to take men to Mars.

1998

Goddard Moonbase, the first large scale international space project, will provide accommodations for 70 in the fields of space research and industry.

1999

Asteroid Belt Lander reveals asteroids to be rich in important raw materials for further space industrialization.

21st century

2001

Mercury Rover sends back first soil sample information from its location at terminator. Data obtained is from both dark side and light side of planet.

2002

Construction begins on the first city in space. This is by far man's largest undertaking off the Earth to date.

UN study shows space industry will grow at exponential rate over next 15 years.

2003

The United Space Initiative is signed in New York. This landmark agreement will focus and accelerate man's exploration of the Solar System for the benefit of all mankind.

2004

Farside Moonbase begins operations. Will specialize in radio telescope observations.

First major expansion of the Goddard Moonbase.

Mass Driver in use at Clavius Mines. Raw materials are shot back to Earth orbit for processing to feed burgeoning industry.

2005

The first spacechild is born at the Farside Moonbase. This event is heralded the world over as a new generation of man has begun.

2006

Thomas Morrison, the first person to die on the moon, is buried in a simple grave marking this historic occasion.

2007

Marking the 50th anniversary of the space age, the most comprehensive encyclopedia of space exploration is published.

Tsiolkovskygrad, the first L-5 city in space, is completed. 250 people take up residence.

2008

Aventeur-class enters service. It is the first ship to be entirely assembled in Earth orbit.

Fusion power research and development brings forth the ultimate recycling device, the Fusion Torch, a furnace so hot that it can melt down all materials, artificial and natural, to their basic state.

2009

Second L-5 city in space opens. Five more to be built in following decade.

2010

First Earth/Space Census shows 1,500 people living off the Earth. As many as 7,500 could be in space by the year 2020, UN study shows.

Solar now accounts for 40% US energy use. Worldwide accelerated Solar Power Satellite program will be completed this decade.

2012

Marsbase 1, the first interplanetary outpost, begins the first thorough search for extraterrestrial life.

2013

The DY-300, successor to the DY-100, undergoes prototype testing. This design has some serious flaws which prevent it from entering service.

2014

First manned Jupiter Mission is farthest journey from Earth.

The Space Homesteading Act affords enterprising pioneers the opportunity to acquire property in the Solar System. From its beginnings, the Act proves to be popular and workable.

2015

Marsbase 2 expands the search for extraterrestrial life.

The first interstellar probes, the Stellar Series, are launched towards the nearby stars. This series ends in 2022.

2017

UNSS U-Thant reports large amounts of antimatter in interstellar void. This startling discovery subsequently changes the course of space-flight technology decades later.

2018

From Marsbase 3 begins an in-depth study on using Phobos and Deimos for mining of materials.

The first homesteaders begin leaving for the Asteroid Belt.

2019

On 50th anniversary of the first manned mission to the moon, all six original Apollo landing sites become historic landmarks.

On Phobos, the larger Martian moon, a temporary base is set up as first mining activity begins.

2020

First manned mission to Saturn reports evidence of alien visitation. This remarkable find begins to change forever man's perspective of himself in the universe.

2021

Evidence of life found on Mars in the form of skeletal structures of insect-like creatures.

2022

Jackson Roykirk, designer of the Stellar Series, dies.

UNSS Courageous cannot return home, thus becoming the worst tragedy in the 65 year history of spaceflight. This incident, caused by a solar flare penetrating a shielding flaw, leads to upgrading all design and safety standards for forthcoming ships.

2023

Fusion propulsion given increased R&D funding to speed its feasibility in spaceship use.

2024

Scientific study gives the proposed Venus Terraforming Project an unconditional "GO." It should begin in a few years.

2025

Twelve probes are sent into Jupiter's Red Spot sending back data showing it is the result of inner core, and not merely atmospheric, processes.

2026

The capital city of the Asteroid Belt, Asteropolis, opens as the center of all mining activity. It is also used, at times, as a way-station and refueling depot for increasing outer planet expeditions.

2027

The terraforming of Venus begins by seeding the upper atmosphere with the algae Cyanidium caldarium. The project will extend over several decades before the planet is completely habitable.

2028

The Jupiter Base on Ganymede begins expanded research into the Solar system's largest planet.

2029

Mysterious, intelligent signals are received at Farside Moonbase 2C. Emanating at 327° toward the Galactic Center in Sagittarius from a distance of 15,000 light years, they are the first extraterrestrial communications ever heard by man.

2031

A second Jupiter base on Ganymede joins in the research of the huge planet, while also starting studies of the other Jovian moons.

2032

A series of second generation, greatly improved, interstellar probes are launched from the Earth's moon.

Call to rescind the Homestead Act defeated in view of the Asteroid Belt's obvious benefits to Earth.

2033

Expedition places manned mission in 40 million kilometer orbit around sun to study our star close-up.

2034

Saturn Solar Base begins operations on Titan.

UN commissions Solar Fleet for security and rescue purposes throughout the inhabited solar system.

2035

Advanced Fusion Prototype One experimental ship explodes with all lives lost. This is a major setback for interstellar travel capability.

2036

Geon holes in the spacetime fabric are detected for the first time by the interstellar probe Drake. These deformations are used decades later for warp communications.

2037

Spacefarms, huge orbiting windmill-shaped constructions, become a new source of food supply for the Earth.

2038

Born: Harmon Axelrod, first Secretary General of the UFP (2087).

Intensive training begins for crews of forthcoming long-duration interstellar voyages.

2039

The Earth's first Pluto Base opens. It will serve as a navigational check point for extra-solar missions.

2040

Advanced fusion drive Columbus-class ships enter service as the Earth's largest space-going vessels.

Commercial interplanetary travel begins with the inaugural flight of Solar Spacelines. And a new species will soon Inhabit the solar System: the tourist.

2041

The Adameve leaves for Barnard's Star. This first interstellar journey is expected to last nine years.

2042

The Icarus sets sail for the closest neighboring star system, Alpha Centauri. The estimated travel time for the voyage is six years.

2043

Extra-solar activity grows as more crews will soon be needed for interstellar flight.

2044

Interplanetary Communications Network guarantees reliable communications throughout the Solar system.

2045

The United Nations celebrates 100 years of cooperation among the peoples of Earth. People throughout the Solar System take part.

2046

The Venus Flyer, a variable-wing airplane, passes its final Earth testing and is transported to Venus to take part in the Terraforming Project.

2047

After 20 years, the Venus Terraforming Project has progressed enough to allow a base to be constructed at the North Pole. Estimates indicate it will be a few decades more before the work is completed.

2048

Man encounters intelligent humanoid life in the Alpha Centauri Star system. This event forever changes humankind.

2049

Solar System activity booms as new industrial methods continually raise the Gross Solar Product (GSP).

2050

In a little over half a century, Earth people can be found throughout the solar system, an accomplishment previous generations of Earthside pioneers would be proud of.

2051

Interplanetary super-cargo carriers accelerate solar trade and industry.

2052

After four years, transmission of the Warp Drive Principle is received on Earth. It causes a sensation and an intensive Warp Drive Studies Program is immediately set up.

2054

The Icarus returns from its historic journey. A UN mission is dispatched to Alpha Centauri to begin official recognition, discuss trade and exchange knowledge of each other's history.

2055

First generation warp drive ships are taking form on Earth drawing boards.

Warp Drive Program results in first vessel to exceed speed of light. Chimpanzee along for the ride is safe and sound.

2056

Interplanetary high-speed ambulances improve survival rates of severely sick and injured in the solar system with quicker access to Earth-based medical facilities.

2057

100 years in space poll lists encountering life on Alpha Centauri, first men on the moon, and the Venus Terraforming Project as the three most significant events in history.

Projections on the next 100 years in space refute the possibility of discovering non-humanoid intelligent life.

2058

Earth's first warp drive ship, the Bonaventure, undergoes testing; it proves to be the remarkable craft its designers had hoped it would be.

2059

Advanced Pluto Research Station opens.

The Bonaventure begins Earth's warp drive era with a voyage to the star system Tau Ceti, 12 light years from Earth.

UN mission that left Earth in 2054 arrives at Alpha Centauri and official recognition begins.

2060

Industrial Space Ark concept proposed as a potential boon to space economy.

The warp drive ship, UNSS Powell, journeys to Alpha Centauri and is hailed as a remarkable achievement.

2061

Solar Spacelines has special tourist flights to view Halley's Comet close-up.

The return of the Powell brings Zefram Cochrane to Earth. He is accorded all the pomp and pageantry any native earth hero would receive.

2062

The Fundamental Declarations of the Martian colonies grants every inhabited region in the solar system local autonomy over their own affairs.

Trade with our celestial neighbor begins in earnest with these first generation warp drive ships.

2063

A cultural exchange begins with Alpha Centauri. The ties of friendship and cooperation continue to strengthen.

2064

Rapid improvements in warp drive technology result in the advanced Verne-class ships.

2065

A disabled starship from the planet Vulcan is rescued by the Solar Fleet. After a brief Earth stay, we return the grateful crew to their home planet and begin diplomatic relations.

2066

Earth's first warp drive ship, the Bonaventure, is unaccountably lost on its third mission.

2068

First Vulcan delegation is welcomed on Earth, as serious discussions of a space alliance begin.

From the Pluto Research Station comes proof that we live in a pulsating universe.

2069

The 100th anniversary of man on the moon is celebrated at the museum built on the site of the first landing.

2070

Over a three-year period, ten Space Arks leave Earth never to return. Eventually, it is discovered that all life was lost on all but one of these ships.

2071

As an undeclared alliance of star systems continues to grow, commercial space lanes with convenient transfer points are set up to encourage trade.

2072

Earth publishes a detailed study regarding interstellar cooperation, which concludes with a call for an official alliance among Vulcan, Alpha Centauri and Earth.

2073

The Tellarites enter the territorial limits of the Solar System and claim it for themselves. This unusual incident is resolved peacefully as we gain a new friend and ally.

2074

Introduction of warp radio allows communication in weeks instead of years between nearby star systems.

2075

First small interstellar scouts enter service. Only a crew of four is required on these ships.

2076

First unmanned, computer-guided, interplanetary ships (cargo carriers) begin transporting raw materials and other freight.

2077

An unofficial meeting of diplomats convenes at Alpha Centauri to discuss the possibility of an alliance. Attending are the representatives of Vulcan, Andor, Tellar, Earth as well as the host planet.

2078

The Messier-class warp cruiser enters service. This becomes the last entirely Earth-built major ship series.

2079

Through information supplied by the Tellarites, we visit the Rigel trading planet with a cargo ship filled with a wide range of goods; we soon find out our electronics and space metals are more advanced than many.

2080

Cosmos-series of stellar survey ships begin research into nearby stars.

2081

Agreement with Alpha Centauri and Vulcan allows Earth to launch its Milky Way-series probes from those locations.

2082

First call for a "United Federation" does not win approval from potential participants.

2083

First Earth-alien starship crews reflect our increasing interaction with alien cultures.

2084

Edison-class research ships begin gathering new information on antimatter in the interstellar void.

2085

"Pluto Plague" kills 200 Earth and Alpha Centaurian scientists at the Pluto Research Base.

2087

The United Federation of Planets is incorporated at the first Babel Interplanetary Conference. Among its many goals are combined galactic exploration and increased security for all member planets.

Stardates adopted as Federation's principal interstellar time system.

2088

UFP census indicates Earth has a population of ten billion, with over eight million Terrans residing in space.

2089

Space buoys deployed to improve navigation and security within Federation boundaries.

Tragic space war games accident results in speeding up the chartering of the UFP's proposed academy.

2090

UFP Patent Office set up to provide scientists, engineers and inventors of all member planets galactic protection for their work.

2091

Bone-setting laser perfected.

Star Fleet Academy opens with a class of 300 students.

2092

The USS Muleskinner, an ore carrier, is spacejacked by pirates. Later, it is discovered this was the first Romulan criminal act against the UFP.

As a result of this crime, appropriations earmarked for Starfleet increase greatly.

2093

Originating from an Earth-inspired design, the Horizon-class, the first UFP-built ships, enter service.

2094

Delta VII outpost destroyed by space pirates. Years later, it is discovered this was another Romulan criminal act.

2095

Born: Edward Abramson, brilliant physicist and developer of transtater physics.

The Starbase program begins operations with the opening of Base I.

2096

The USF Arrow-class starfighter enters service in the Advance Scout Fleet of Starbase defense capability.

2097

First spacefaring hospital ships on call in UFP charter member star systems.

Archon is lost on an exploration mission near the Beta III star system.

2098

Increased Starfleet construction program brings forth the Manta-class "Space Tank." This small, yet powerful vessel has a tremendous offensive capability.

Small-scale Student Exchange Program begins among several UFP members.

2099

In the worst "pirating" incident yet, the transport Diana is plundered of its cargo and 500 passengers are killed.

22nd century

2100

On Earth, the Centenary Conference looks at what the 22nd century will bring.

Proposed Cultural Exchange Program is a casualty of increasing acts of piracy. Likewise, the new Student Exchange Program is also stymied for security reasons.

2101

Centauri Firing Range opens for use by the 11 members of the UFP.

2102

Federation tension continues to grow as reports from outlying sectors suggest these space pirates may be an organized, well-prepared force, not a loosely knit band of renegades.

2103

Starbase 1 is destroyed in a premeditated attack by seven Romulan ships. The Federation institutes a Mobilization Alert to bring all facilities to combat readiness for these "Space Pirates."

As part of the Mobilization Alert, military escorts are given to all priority transports.

2104

Advanced laser weaponry, in development for eight years, is approved for use on all Horizon-class cruisers.

UFP issues official report expressing grave concern regarding the Romulan threat and its effect on galactic life.

2105

Marshall-class destroyer is rushed into service. This advanced fighting ship will be a prime defender of Federation territory in the event of war.

Sectors 1-4 and 7-10 go to Code 1 Alert Status as the Romulan Empire continues its "hit and run" tactics.

2106

War with Romulan Empire begins as they advance on, and are confronted near, the Rigel star system.

Warp drive ambulances are rushed into service as Federation casualties mount.

2107

Sector 7 Wing Fleet is victorious over one entire Romulan armada.

War continues as Romulans penetrate interplanetary security of Sector 5B Mining complex, destroying this important Federation resource.

2108

War continues as Romulans kill 200,000 on Alpha Omega. Worst incident of the war.

2109

War ends with a decisive victory for Federation forces at the Battle of Cheron.

2110

Galactic peace brings the beginnings of tremendous growth in industry and trade.

2112

First 25 years of UFP has been "chaotic," official report states. But next 25 years find members "confident."

Galactic Outreach Program resumes after ten year suspension.

2113

Membership of UFP reaches 100.

The rebuilding of Starbase 1 is completed and is towed to original location.

2114

As an outgrowth of the Romulan War, a huge prototype Federation battle cruiser is completed and undergoes testing. It fails to meet requirements and is put in storage.

2115

In the Pyrlmiis star system, two inhabited planets are found on the same orbit, on a collision course.

2117

Top secret prototype spy ship is tested. It achieves warp 3.84, the highest velocity to date.

2118

Galactic Cultural Exchange begins bringing each world's heritage to other Federation members.

2119

Deneva Research Station opens and begins scientific investigation into transtater physics.

2120

Well-preserved remains of galaxy's oldest civilization, 7.5 billion years, is found.

2121

Starfleet Museum, repository for all major scientific and historical artifacts, is completed on Memory Alpha.

2122

Subspace radio introduced. This breakthrough has immediate and far-reaching impact on galactic security, trade and travel.

2123

The first interstellar liners, the Declaration-class, begin service between major UFP members.

2124

First evidence of extra-galactic life is discovered when an unknown probe is recovered from Sector 24.

2125

The UFP's major space development complex, the huge Centauri Spaceworks, opens with contracts from many members.

2126

UFP issues study showing interstellar tourism may eventually become the largest industry in the Federation.

2127

The largest supernova in recorded history occurs when the star Phi Puma blows up. In the process, the research ship Kepler is vaporized.

2129

Small, privately-owned interplanetary pleasure craft become available to citizens of several star systems. On-going advancements in propulsion systems, computers and communications makes this possible.

2130

Captain James Smithson is dishonorably discharged from Starfleet in the first violation of the Prime Directive.

2131

Argelius II quickly becomes a favorite among the growing numbers of interstellar tourists for its scintillating nightlife.

2132

First unmanned interstellar cargo ships, the Boyden-class, begin plying the long-haul trade routes.

2133

Worlds in Evolution Program enables students to witness firsthand, various eras in the life cycle of developing planets.

2134

Like many planets in the Federation, the Milky Way Galaxy itself contains "faults" that cause violent disruptions. After years of study the mystery novas in Sector 27 are found to be caused by these forces.

2135

The theory of molecular re-integration achieves a major breakthrough with the first successful transmission of organic life.

2136

Funding for a new generation of warp ships not approved. Horizon and Marshall-classes remain first line of defense.

2137

After 50 years, the UFP has matured into a stable, ever growing alliance of star systems.

2132?

Delta Research Station completed and draws scientists from all sectors of space.

2138

Interplanetary war near neutral zone causes first tension between the Federation and the Romulan Empire since their war. This incident loosens the purse strings and funding for advanced class ships is appropriated.

2139

The old Earth-designed Edison-class research ships are finally phased out as the Palomar-class begins work on the infinite mysteries of space.

2140

A new series of major antimatter refineries becomes available, taking up station at various locations in Federation territory.

2141

Intelligent flying humanoids are discovered on Alpha Virginis II, a planet located in Sector 14C.

2143

UFP study reports research into planetary weather control paying big dividends as once unproductive worlds turn productive.

2144

The opulent Stellarford-class star-liner enters service. These liners have double the passenger capacity and much longer range than any commercial ship in space.

2145

The new generation star-liners quickly make We Jewel Stars of Corona Major, and other remote stellar wonders, big tourist attractions.

2146

Born: Richard Daystrom, renowned physicist and developer of duotronics.

2147

Invention of medical tricorder allows instantaneous diagnosis of Rigellian plague, saving many lives.

2148

First new major ship class in 43 years, the Tritium, proves to be unworkable. This unfortunate design costs Starfleet billions of credits, and results in some of its highest personnel being discharged from service.

2149

The failure of the Tritium-class results in a crash R&D program for a replacement. Even still, it will take years.

2150

The old Marshall-class destroyers must remain our first line of defense. Starfleet engineers and mechanics see that they do.

2151

A new threat to galactic peace makes itself evident when we confront a warship from the Klingon Empire.

2152

The Federation's largest propulsion and weaponry firing facility, the Arcturus Test Range, begins operations.

2153

The USS Valiant, in the final year of a five-year mission to explore new worlds, is lost in the vicinity of the Vendikar star system.

2154

One of the most intensive efforts in Federation history results in the Mann-class: the first starship to surpass warp 4.

2155

USS Orpheus becomes the first probe to successfully transmit data as it descends into a black hole.

2156

The impregnable "Flying Fortress" enters service. These huge ships will carry the Federation's most valuable cargo in the safest way ever devised.

2157

A back-to-Earth movement is proclaimed involving people of Earth descent who claim space exploration and expansion has gone far enough.

2158

Because of the failure of the Tritium-class, concern for our defense capability results in the building of an advanced prototype battlecruiser. This ship doesn't become part of the fleet, but many of its improvements do.

2160

A "Flying Fortress" becomes victim of the largest space-jacking to date. A cunning plan by the Klingons is initially successful, but soon fails because of this ship's automatic distress alarm.

2161

Billion ton super-convoys begin plying trade routes, saving industry trillions of credits and years in travel time.

2162

Prototype of Starfleet's first military carrier, the largest ship to date, is built. Over the next several years many changes are made before it enters service.

2163

The surprising strength of the "Back-to-Earth" movement creates heated debate on both sides of the issue.

2164

Very expensive civilian interstellar pleasure craft become available; if you have to ask the price, you can't afford one.

2165

Largest spacelift in history evacuates ten million inhabitants from Bayard's Planet. The planet is in the path of the expanding Phi Puma stellar explosion whose shock wave will destroy it.

2166

Theta VII becomes 500th member of the UFP. The Federation is becoming so large only major grievances can be dealt with properly, a source of concern among some members.

2167

The beautiful, exotic water world is discovered by the USS Poseidon. It is the first and last time the planet is not inundated with Federation personnel on R&R.

2168

To celebrate 50 years in business, the Cultural Exchange Project puts on a Federation-wide fair that will long be remembered.

2169

The huge CR-594 construction rig permits a small fleet of star-ships to be constructed at one time. This efficient building method will save millions of credits.

2170

The fastest ship to date, the Baton Rouge-class, becomes part of Starfleet. Maximum cruising velocity is warp 4.8.

2171

Physicist Richard Daystrom revolutionizes computer theory with duotronics, a way of processing information concerning every atom in the galaxy.

2172

Disapproval with the inner workings of the Federation hierarchy causes more and more members to voice objections to the present structure.

2174

The transporter becomes a reality as the first experiment using a Human subject is successful.

2175

Continued discord with UFP policy is crippling the Federation's economic strength and threatens its ability to provide the highest level of security to all members.

2176

At the Rigel XII Mining complex, an obscure crystal called dilithium is found to contain properties that will revolutionize warp mechanics.

2177

The UFP's most difficult stardates occur at the Babel Conference when a resolution is introduced to dissolve the Federation, cooler heads prevail and the crisis is resolved.

2178

The introduction of an advanced space trawler class makes it much easier for remote bases and outposts to receive needed raw materials.

2179

R&D improvements in subspace radio enable transmissions to reach the velocity of warp 20.

2181

Recent great strides in science and technology are an important reason why many planets now have an optimistic outlook on the future.

2182

Construction begins on the largest class of ships to date, the Constitution-class.

2183

The M-1 computer, using the advanced technology of duotronics, is designed; its many flaws result in this prototype being extensively revised.

2184

Largest space rescue ever recovers 600 passengers and crew from unexplored sector.

2186

Dilithium crystals are integrated into a new generation of engines capable of greater velocity, range and thrust. The Sawyer-class scouts are the first ships to incorporate these engines.

2187

In recent years, many of the problems that have plagued the UFP have been solved. The Federation enters its second century stronger than ever.

2188

The heavy cruiser Constitution-class is the largest, most powerful series ever built, it will be the Federation's major series into the 23rd century.