USS Bradbury (NX-72307) was the prototype of the Template:ShipClass for Starfleet service in the late 24th century.
In 2366, Bradbury was used as a "transport ship" to ferry Starfleet Academy students to Earth. Ensign Wesley Crusher of the starship Enterprise-D was scheduled to be transported by the Bradbury from Betazed to the Academy to begin his classes. Because of an emergency aboard Enterprise-D, the Bradbury was forced to leave him behind to keep its schedule. (TNG: "Ménage à Troi")
In status displays received by Enterprise-D around 2367, Bradbury was continuing her warp drive performance tests. (TNG: "Brothers")
- This information appeared on the Starship Mission Status screen.
Background
The Bradbury was named for Earth science fiction author Ray Bradbury. Bradbury was only mentioned in dialog, it was not seen on screen. Presumably her registry at some point would become NCC-72307, in accordance with the USS Excelsior's precedent, once her prototype stage was complete.
The Bradbury was seen on the Mission Status background artwork on the observation lounge set from TNG's fourth season onwards. The vessel's class and registry information were visible on this chart. The designation Bradbury-class is not from any episode, but was devised by the background artists who created the status displays.