The Luna-class was a type of starship in service to Starfleet in the late 24th century.
The Luna-class was designed by Dr. Xin Ra-Havreii, of Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars, and initially conceived for scientific exploration of the Gamma Quadrant following the discovery of the Bajoran wormhole. The project was sidelined by the impending threat from the Dominion, then restarted following the end of the Dominion War.
The Luna-class ships were the top of the line in Starfleet's scientific and exploratory pursuits on behalf of the United Federation of Planets. Each had an average crew of the 350 individuals and was approximately 450 meters long. Their shuttlebays were reminiscent of the old Constitution-class shuttlebays, having a more rounded opening door. They also featured a longer "runway" for shuttles as they entered and exited the ship.
Views of a Luna-class starship
All known Luna-class starships were named after moons. The first production lot was named after moons in the Sol system. (TTN novel: Taking Wing)
In January 2377, Ezri Dax considered applying for a post on a Luna class vessel, although, as Benjamin Sisko told her, it would be several years before they became operational. (DS9 novel: Warpath)
After the Borg Invasion of 2381, President Nanietta Bacco promised that more Luna-class ships would be built and that exploration would continue in the face of the recent disaster. (ST - Destiny novel: Lost Souls)
Known ships
The Luna-class USS Titan
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Background
Star Trek Nemesis established William T. Riker's new command, the USS Titan, but offered no information about that ship. When Pocket Books launched the Star Trek: Titan book series, they held a competition to design the new Luna class. The winning design by Sean Tourangeau was announced on October 6, 2005. Tourangeau then worked with artist Ellery O'Connell to develop a 3D model of the Titan, which debuted on the cover of the fourth Titan novel, Sword of Damocles.
The original notes which laid out the basis of the design can be found here.
