Columbia (NX-02)

From the Encyclopedia of Speculative Fiction - http://encyclopedia.wizards.pro

This article concerns the NX-class Earth starship. For other uses, see Columbia.

Columbia (NX-02) was the second Starfleet starship of the NX class and was commanded by Captain Erika Hernandez. At the time of the Xindi attack on Earth in 2153, the ship was still under construction (and unnamed), but scheduled to be completed and launched by mid-2154. After several delays, it was launched in late November of that year. (ENT: "The Expanse", "Affliction")

Compared to the class prototype, Enterprise, Columbia's hull polarization was improved by 12%. Furthermore, she possessed ventral and dorsal photonic torpedo launchers as well as pulse phase cannons. Another improvement is that the bridge stations were directly tied into the primary EPS junction. (ENT: "Home")

In November 2154, Columbia was stuck in dry dock with engine trouble, delaying her launch, and rendering her unable to assist Enterprise during the hunt for the Romulan drone-ship. (ENT: "United")

The ship was still understaffed prior to its launch. Captain Hernandez had twice offered Trip Tucker a position aboard Columbia, which he rejected in favor on staying onboard Enterprise. Following Enterprise's mission to Andor in late 2154, Tucker finally accepted Hernandez's offer, and requested a transfer to Columbia, to help fulfill that ship's need for experienced officers. Captain Jonathan Archer initially denied the transfer request, but eventually relented. (ENT: "The Aenar")

Tucker's work ethic prompted two crewmembers to request transfer off of the engineering team, however, he was successful in fixing Columbia's engine problems, and the vessel was able to be launched. (ENT: "Affliction", ENT: "Bound")

Soon after the launch of Columbia, she was called into service to assist Enterprise, after that vessel had been sabotaged by Klingon forces. The two vessels engaged in hazardous close-quarter manuevering at warp 5.2, allowing Tucker to be transferred over to fix the problem. Columbia also assisted in recovering Doctor Phlox from Qu'Vat colony. Tucker transferred back to Enterprise shortly afterwards. (ENT: "Divergence", "Bound")

See also:

• Columbia (NX-02) personnel

The selection of this ship's name mirrors the fact that the second Space Shuttle was named Columbia, following on from the prototype Enterprise. It is understood that the ship was given the name by the creators of Star Trek: Enterprise as a tribute to the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia who died when the craft disintegrated while attempting re-entry in to Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003.

Translated, the Latin text on the patch ("Audentes Fortuna Juvat) reads "Fortune Favors the Bold."

de:Columbia (NX-02) nl:Columbia (NX-02)