Probes

Probes are automated devices allowing the ship or station to extend its senor range, perform routine surveys or investigate problems. Probes are roughly two meters in length and cylindrical. They are propelled by microfusion or field sustainers.

Class I & II	Short range probes that analyze EM radiation, interstellar chemistry and subspace fields.
Class III & V	Class III and V probes can land on planets and return samples to provide detailed planetary surveys. Class III can also analyze enemy ship capabilities.
Class IV	Designed for close observation of stars and high-energy phenomena.
Class VI	These act as communicators and emergency beacons. They have no warp capability to prevent detection. When used as an emergency beacon they have a navigation system to keep the probe traveling towards Federation space.
Class VII	Designed to orbit planets for three months, gather data and relay it to the ship.
Class VIII & IX	Long range sensor probes which travel at warp 9 for up to 12 hours.