Drydocks are huge orbiting structures where starships and other space vehicles are built, upgraded, and
serviced.
The large orbital service structure used for construction and major maintenance of starships, part of the San
Francisco Fleet Yards. The USS Enterprise NCC-1701 underwent a
major overhaul at drydock following Captain James Kirk's five-year mission in 2269. The
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B was also launched from an orbital
drydock station at Earth in late 2293.
Many of Starfleet's conventions and traditions are inextricably linked to those of the 20th-21st century
United States Navy, and the term drydock is no exception. Just as ocean-going ships were built and
maintenance out of the water in drydocks and then launched into the sea, starships are built in space drydocks
prior to being launched into the vacuum of space.
Drydocks are made up of a series of metal grids interspersed with powerful lighting elements. The structure
encapsulates starships so they can be worked on from all angles, while both ends of drydock facilities are left
open so starships can enter and exit easily. The top of drydock is more complex than the sides, and some
variations feature a docking port that holds a starship in place. Protruding arms with spotlights on the end
are attached to the sides of drydock. These arms can be adjusted to shine light directly at an area that is
being worked on.
The Drydock model was first seen in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the model was later refurbished for Star
Trek: Generations. The modified model had the middle row removed and added two large docking structures
above and to the side. This model was reused in Star Trek: Voyager for the Utopia Planitia scene. The model
was further modified in Star Trek: Nemesis.
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