The Constellation-class starships are older Federation vessels from the early 24th century. Their main objective is deep-space exploration, scientific research missions, and defensive patrol duties. The famous Picard Maneuver was first used by Captain Picard while commanding the Stargazer in an attack by a Ferengi D'Kora-class Maurauder.

The first Constellation-class ship seen, the Stargazer was originally planned to be a Constitution-class ship, allowing visual effects staff to make use of the existing movie Enterprise model. Star Trek producers did not make the decision to build a new model for the Stargazer until after the episode was filmed with LeVar Burton calling it a Constitution-class ship. The choice of the name Constellation was based largely on the fact that it could be dubbed over Geordi's line since the two words are so similar. One might conjecture that this USS Constellation was named in honor of Matt Decker's ship, destroyed in "The Doomsday Machine" (TOS).

USS Constellation NCC-1974
   Sent to transport a Jem'Hadar abandoned on Deep Space 9 to Starbase 201.
   "The Abandoned" - DS9.
USS Gettysburg NCC-3890
   Last ship commanded by Admiral Mark Jameson.
   "Too Short a Season" - TNG.
USS Gihlan NCC-9761
   Mentioned by Rick Sternbach in Star Trek: The Magazine.
USS Hathaway NCC-2593
   Launched in 2285 and decommissioned in 2365. Returned to duty to serve in war games with the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D under    the command of Commander Riker.
   Named for Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare.
   "Peak Performance" - TNG.
USS Magellan NCC-3069
   Commanded by Captain Conklin.
   "Starship Mine" - TNG.
USS Stargazer NCC-2893
   Commanded by Captain Picard 2333 - 2355. On a mission to Sector 21503 she was attacked by Cardassian forces. The Stargazer    was nearly destroyed by the Ferengi in 2355 but later returned to the Federation in 2364.
   "The Battle" - TNG.
USS Valkyrie NCC-2590
   Studio model on tour at Star Trek conventions.
USS Victory NCC-9754
   Commanded by Captain Zimbata, LCDR La Forge's first post. In 2362 the Victory investigated the disappearance of 49 Federation    personnel at Tarchannen III.
   "Elementary, Dear Data" - TNG. "Identity Crisis" - TNG.
Name Unknown NCC-7100
   Model seen in Captain Picard's Ready Room on the Enterprise-D.
   "Who Watches The Watchers" - TNG.

Specifications:
Type: Heavy Cruiser
Length: 310m
Crew: 535