Horizon-Class Exploration Vessel

The Horizon-Class Exploration Vessel is the spearpoint of Solarian curiosity and expansion. Unlike the heavy warships of the First through Fifth Classes, Horizons are designed for science, survey, and frontier contact.

They are fitted with advanced sensor arrays, laboratories, and planetary survey equipment, allowing House Solaris to chart new systems, monitor stellar phenomena, and quietly extend Ducal influence into unclaimed regions. Though lightly armed, Horizons often travel with escorts, their discoveries shaping the very borders of the Imperium.

Technical Specifications

• Length: 380 m

• Beam: 95 m

• Height: 72 m

• Gross Tonnage (GT): ~460,000

• Crew Complement: 520 (scientists, officers, and naval staff)

• Special Systems:

  • Deep-space sensor arrays

  • Long-range communication spires

  • Planetary survey shuttles (up to 8)

  • Onboard research laboratories

• Armament:

  • 2 Light Plasma Cannons (defensive only)

  • Minimal point-defense

• Defenses:

  • Standard Shield Grid

  • Hull optimized for long-duration voyages

• Propulsion:

  • Solaris Gate Engine (exploration variant)

  • Extended-duration fusion reactors

Variants & Subclasses

• Horizon-Surveyor – Dedicated to stellar cartography and planetary scans.

• Horizon-Research – Outfitted with larger laboratory modules for deep-space study.

• Horizon-Contact – Equipped for diplomatic missions and first-contact scenarios.

Notable Ships

• ISS Stargazer – The first Horizon, credited with charting the Ossus asteroid belt in detail.

• ISS Scholar’s Light – Exploration vessel that discovered habitable zones in the Sinaia system

• ISS Veilbreaker – Deployed near the Lucius Gate, renowned for uncovering unstable Gate fluctuations.

Service Record & Deployment

• Horizons are deployed in small, independent missions, often with minimal escort unless venturing near hostile zones.

• Their findings directly influence Ducal strategy, colonization, and trade expansion.

• Frequently collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science, bridging civil and military objectives.

• While less visible than warships, the Horizon-Class is seen by many nobles as the true frontier arm of Solaris