United Earth Space Probe Agency

The United Earth Space Probe Agency is the spiritual inheritor of the role played by United Earth Starfleet before it was spun off to become the Federation's Starfleet. UESPA claims the history of the pre-independence Starfleet as its own, no less than Starfleet itself does. As a result, at many remembrance ceremonies, such as that for the Battle of Cheron, joint services are held between UESPA and Starfleet on Earth. The proud exploration history of the UES is also remembered, and the space within the Sol Sector is some of the most well-researched in known space. The United Earth Space Probe Agency is presently undergoing complete integration with Starfleet as part of Federalization.

The UESPA is more martial in its focus than Starfleet, though still less so than the Andorian Guard or Tellarite State Forces. It is also far more coloured with idealism, a thread that runs straight through the agency's cloth. It takes the defence of Sol and other United Earth worlds seriously, but is also among the most willing to fill out a relief, expeditionary, or assistance force as may be required. UESPA forces saw action during wars against the Klingons, Romulans, and during more recent years were important contributors to the anti-Syndicate campaign, and took an important role in the Federation-Arcadian War. In this last, the Space Probe Agency lost hundreds of crew and multiple ships. However, their passion for doing their part for the Federation is undimmed, even if the war itself was unpopular on many United Earth worlds.

Active Ship Classes

 * Ambassador class heavy explorer
 * Excelsior-A class heavy explorer
 * Constitution-B class cruiser
 * Constellation-A class cruiser
 * Centaur-B class frigate
 * Miranda-A class escort frigate

Personnel
Although they are a more plainly military force than Starfleet is, the United Earth Space Probe Agency still retains significant roots in exactly what it says in the name: a civilian space agency. As a result, they have a rather different way of approaching matters, including matters such as rank and duty posts. They place a high value on technical proficiency, and push a culture of personal accountability. The words "Tough and Competent" are watchwords that have carried through centuries of tradition, and remains written across the entrance to the bridge and mission control on each starship.

Enlisted
Not much separates the enlisted of UESPA from that of Starfleet. Each Council member world hosts a Technical Services Academy where enlisted personnel learn their craft over the course of two years. They are drilled relentlessly in a particular discipline, and do not step foot on a starship until they achieve very high grades. Training does not cease after the Service Academy either, as refresher and expansion courses are frequently run, especially for personnel on the installations. Their ranks, however, operate differently, and more reflect the technical services nature of their profession.

Officers
The principal academy is on Earth, run in North America at a site called Cape Canaveral. It is a four year course for line officers, with certain other disciplines requiring more or less years depending on type. Admission is direct, however, the admission test is infamously ferocious, as is the competition even among those who qualify. This interest has only increased with the commissioning of the Liberty and Equality capturing the popular imagination. Officers who apply for service with UESPA are motivated by different things, and these vary from person to person; broadly, however, commonalities can be seen from the member world. Those from Vega and Alpha Centauri are often strongly motivated by a desire to protect the member worlds. Or those from Joburg or New Seoul are often interested in the diplomatic work UESPA carries out. Those from Earth particularly admire the long roots in civilian space administration.

Mission Control
The origins of UESPA have carried over into her operations. In particular, the concept of mission control, and a surprising division of control between the ship's captain, and the ship's mission director. The "battle bridge" or auxiliary command centre, of each ship, is used as a Mission Control Room, where from the Mission Control Director will actually manage the ship's mission. The Captain's principal concerns are the safety and of ship and crew, and they may assume control at any time if necessary to preserve the ship.

In a similar manner, although the officers of UESPA hold ranks recognisable to a Starfleet officer, they are in fact relatively seldom addressed by those same ranks. It is a running joke among UESPA's officer corps that one's rank is only there to figure out who gets first pick of the quarters. Rather it is one's mission role or assignment that is all important. So if Commander Jane Doe was assigned to control of the warp core station, then instead of Commander Jane Doe, one would address Warp Control Officer Doe (or WARP-CON).

Shipyards

 * Cochrane Yards (2x1mt)
 * New Seoul (500kt)
 * Joburg (500kt)