Regula type

FACILITY
Regula type

Type of Facility:	Scientific research laboratory station/starbase
Affiliation:	Federation; Starfleet Taguan
Status:	Active (24th century)

The Regula type or Regula class was a scientific research laboratory and starbase design in use, by the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet, during the mid-23rd and 24th centuries.

History[]

The Regula series of stations were designed as small, flexible platforms for long-duration scientific missions in isolated locations. These kinds of missions could last for years, keeping a science team on station for that length of time would require the commitment of either a major starship asset or a fleet of small science vessels relieving one another every few months. Either of these was a significant draw on resources, while a small fixed station would offer the same capability at a fraction of the resources.

In the 2340s, faced with the same problem they were having with the Stardock class of base, Starfleet decided to field two new bases. Both bases were based on the Regula design, but were scaled up to provide the room for enhanced capabilities and starship accommodation. Two types of bases were fielded, both had the same starship support functions, yet one was geared for sector/system defense and command, and the other for deep space scientific research.

In 2354, after graduating from Starfleet Academy, Ensigns Typhuss James Halliwell, John Taggart and Helena Cain was assigned to a Reulga-type starbase, Starbase 32. Ensign Sarah Mackenzie was also assigned to Starbase 32 later that year.

Specifications[]

The scientific version of the Regula boasts impressive science capabilities and, along with its predecessor, has a modular approach to it's scientific platforms, allowing various bases to be configured with different instruments. Even the lower storage pods can be swapped out for different packages depending on the particular mission.

Compared to the scientific sub-type, the combat-orientated design has reduced scientific facilities, and has a reduced capability to handle civilian traffic. The base is also designed to operate largely within planetary systems, and as such lacks large bulk cargo and fuel containers. More space is given over to weaponry, with roughly double the armament. The shield generator is identical between the two stations, but the removal of the cargo containers means that this type's shields need to cover a significantly smaller volume, and this increases their overall strength. Regula class bases are a common sight around the Federation.

Technical information[]

This station type was powered by a reactor core. (TNG episode: "A Matter of Perspective")

It was also outfitted with a number of escape pods. (TOS movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

Interior design[]

The primary color scheme aboard warbirds was distinctively beige and green-gray or teal.

Due to the extreme size of warbirds, these vessels were littered with numerous long corridors. (TNG episode: "The Mind's Eye"; DS9 episode: "Improbable Cause")

The Star Trek II script described, while Carol and David were walking the corridors, that they were in a "labyrinthine complex".

Laboratories[]

Regula I had sections dedicated to geoplastics, gravitronics, synthostasis/JBK sensors (located in Module 31) and the main Project Genesis laboratory in the thermonics section. (TOS movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

The sets for Regula I's lab and corridor were built on Paramount Stage 5.

Tanuga station laboratory — Tanuga IV research station laboratory

The laboratory of the Tanuga IV research station was the central location of the science station. It consisted of a large open room with 4 windows and several computers and consoles. Dr. Apgar's Krieger wave converter was located at the center of the laboratory, easily accessible from all sides. Two smaller computer workstations were located at a higher level of the laboratory, close to two corridors leading away from the lab. One lead to the living area and another to the communications station. People beaming onto the station were normally transported onto the lower level of the lab. (TNG episode: "A Matter of Perspective")

According to the script of the episode, "the main laboratory of the space station. The walls are lined with consoles, readouts, and computer equipment, most of which is inactive at the moment. Dominating the room is a large array of energy-focusing condensers, field coils, defractors, and so forth. Nearby is a medium-sized power reactor."

Restaurant[]

The restaurant where Picard first meets Louvios was described as "very high tech."

Courtroom[]

The starbase courtroom was a reuse of the Constitution-class refit-bridge set, originally constructed for Star Trek: Phase II. It was described in the script as "High-tech room. An amphitheater-like arrangement where spectators can sit."

Brig[]

The brig contained a single padded mat for the prisoner to rest. (DS9 episode: "Blaze of Glory")

The brig, like that of the Starbase 375 type station, was a reuse of the brig set]from USS Voyager.

Living area[]

The living area was the part of the station were the Apgars' personal rooms were located. The major living room was painted green and featured several black leather couches next to a large glass table. Several pieces of art were found in the room, some on a wide sill beneath a large pink window. (TNG episode: "A Matter of Perspective")

Guest quarters[]

Our guest quarters aren't luxurious... but I've tried to make this room warm... and inviting. The guest quarters were decorated by Manua Apgar. She considered the room her sanctuary, a place where she could be on her own on the small station for a while. The walls were painted purple and the room featured a large bed, a table and couches, several cabinets, flowers and pieces of art.

The environmental controls of the room were located next to the door, which could be shut by touch panel. (TNG episode: "A Matter of Perspective")

Transporter room[]

This station type's transporter room consisted of a transporter pad with five positions, used to transport equipment and personnel, all controlled from an adjacent transporter console. (TOS movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

The original bridge set from the IKS Amar was split into two, with one half being redressed to become the station's transporter room; the other half was the USS Enterprise's torpedo room. (The Making of the Trek Films, p. 29; The Art of Star Trek, p. 204) In creating the set, Lee Cole said, "I very carefully had to cut out all of the Klingon writing." (The Special Effects of Trek, p. 71)

Stations commisioned[]

Civilian[]

Regula I
Science Station Tango Sierra
Tanuga IV research station

Starfleet[]

Deep Space 5
Starbase 32
Starbase 173
Epsilon IX
Prison Starbase 18
Starbase 549
Regula I (alternate reality created by Nero)

Alternate mirror universe[]

Regula I

Background information[]

This design was described in the script for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as "a functional cluster of modules serve as a scientific complex, a futuristic White Sands." In the script for "A Matter of Perspective" it was described simple as "a small space station", while the script for "Blaze of Glory", likewise described it, generically, as "a Federation-style Starbase."

For more information on the studio model used for this design, please see film studio models.