Aether-class Science Vessel

The Aether-class Science Vessel is a modular science, research and exploration vessel used by the UNSC and associated agencies for a variety of purposes.
The Aether is, from top to bottom, fully modular, with a vast interior made of several modular lab areas and several modular cargo spaces. This allows the ship interior to be suited to any mission. Externally, it can fit a number of non-standard sensor packages and probe/satellite launching capacities. 
The modular lab facilities can be modified to suit any mission requirement. They can be fitted as research labs, specimen containment labs, bio/chemical warfare research facilities, mechanical testing grounds, weapon testing facilities, astronomy research facilities, slipstream space research facilities and even holding pens. The sensor packages can include sensors design to review background radiation, red shift effect, gravitational effect, electromagnetic effects, slipstream space and radio emissions. The probe and satellite launching facility allow it to launch probes for exploring planets, celestial objects and anomalies and it can launch satellites for telecommunications, research and surveillance. 
To this end, the Aether can be used for any purpose imaginable. It can be used for exploration, for both real and slipstream space, planetary survey, navigation, experimental testing, equipment development, weapons observation, deep space exploration and even more insidious uses, such as performing chemical and biological warfare testing that is banned on planets, specimen testing and even live testing. 
The Aether is fitted with the ability to perform in-atmosphere operations and terrestrial landings, with a loading ramp for departing exploratory vehicles, with airlock systems to protect the ship. The ship also has several shuttle bays, capable of storing a single Pelican, or two Dart shuttles, for per Aether-class Science Vessel forming various exploration missions. 
The ship is designed to survive a number of high-threat environments, and is such designed to be protected against high doses of radiation, thermal energy, high pressures, high gravity and a variety of cosmic anomalies and events. The ship is surprisingly well armoured and has a 'block' design that can be used to seal potential contagions and dangerous materials leak. 
==Blocks==
==Ships of the line==
*UNSC Aether
Category:Auxiliary ship classes
Category:UNSC Ship Classes