Unraveling the Mysteries of Star Trek's Crossfield Class Starship: A Journey into Strange New Worlds

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 1, "The Broken Circle," the USS Enterprise engages in a climactic battle with a Crossfield class starship operated by a Klingon-Federation mining syndicate. This starship was utilized as part of a false flag operation aimed at reigniting a war between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. The presence of the Starfleet in the region of Cajitar IV, a disputed planet on the outskirts of Klingon territory, during a period of designated Klingon ownership would have been perceived as an act of hostility. Fortunately, Lieutenant Spock and the Enterprise crew managed to destroy the Crossfield class ship before the Klingons became aware of the deception, effectively preventing a war from erupting.

Viewers of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 1 will recognize the Crossfield class starship, which was first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery. While there have been some notable modifications to its design, it still features the distinctive concentric circle saucer section that is characteristic of the USS Discovery and other ships within its class. The decision to employ this ship in the attempt to provoke hostilities with the Klingons aligns with the established lore surrounding the Crossfield class in the Star Trek universe.

What Is A Crossfield Class Starship In Star Trek?

Crossfield class starships, such as the USS Discovery, were initially designated as science vessels but were later reclassified as warships during the Klingon War. These starships featured a distinctive design, with a concentric circle saucer section and an elongated hull resembling the Starfleet insignia. The USS Discovery and its sister ship, the USS Glenn, were specifically utilized for experiments involving the groundbreaking spore drive technology. This is why the saucer section of these ships was divided into concentric circles. When the spore drive was activated, the saucer would rotate, creating an "excess energy cavity" that powered their travel through the mycelial network.

Tragically, the USS Glenn encountered a mishap during its spore drive experiments, leaving the starship adrift. Meanwhile, it was believed that the USS Discovery was destroyed during the incident involving Control. By the conclusion of Star Trek: Discovery season 2, it was suggested that the Glenn and Discovery were the only two Crossfield class starships in existence, as further production of this new starship class was halted without much fanfare. However, in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a third starship has been introduced, which plays a crucial role in the Klingon and Starfleet conspiracy to reignite the war.

Strange New Worlds Season 2's Crossfield Class Starship Explained

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the starship that Doctor Joseph M'Benga and Nurse Christine Chapel encounter while captured by the syndicate is hidden underground. M'Benga suggests that the ship is a combination of different classes, resembling a Frankenstein's monster of starships. It is possible that the syndicate obtained a spare saucer section from the abandoned Crossfield class starship after its disappearance. It remains to be seen if other parties have also managed to acquire parts from the Crossfield class experiments in future episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.