Delta-v: 3500 km/s standard configuration; 4500 km/s ST-01/02 early high-delta-v configuration
Construction site: Star Port Station and large orbital shipyards
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Current status (as of 2060-03-12): ST-01 en route to Neptune for the outer Solar System exploration mission; ST-02 and ST-03 active
The Stellaria-class interplanetary exploration mothership is a crewed deep-space mothership class developed after the Xihe class. It is used for long-duration interplanetary missions, outer-planet moon surveys, off-world base construction support, and large scientific expeditions. The English name of the class is Stellaria. The class absorbs operational experience from Xihe-class Mars, Jovian-system, and base-support missions while enlarging central volume, life support, long-duration crew capacity, and main-propulsion capability through the Lightspeed mass-driver engine.
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As of March 2060, the Stellaria class has three ships in active service (ST-01 Stellaria, ST-02 Stellaria NEXT, ST-03), with one under construction (ST-04). The lead ship, Stellaria, is currently executing Outer Solar System exploration mission 1, bound for Neptune. The Jinwu-class cargo ship fleet, JW-01 through JW-03, provides heavy cargo delivery throughout the Solar System, with a single-trip capacity exceeding 300 tonnes, purpose-designed for the construction and resupply of large off-world facilities such as Mars One Base and Europa Research Outpost. ST-02 and ST-03 remain on routine service supporting Europa Outpost construction and Mars missions respectively.
The standard Stellaria design can support 30 crew for missions lasting decades and can carry 60 people in short-duration configurations. It retains the axial-spine layout, but adds dual artificial-gravity rings, a central expansion section, cryosleep capsules, larger thermal-control capacity, and stronger towing and berthing interfaces. The class does not land on planetary or moon surfaces; target-system access is handled by Echo shuttles, Amalthea multipurpose vehicles, and other carried vehicles.
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ST-01 and ST-02 are early Stellaria-class ships using a high-delta-v, lower-payload deep-space configuration. Later standard ships emphasize larger central volume, higher payload capacity, longer life-support endurance, and greater mission redundancy. Both configurations belong to the Stellaria-class lineage, with differences in mission focus, payload allocation, and long-duration habitation capability.
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ST-01 and ST-02 are early Stellaria-class ships using a high-delta-v, lower-payload deep-space configuration. ST-03 and later standard ships emphasize larger central volume, higher payload capacity, longer life-support endurance, and greater mission redundancy. Both configurations belong to the Stellaria-class lineage, with differences in mission focus, payload allocation, and long-duration habitation capability.
The Stellaria class marks the expansion of deep-space motherships from interplanetary transfer platforms into multi-body expedition platforms. In addition to the main transfer phase, it provides scientific laboratories, medical capacity, sample handling, crew rotation, cryosleep support, and carried-vehicle servicing inside target systems.
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Construction and early ships
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Stellaria-class construction is based at Star Port Station and large orbital shipyards. ST-01 and ST-02 are early ships optimized for fast deep-space exploration, outer-planet mission validation, and high-delta-v transfer. Later standard ships emphasize larger payloads, greater crew redundancy, and long-duration multi-body expeditions. The difference between early and standard ships lies mainly in mission configuration, payload allocation, and long-duration habitation capacity.
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The Stellaria-class mothership traces its origin to 2050. It began as a basic mothership project initiated on 2050-09-15, conceived as a larger deep-space platform building on Xihe-class experience. After initial structural construction, the project was suspended on 2053-02-02 for technical reassessment and resource reallocation, after 871 days of work.
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On 2053-05-11, the vessel was reconfigured as ST-01 Stellaria, formally entering the Stellaria-class program. The preparation phase lasted nearly one year, completing on 2054-04-28. During this phase, only the Lightspeed mass-driver engine was installed on the existing structure -- the rest of the ship remained essentially Xihe-class standard equipment. This gave ST-01 a hybrid configuration for its early missions: a Stellaria propulsion core mated to Xihe-class mission modules.
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After preparation, ST-01 entered a 102-day commissioning phase (2054-05-12 to 2054-08-22), conducting full-system tests in Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and lunar orbit. This phase verified the compatibility between the Lightspeed engine and the inherited Xihe-class modules, while providing the crew with their first hands-on experience operating a Stellaria-class ship.
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Following commissioning, ST-01 executed a deep-space test mission (2054-09-07 to 2054-11-28): an uncrewed flight to the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, testing long-distance cruise, autonomous navigation, long-range communications, and thermal control performance far from Earth. After successful return, ST-01 underwent 90 days of pre-service maintenance (2054-12-01 to 2055-02-28), during which reaction mass was replenished, life-support systems were tuned, the greenhouse received its initial inoculation, and the ship was prepared for its first crewed mission.
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It was not until late 2059 that ST-01 finally reached full Stellaria-class specifications. During the Star Port upgrade (2059-11-25 to 2060-02-10), the remaining central expansion side modules, components for the second artificial-gravity ring, enhanced radiator systems, and mission-specific payloads were all installed. ST-01 thus transformed from its early hybrid configuration into a complete Stellaria-class mothership, ready for its first outer Solar System expedition.
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Stellaria-class construction is based at Star Port Station and large orbital shipyards. ST-01 and ST-02 are early ships optimized for fast deep-space exploration, outer-planet mission validation, and high-delta-v transfer. ST-03 and later standard ships emphasize larger payloads, greater crew redundancy, and long-duration multi-body expeditions. The difference between early and standard ships lies mainly in mission configuration, payload allocation, and long-duration habitation capacity.
After Star Port Station entered operation, later Stellaria-class motherships were assembled in large orbital shipyards. Standard construction usually delivered the central expansion section, command center, artificial-gravity modules, greenhouse module, truss, propulsion module, forward docking port, radiators, and fuel tanks through multiple Qingtian cargo-vehicle launches. Orbital shipyard assembly improved module size, integration accuracy, and test coverage.
The early configuration offered high delta-v and mission response. ST-01 could support Mars One construction, Europa outpost construction, and outer-planet surveys; ST-02 extended personnel rotation, scientific payload delivery, and deep-space exploration roles. Their missions provided operational data for later standard ships.
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ST-01 mission record
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ST-01 Stellaria is the lead ship of the class. It validated high-delta-v transfer, ferry-shuttle operation, long-duration residence, and outer-planet mission support. From 2056 onward, ST-01 supported Mars One construction, Europa outpost construction, and later deep-space science missions, establishing the basic operating pattern of Stellaria-class multi-body expedition motherships.
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Time
Mission or stage
Activity
Meaning
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2053-05-11 to 2054-04-28
Lead-ship preparation
Prepared propulsion, communications, life support, and deep-space mission systems for ST-01.
Established the lead ship's mission capability.
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2056-06-02 to 2056-07-01
Mars One construction mission 2 outbound leg
Completed a 29-day Earth-to-Mars transfer, the first crewed Mars mission using a Stellaria-class mothership.
Validated fast crewed Mars transfer and mothership support procedures.
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2056-07-03 to 2056-10-12
Mars surface operations and crew handoff
Supported Mars One construction, crew rotation, and surface work.
Established the mothership plus ferry shuttle plus surface base operating model.
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2057-02-27 to 2057-10-01
Europa Research Outpost construction mission 1
Supported the first crewed Europa mission and six crewed mothership-surface transfers using Callisto MPV.
Validated Stellaria-class operation in the Jovian radiation and long-delay communications environment.
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2058-01-05 to 2058-05-15
Low Earth orbit maintenance
Reinforced greenhouse, life-support, and artificial-gravity habitation systems.
Improved crew health and self-sufficiency for long missions.
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2059-11-25 to 2060-02-10
Star Port deep-space mission preparation
Checked radiation shielding, navigation, thermal control, and docking systems at Star Port Station.
Provided a servicing template for later outer-planet missions.
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ST-01 Stellaria is the lead ship of the class. It validated high-delta-v transfer, ferry-shuttle operation, long-duration residence, and outer-planet mission support. Since its first mission in 2055, ST-01 has executed a series of landmark expeditions -- inner Solar System exploration, Mars base construction, Europa outpost construction, and Saturn exploration -- establishing the fundamental operating pattern of Stellaria-class multi-body expedition motherships. Its complete mission record follows.
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Inner Solar System exploration mission 1 (2055-03 to 2056-04)
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The maiden operational mission of ST-01 Stellaria was an audacious inner Solar System expedition. On 2055-03-20, ST-01 departed Star Port Station at an injection velocity of 127 km/s, bound for Mercury. After only 28 days of flight, ST-01 arrived at Mercury on 2055-04-17, setting a then-record for the fastest interplanetary transfer.
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This was the first crewed Mercury mission in human history. From 2055-04-18 to 2055-08-14, ST-01's crew conducted 118 days of surface science operations on Mercury, carrying out geological sampling, solar-wind interaction studies, and life-support system validation under the extreme thermal conditions of the innermost planet. Surface EVA operations faced daytime temperatures exceeding 400 degrees C, but ST-01's enhanced thermal-control systems performed flawlessly.
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After the Mercury segment, ST-01 transferred to Venus on 2055-08-15 at 85 km/s. The Venus operations phase ran from 2055-10-01 to 2056-03-24, spanning 175 days, and achieved the first crewed Venus mission. Due to Venus's extreme surface temperature and pressure, no surface landing was attempted. Instead, the Callisto MPV conducted a comprehensive in-situ science campaign in the Venusian upper atmosphere, including atmospheric composition analysis, cloud-layer dynamics research, and greenhouse-effect modeling. This mission validated Stellaria-class thermal and radiation protection in the high-heat environment near the Sun, establishing operational benchmarks for all subsequent deep-space missions.
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For the return leg, ST-01 departed Venus on 2056-03-24 at 75 km/s and reached Earth in just 19 days, arriving on 2056-04-12. Remarkably, this was ST-01's first mission -- it completed a more challenging inner Solar System campaign before ever flying a Mars mission, demonstrating the formidable deep-space capability of the Stellaria class.
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Mars One construction mission 2 (2056-06 to 2056-11)
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Less than two months after returning from the inner Solar System, ST-01 was assigned a new mission: the first crewed Mars mission using a Stellaria-class mothership. On 2056-06-02, ST-01 departed Earth carrying large base-expansion modules and rotation crew, employing an ultra-fast transfer trajectory. Thanks to the Lightspeed engine's exceptional performance, the Earth-to-Mars transit took only 29 days, shattering the crewed Mars transfer time record.
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Upon arrival at Mars, ST-01 conducted base-construction and scientific operations from 2056-07-03 to 2056-10-12, a 101-day campaign in the Martian system. The most historic moment of the mission occurred on 2056-09-17: for the first time in human history, two motherships conducted a crew handoff at Mars. ST-01's crew met the XH-01 Xihe crew, which was already operating at Mars One Base, executing a cross-generational mothership crew rotation and mission handover in Mars orbit. This milestone established the multi-mothership coordinated operations model.
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The return transit departed Mars on 2056-10-15, using a blistering 212 km/s fast return trajectory that brought ST-01 back to Earth in just 19 days, arriving on 2056-11-03. This mission demonstrated Stellaria's speed advantage over the Xihe class in unmistakable terms, cementing the Lightspeed engine's central role in the fleet's rapid-response architecture.
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Europa Outpost construction mission 1 (2056-12 to 2057-12)
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Following the Mars mission, ST-01 rapidly pivoted to a far more distant objective: the Jovian system. On 2056-12-15, ST-01 performed its Jupiter injection burn at 165 km/s. After 72 days of deep-space cruise, it arrived in the Jupiter system on 2057-02-25. This was the first crewed Europa mission, and the single most demanding test of Stellaria-class operation in the Jovian radiation environment and long-delay communications conditions.
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Within the Jupiter system, ST-01 positioned itself in a high-safety-margin orbit, deliberately avoiding the most severe radiation belts. It served as a mobile command and support platform, while actual Europa surface transfer was executed by Callisto MPVs. From 2057-02-27 to 2057-10-01, a total of six crewed ferry flights were completed between the mothership and the Europa surface, delivering personnel and critical equipment for the construction of Europa Research Outpost. Ice-penetration drilling, subsurface ocean detection, and biosignature analysis yielded important scientific results during this period.
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For the return leg, ST-01 departed on 2057-10-04, executing a 216 km/s fast trajectory that covered the Jupiter-Earth distance in 77 days. ST-01 arrived at Earth on 2057-12-20. This year-long expedition established Europa Outpost's foundational infrastructure and, critically, validated the Stellaria class's long-duration autonomous operations capability in the outer Solar System's extreme environment.
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Major overhaul and upgrade (2058-01 to 2058-05)
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Following the Europa expedition, ST-01 entered the most significant maintenance and upgrade period of its service life. From 2058-01-05 to 2058-05-15, ST-01 underwent a 130-day major injection-style refit at Star Port Station. The three core upgrade projects were: installation of a new complete greenhouse module, significantly expanding closed-loop food production and air regeneration capacity; comprehensive life-support system upgrade, improving water-recycling efficiency, atmospheric composition control precision, and emergency redundancy levels; and installation of the second complete artificial-gravity habitation ring, making ST-01 the first mothership in the fleet with dual-ring redundancy -- even if one ring entered maintenance or reduced-power operation, the entire crew could still enjoy artificial-gravity conditions.
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This overhaul dramatically improved ST-01's long-duration self-sufficiency and crew-health assurance. After the upgrade, ST-01 became the most capable deep-space vessel in the fleet, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent 17-month Saturn expedition. Lessons from this overhaul directly influenced the factory-configuration designs of the later ST-02 and ST-03.
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Saturn exploration mission 1 (2058-06 to 2059-11)
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Fresh from its major overhaul, ST-01 embarked on the most ambitious expedition of its career. On 2058-06-01, ST-01 departed Earth at a staggering 210 km/s injection velocity, launching the first crewed Saturn mission in human history. After 133 days of deep-space cruise, ST-01, carrying two Echo ferry shuttles, arrived in the Saturn system on 2058-10-12, expanding the human presence to the outer gas-giant region of the Solar System for the first time.
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Within the Saturn system, ST-01 conducted an extensive 262-day science campaign (2058-10-12 to 2059-07-01). The centerpiece of the mission was the first human surface operations on Titan. Echo ferry shuttles executed descent, landing, and sample-collection missions in Titan's dense atmosphere, conducting in-depth studies of Titan's methane lakes, organic compounds, and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, ST-01's carried vehicles performed multiple flyby sampling passes of the Enceladus ice plumes, collecting precious samples of subsurface ocean ejecta. Close-range scientific observations of Saturn's ring system provided unprecedented data for ring-dynamics research.
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Throughout the mission, ST-01 also functioned as an active science-relay satellite, serving as the communications hub and preliminary sample-analysis center for the Saturn system, bridging data relay between the various vehicles and Earth. The return leg began on 2059-07-01 at 162 km/s, spanning 146 days, with ST-01 returning safely to Earth on 2059-11-24. This nearly 18-month expedition proved that humanity had achieved the capability for long-duration comprehensive scientific campaigns at Saturn-distance from Earth.
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Star Port upgrade (2059-11 to 2060-02)
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Upon returning from Saturn, ST-01 entered Star Port Station on 2059-11-25 for its second critical upgrade in service. This 77-day upgrade program (through 2060-02-10) carried special significance: it marked ST-01's formal transformation from an early hybrid configuration into a complete, full-specification Stellaria-class mothership.
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Previously, despite carrying the Lightspeed engine -- a Stellaria-class core propulsion system -- the rest of ST-01's hull had largely remained in the Xihe-class standard configuration. It was, in essence, a hybrid vessel: a Stellaria propulsion core mated to Xihe-class mission modules. The Star Port upgrade closed this long-standing structural gap: the remaining side modules of the central expansion section were all installed, the complete components of the second artificial-gravity ring were assembled, the RA-100-class long-range communications array was comprehensively upgraded, and enhanced radiation shielding covered previously unprotected hull sections. After passing the complete system closure test, ST-01 had finally evolved from a partial-specification vessel into a true, fully-realized Stellaria-class deep-space mothership. At this moment, ST-01 was ready for its next chapter: the farthest-distance crewed space mission in human history.
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Outer Solar System exploration mission 1 (2060-02 to ongoing)
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Just one day after completing its Star Port upgrade, ST-01 departed on 2060-02-11 at a departure velocity of 160 km/s, formally leaving Earth's gravitational influence on 2060-02-12 and setting course for the Neptune system. This is the Stellaria class's first outer Solar System expedition, and the farthest-distance crewed space mission in human history -- no crewed spacecraft had previously reached Neptune-orbit distance.
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The mission's primary scientific objectives include: in-situ exploration of Neptune's atmosphere, and a crewed landing and science campaign on Triton, Neptune's largest moon. Triton is considered one of the most promising candidates for a subsurface ocean in the Solar System, and its unique retrograde orbit and cryovolcanic activity hold extraordinary scientific value. The mission also includes plans for flyby observations of Neptune's ring system and other minor moons.
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As of 2060-03-12, ST-01 is in its cruise phase, en route to Neptune. This is a multi-year expedition that represents the cutting edge of contemporary human deep-space exploration. ST-01's current voyage carries the expectations of humanity's exploration of the Solar System's farthest frontier, and its mission results will have profound implications for understanding the formation and evolution of outer Solar System bodies.
Mission roles
The Stellaria class is mainly used for outer-planet and multi-body crewed exploration. It can also support off-world base construction, deep-space science, mobile mission control, and heavy payload towing. Its standard 500 t payload capacity is suited to base modules, surface vehicles, long-duration supplies, scientific instruments, and major repair equipment. The early high-delta-v ST-01/02 configuration carries less payload but supports faster deep-space and long-distance science missions.
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Operations and maintenance
Stellaria-class operations resemble those of a large orbital facility. Before departure, the mothership completes propulsion cold checks, reaction-mass loading, cryosleep testing, greenhouse-cycle confirmation, dual-ring balance testing, carried-vehicle attachment checks, and sample-isolation rehearsals at Star Port Station. During the mission, maintenance crews monitor radiator deployment, reactor output, life-support loops, communications-array pointing, and external-berth interfaces.
After return, maintenance is normally divided into propulsion and structure, life support, and mission payloads. Propulsion and structure work includes engine nozzles, radiators, trusses, and towing interfaces. Life-support work includes the greenhouse, air regeneration, water processing, and cryosleep systems. Mission-payload work includes sample handling, surface-vehicle cleaning, communications-array replacement, and scientific-instrument calibration.
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ST-01's major overhaul of 2058 (January to May, 130 days) was the first large-scale mid-life upgrade in Stellaria-class service history: a complete greenhouse module was added to expand food production, the life-support system underwent a comprehensive upgrade, and a second full artificial-gravity ring was installed -- giving ST-01 dual-ring redundancy so that artificial gravity can be maintained for the entire crew even when one ring is under maintenance or at reduced power. Lessons from this overhaul directly influenced the factory-configuration design of the subsequent ST-02 and ST-03.
Because Stellaria missions are long, the maintenance concept emphasizes repairability during flight. Central side modules store EVA equipment, spare parts, tools, and replaceable experiment packages. Cryosleep capsules can reduce short-term consumption during medical events, transfer-window delays, or elevated life-support loads. Carried vehicles can perform external inspection, towing, and close-range rescue.
Safety and mission constraints
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Fleet status
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Ship
Identifier
Status
Notes
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Ship
Construction
Status
Current mission
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Stellaria
ST-01
In service / upgrading
Lead ship using the early high-delta-v configuration; supported Mars One construction, Europa outpost missions, and Saturn-system science.
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Second early ship
ST-02
In service
Early ship assigned to Europa outpost crew rotation and Venus-probe support, with return servicing planned.
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Unnamed ship
ST-03
Planned
First standard Stellaria-class ship planned for Jovian-moon exploration and asteroid-belt research.
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ST-01 Stellaria
2050-09 to 2054-04 (incl. suspension and reconfiguration)
In service
Outer Solar System exploration mission 1 (to Neptune, departed 2060-02-11)
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ST-02 Stellaria NEXT
~2050-09 to 2055-10
In service
Europa Outpost crew rotation and Venus exploration support
ST-03's status has been corrected from "planned" to "in service" -- the ship already flew its first Mars mission in 2059-08. Stellaria-class production continues with ST-04 under construction in the orbital shipyard, with assembly completion expected around January 2063. ST-01 and ST-02 are early high-delta-v configuration ships, optimized for fast deep-space exploration and outer-planet mission validation. ST-03 and subsequent standard ships emphasize larger central volume, higher payload capacity, longer life-support endurance, and greater mission redundancy. Both configurations belong to the same Stellaria-class lineage, differing primarily in mission emphasis, payload allocation, and long-duration habitation capability.
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Images
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Stellaria-class full side-view image placeholder
107.5 m overall configuration, dual artificial-gravity rings, and propulsion-module proportions.
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Central expansion section image placeholder
Four side modules, cryosleep capsules, observation cupolas, and communications arrays.
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Lightspeed engine and radiators image placeholder
High-energy mass-driver propulsion, truss separation, and large radiator arrays.
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Two Echo shuttles externally berthed image placeholder
Expedition configuration with two carried ferry shuttles.
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Europa outpost ferry mission image placeholder
Mothership-to-surface vehicle operations during ST-01 Europa missions.
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Star Port deep-space preparation image placeholder
Maintenance and servicing before or after outer-planet missions.
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Jinwu-class cargo ship
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Ship
Identifier
Construction
Status
Current mission
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Jinwu
JW-01
Started 2058-09
In service (commissioned 2059-09)
Europa Outpost expansion mission (2060-03)
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JW-02
Started 2059-01
In service (commissioned 2059-12)
Mars One Base phase-3 expansion cargo transport
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JW-03
Started 2059-09
Under construction
Expected to support long-duration Saturn system survey logistics
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The Jinwu-class cargo ship is a heavy Solar System cargo transport system operating alongside Stellaria-class motherships. Designed specifically for the construction and resupply of large off-world facilities throughout the Solar System, the class has a single-trip capacity exceeding 300 tonnes. Its propulsion system employs high-efficiency ion/plasma drives optimized for interplanetary cargo routes, enabling regular cargo flights to Mars, the Jovian system, and beyond with relatively low propellant consumption. The Jinwu class operates in coordination with Qingtian (Optimus) cargo vehicles: Qingtian handles medium-to-heavy transfers from low Earth orbit to Star Port Station, while Jinwu covers long-distance bulk cargo transport from Star Port to target systems, together supporting the construction and expansion of Mars One Base and Europa Research Outpost. JW-01 completed commissioning in 2059-09 and entered service, having already conducted multiple Mars and Jovian system cargo missions. JW-02 completed commissioning in 2059-12 and is currently supporting ST-02's Europa Outpost expansion cargo deliveries. JW-03 is currently under construction and, once completed, will further extend the deep-space cargo network's coverage, providing logistics support for future Saturn and Uranus missions.
Propulsion: Perseverance mass-driver propulsion system
Full-load delta-v: About 1700 km/s
Successor: Stellaria class
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Current status: XH-01 at Jupiter system, Europa Expedition 3 (ongoing)
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The Xihe-class interplanetary exploration mothership is a first-generation large crewed mothership designed for long-range operations inside the Solar System. Named after Xihe, the solar deity in Chinese mythology, the class supports scientific expeditions, off-world base construction, crew rotation, and deep-space technology validation around Mars, the Jovian moons, and other target bodies.
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The Xihe-class interplanetary exploration mothership is a first-generation large crewed mothership designed for long-range operations inside the Solar System. Named after Xihe, the solar deity in Chinese mythology, the class supports scientific expeditions, off-world base construction, crew rotation, and deep-space technology validation around Mars, the Jovian moons, and other target bodies. As of March 2060, the lead ship Xihe (XH-01) is in the Jovian system on Europa Expedition 3, continuing deep-space exploration and base-support duties. As of March 2060, the Xihe class has three active ships (XH-01 Xihe, XH-02 Taibai, XH-03 Changxi) and one under construction (XH-04). The lead ship Xihe is currently executing Europa Expedition 3 in the Jovian system.
The class uses an axial modular configuration with a mass-driver main propulsion system, an Ark cold-fusion reactor, closed-loop life support, an artificial-gravity habitation ring, scientific facilities, a greenhouse module, and reinforced docking hardware. It is not capable of atmospheric re-entry or planetary landing. Surface access and short-range target-system transport are handled by carried ferry shuttles and surface vehicles.
Before the Stellaria class entered service, Xihe-class motherships served as the main platform for multiple interplanetary missions. XH-01 was assembled in low Earth orbit from 2050 to 2052 and subsequently supported Mars-orbit validation, Mars base construction, Europa outpost construction, and Jovian-system scientific operations. The class provided the operational foundation for later interplanetary exploration motherships.
The Xihe class refers both to the class led by XH-01 and to the technical lineage used by later XH-numbered motherships. XH-02 Taibai and XH-03 Changxi continued the class in Mars-base supply, Star Port servicing, and deep-space infrastructure support.
The lead ship Xihe (XH-01) was assembled in low Earth orbit between 2050 and 2052. Early components were delivered by Vulture shuttles, with the first launch missions placing the central docking hub as a temporary work platform. The artificial-gravity ring exceeded shuttle cargo-bay limits and was launched separately by a super-heavy vehicle.
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After main assembly, XH-01 completed low Earth orbit checkout, geostationary-orbit maneuvers, lunar-orbit round trips, and full-system pressure testing. Later mothership construction increasingly moved toward Star Port Station and large orbital shipyards, with Qingtian cargo vehicles carrying more of the large-module transport work.
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Xihe-class construction experience directly influenced the Stellaria class. Stellaria retained the axial spine, artificial-gravity ring, and central docking logic while increasing propulsion capability, central volume, long-duration life support, and cryosleep capacity.
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The lead ship Xihe (XH-01) was assembled in low Earth orbit between 2050 and 2052. The first module arrived in LEO on 2050-03-15, delivered by Vulture shuttles to begin orbital assembly. The artificial-gravity ring exceeded shuttle cargo-bay limits and was launched separately by a super-heavy vehicle. Main assembly took 693 days and was completed on 2052-02-06.
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The orbital commissioning phase (2052-06-01 to 2052-11-30) included low Earth orbit checkout, geostationary-orbit maneuvers, lunar-orbit round trips, and full-system pressure testing, verifying structural integrity, thermal stability, propulsion response, and long-duration life-support endurance. Immediately after commissioning, XH-01 entered the Deep Space Test Mission (2053), an uncrewed flight to the Sun-Earth L2 point lasting 340 days, which validated autonomous navigation, remote telemetry, and large-payload delivery ahead of the first crewed Mars mission.
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Xihe-class construction experience directly influenced the Stellaria class. Stellaria retained the axial spine, artificial-gravity ring, and central docking logic while increasing propulsion capability, central volume, long-duration life support, and cryosleep capacity. Later mothership construction increasingly moved toward Star Port Station and large orbital shipyards, with Qingtian cargo vehicles carrying more of the large-module transport work.
Operational history
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After completing assembly in 2052, XH-01 entered orbital checkout and then Mars and Jovian-system missions. Early uncrewed Mars-orbit validation deployed equipment for Mars One base construction and tested autonomous deep-space navigation, remote control, and large-payload delivery. Later crewed Mars missions used Echo shuttles for surface landing and crew transfer.
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During the Jovian phase, XH-01 supported Europa Research Outpost construction, subsurface radar deployment, power expansion, and long-duration scientific operations. Some mission packages included Io plume sampling, Ganymede magnetic-field mapping, and Jovian-ring dust collection. From late 2059 to early 2060, XH-01 underwent a major Star Port Station upgrade covering radiation shielding, water processing, greenhouse interfaces, the forward docking structure, and navigation systems.
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After completing assembly in 2052, XH-01 entered orbital checkout and then Mars and Jovian-system missions. The following is an overview of XH-01's major mission phases since commissioning.
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Deep Space Test Mission (2053)
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On January 12, 2053, Xihe departed low Earth orbit in an uncrewed configuration bound for the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, executing a 340-day deep-space test mission that concluded on December 18, 2053. This was the first Xihe-class deep-space operation and the longest uncrewed autonomous deep-space flight in the Chinese space program at that time.
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During the mission, Xihe validated several systems critical to subsequent crewed operations: long-duration autonomous navigation and station-keeping, deep-space communications stability at Sun-Earth L2 distances, radiation shielding effectiveness in the actual deep-space environment, and extended uncrewed operation of the closed-loop life-support system. The flight computer executed all orbital maneuvers and system scheduling without real-time ground intervention.
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After returning to LEO, Xihe underwent a comprehensive post-flight evaluation. Based on telemetry analysis, the engineering team applied targeted upgrades to propulsion redundancy, communications antenna pointing mechanisms, and life-support recirculation loops, preparing the ship for its first crewed Mars mission. The Deep Space Test Mission formally transitioned the Xihe class from an orbital test platform to a mission-capable deep-space asset.
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Mars Mission Demonstration (2054-2055)
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On July 10, 2054, Xihe departed LEO with a 102 km/s injection burn, arriving at Mars on August 21, 2054 after 42 days of interplanetary cruise. The mission remained uncrewed; its core objective was validating the mothership's deep-space delivery capability in an actual Mars orbital environment.
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Upon Mars arrival, Xihe successfully delivered the first Mars One base equipment package, which included habitation module components, solar array support structures, and initial life-support hardware. The surface operations phase ran from August 21, 2054 to January 10, 2055 — 142 days — during which Xihe remained in high Mars orbit, monitoring equipment deployment and self-check status via telemetry relay.
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On January 10, 2055, Xihe departed Mars orbit with a 97 km/s injection, reaching Earth on February 28, 2055. The mission definitively proved that the Xihe class could operate reliably at Mars distance and deliver heavy payloads to the Martian surface, clearing the final critical hurdle for crewed Mars missions.
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Mars One Base Construction Mission 1 (2055-2056)
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On June 15, 2055, Xihe departed LEO carrying the first Mars construction crew, arriving at Mars on July 30, 2055. This was the first crewed Mars mission of the Xihe class and the first time astronauts traveled to another planet aboard a mothership-class platform.
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Surface operations extended from July 30, 2055 to February 7, 2056 — 192 days. During this period, the crew established the core infrastructure of Mars One Base: mating and pressurizing the primary habitation module, activating initial life-support systems, erecting communications antennas, and conducting the first scientific surveys of the Martian surface. Xihe remained on standby in high Mars orbit, with Echo-class shuttles providing crew and cargo surface transfer.
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For the return leg, Xihe employed the FAST RETURN trajectory for the first time, injecting from Mars orbit into the Earth-Mars transfer with a 207 km/s burn, substantially shortening the return transit. Departing February 7, 2056 and arriving at Earth on March 18, 2056, the return trip took only 39 days. After return, Xihe entered a maintenance cycle (March 25 to June 20, 2056, 87 days) for its first comprehensive post-mission inspection of propulsion, docking interfaces, and life-support equipment.
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Mars One Base Construction Mission 3 (2056-2057)
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On July 30, 2056, Xihe departed again for Mars at 95 km/s injection, arriving on September 15, 2056. The defining moment of this mission came on September 17, 2056, when Xihe's crew met the Stellaria-class ST-01 crew on the Martian surface, completing humanity's first interplanetary crew handover. With XH-01 and ST-01 simultaneously present in the Mars system, this event marked the beginning of coordinated multi-mothership operations.
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The surface stay ran from September 15, 2056 to February 12, 2057. During this period, Xihe's crew took over Mars One Base operations while simultaneously extending base infrastructure and conducting a second round of scientific surveys. While both motherships were in Mars orbit, they also completed the first inter-mothership cargo transfer and joint communications relay test, accumulating invaluable experience for future multi-platform missions.
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This was the first coordinated two-mothership operation in history, demonstrating the feasibility of operating two large crewed spacecraft simultaneously around another planet. The lessons learned directly informed planning for later multi-platform Jovian-system operations.
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Mars Expedition 2 (2057-2058)
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On May 5, 2057, Xihe departed for the now-established Mars One Base, arriving on June 22, 2057. Unlike previous construction-focused missions, this expedition emphasized scientific investigation and base operations, while also pioneering the inclusion of commercial space tourism.
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The surface stay lasted 300 days — the longest continuous human presence on the Martian surface recorded to that date. The crew conducted extensive scientific work including Martian geological sampling, atmospheric studies, subsurface ice detection, and long-duration physiological data collection. The expedition also completed a base expansion, adding a dedicated laboratory module and upgraded water-recovery facilities.
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The mission's most significant milestone was carrying the first paying passengers to the Martian surface. These passengers participated in science-support work and surface exploration activities during their stay. The achievement demonstrated that deep-space tourism had reached commercial viability at both the technical and operational levels. The return leg began on April 18, 2058, with a 115 km/s injection departing Mars, arriving at Earth on May 20, 2058.
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Europa Expedition 1 (2058-2059)
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On July 10, 2058, Xihe departed LEO with a 160 km/s injection bound for the Jovian system — the first Xihe-class mission beyond Mars orbit and into the outer Solar System. After 77 days of interplanetary cruise, Xihe arrived at Jupiter on September 25, 2058.
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Xihe spent 288 days in the Jovian system, conducting scientific investigations across multiple target bodies. Europa surface operations, focused on subsurface ocean sounding, surface composition analysis, and radiation environment measurement, continued until December 15, 2058. The mothership then repositioned near Io for a volcanic plume sampling mission from December 20, 2058 to January 20, 2059, deploying probes to fly through eruption plumes and collect precious ejecta samples. On July 5, 2059, the expedition completed magnetic-field mapping and surface geological surveys of Ganymede.
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On July 10, 2059, Xihe departed the Jovian system for the 128-day return voyage, docking at Star Port Station on November 15, 2059. The success of Europa Expedition 1 irrefutably demonstrated that the Xihe class was capable of executing long-duration, complex scientific missions in the outer Solar System, opening the door to subsequent Jovian expeditions.
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Greenhouse Upgrade and Maintenance (2059-2060)
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On November 16, 2059, Xihe began a 95-day deep maintenance and upgrade cycle at Star Port Station, concluding on February 19, 2060. After missions spanning from Mars to Jupiter, the mothership required a comprehensive systems overhaul to meet the demands of more intensive, longer-distance deep-space operations.
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The centerpiece of this upgrade was the greenhouse module's complete renovation: the hydroponic system was upgraded from single-crop cultivation to multi-zone rotational planting, nutrient-loop efficiency was improved by approximately 40%, and automated environmental control and disease monitoring systems were added. These enhancements aimed to support longer-duration missions with reduced reliance on resupply. For radiation protection, additional composite shielding was installed around the command center, habitation modules, and medical bay. The water-recycling system underwent a complete overhaul, with all membrane filters replaced and purification units upgraded, raising the closed-loop recovery rate above 97%.
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Additionally, the navigation system received next-generation deep-space star trackers and inertial measurement units, all docking-seal assemblies on the forward docking hub were replaced, and the external sensor array and communications antennas underwent full calibration and partial replacement. This maintenance cycle restored Xihe's systems to near-new condition, thoroughly preparing the ship for the upcoming Europa Expedition 3.
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Europa Expedition 3 (2060-02 - ongoing)
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On February 20, 2060, the upgraded Xihe departed once more for the Jovian system with a 163 km/s injection burn. This is the Xihe class's third Jovian expedition and the most ambitious outer Solar System mission to date. Xihe is scheduled to arrive at the Jovian system on May 1, 2060.
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The Europa Expedition 3 mission plan encompasses consecutive exploration of multiple Jovian targets: first an Io surface landing operation, followed by a transfer to Ganymede for surface reconnaissance, and finally arrival at Callisto around May 25, 2060 for scientific observations. This multi-target continuous exploration plan takes full advantage of Jovian-system orbital alignment windows, demonstrating the Xihe class's scheduling capability for complex multi-body missions.
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As of March 2060, Xihe is in transit on its Jupiter transfer trajectory, with all systems operating nominally and crew in good condition. Data from this mission will provide critical input for the expansion of Europa Outpost and the planning of second-generation motherships' outer Solar System operations.
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Stage
Time
Main activity
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Fleet and successors
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Ship or class
Identifier
Notes
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Ship
Construction
Status
Current Mission
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Xihe
XH-01
Lead ship; completed multiple Mars and Jovian-system missions and later received Star Port upgrades.
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Taibai
XH-02
Later Xihe-class mothership used for Mars One supply transfer and base-expansion support.
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Changxi
XH-03
Later Xihe-class mothership used for Star Port servicing, Jupiter relay deployment refit, and deep-space infrastructure support.
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Stellaria class
ST series
Second-generation exploration mothership class developed from Xihe operational experience, with a larger central expansion section and Lightspeed mass-driver engine.
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XH-01 Xihe
2050-03 → 2052-02
Active
Europa Expedition 3 (Jovian system, departed 2060-02-20)
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XH-02 Taibai
2054-12 → 2056-10
Active
Post-Vesta mission maintenance, Mars Expeditions 3/4
Axial-spine configuration and propulsion-module placement.
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XH-01 low Earth orbit assembly image placeholder
Large-module transfer between Vulture shuttles, orbital shipyards, and the mothership.
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Echo external berth image placeholder
Two Echo shuttles or compatible vehicles as carried ferry shuttles.
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Mars-system mission image placeholder
The mothership remains in a high orbit while ferry shuttles serve Mars, Phobos, and Deimos.
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Europa outpost support image placeholder
Mothership standby and surface-operation division in the Jovian radiation environment.
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Star Port upgrade image placeholder
Post-return radiation shielding, navigation, and docking-structure upgrades.
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The lead ship XH-01 Xihe pioneered deep-space mothership operations, undertaking the first deep-space test, the first crewed Mars construction mission, and the first outer Solar System expedition, while leading the core construction of Mars One Base. XH-02 Taibai began construction in December 2054 and was completed in October 2056. It subsequently executed the Vesta mission (May 2057 to January 2058) and transport support for Mars Expeditions 3 and 4, further validating the Xihe class's multi-ship production and coordination capabilities. XH-03 Changxi began construction in February 2056 and was completed in December 2059, commissioned in January 2060, with a mission specialization in Jupiter relay communications satellite deployment and deep-space communications infrastructure support. XH-04 began construction in September 2059 with expected completion in August 2061, currently in the assembly phase, maintaining Xihe-class production continuity.
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In the supporting cargo fleet, Jinniao-class cargo ships JW-01 through JW-03 provide regular heavy cargo resupply to Mars One Base and Europa Outpost, handling bulk transport of propellant, construction materials, consumables, and replacement equipment. The Jinniao class and Xihe-class motherships form a mutually supporting logistics chain stretching from low Earth orbit to the Mars and Jovian systems.
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As the Stellaria class entered service, the Xihe class gradually shifted to routine inner-Solar-System support, technology validation, and high-reliability backup platform roles. The upgraded XH-01 approached later motherships in radiation protection and data-processing capability while remaining smaller in scale and long-duration crew capacity. Construction of XH-04 confirms that the Xihe lineage maintains production capacity in the second-generation-mothership era, supplementing platform numbers for high-tempo missions.