ESSV-S45 Hermes-class

The ESPS-S45 Hermes-class (aka Hermes-class) is a transport shuttle widely used throughout UES space.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
In order to provide efficient short range travel in-between destinations easily reachable by ship Hermes-class shuttles are often made us of. While originally designed by the ESPF for supply and personnel transport the Hermes-class is often seen in use by numerous civilian groups due to its low maintenance and efficient design. The shuttle's most notable feature is a large cargo bay situated behind the main passenger section, while normally used for cargo storage the bay can be fitted with a number of different modules. This grants the ship a large range of roles, several notable examples include a deep space lab, expanded passenger section, communications relay and satellite deployment module. The Hermes-class use two four-grid electrostatic ion thrusters for propulsion, powered by a pair of standard hydrogen fuel cells, allowing the ship extended periods of function without needing to refuel. If needed, the shuttle can be fitted with a space booster to break out of the Earth's gravity and is capable of atmospheric re-entry with limited flight abilities in gravity. Despite not being built for long range travel, the shuttle is capable of using Waypoint Stations for travel and are the smallest vessels capable of doing so.

History
A Hermes-class shuttle was dispatched to Athena with pilot candidates for Project Storm, however the shuttle was destroyed en-route, killing the crew.