Mars History

Mars has played a crucial role in Federation operations throughout history, from the original Utopia Planitia Shipyards to the modern Mars Defence Perimeter. This page provides an overview of Mars's history and its significance to Starfleet.

Early History

Mars was terraformed in 2155, allowing free movement around the planet without the need for environmental suits. The planet became home to extensive Starfleet facilities, including the famous Utopia Planitia Shipyards, which constructed many of Starfleet's most famous vessels.

The surface facilities served areas of research, security, medical, training, and engineering. The orbital facilities included shipyards, launch bays for fighter squadrons, and a starbase in orbit of Mars.

The Attack on Mars (2385)

In 2385, a massive synth attack devastated the Utopia Planitia Shipyards on Mars. The attack destroyed the rescue armada being built for the Romulan evacuation, killed over 90,000 people, and led to a Federation-wide ban on synthetic lifeforms.

This attack had devastating consequences. When the Hobus star went supernova in 2387, destroying Romulus and Remus, the Federation's rescue armada had been destroyed in the Mars attack and was unable to assist. Billions of Romulans died, and the Romulan Star Empire collapsed.

For more information, see the Timeline page.

Abandonment Period

Following the attack and the Federation's contraction period, Mars facilities fell into disuse. By the time Admiral Remae Ktell arrived in 2444, the facilities were largely deserted:

  • The shipyards were mostly dark and offline
  • Most docks were occupied by ships that were simple frames, damaged, or in need of care
  • The starbase in orbit was empty of people and power
  • Surface facilities were like a ghost town
  • Much of the Andorian technology had been removed when Andoria left the Federation in 2418

Admiral Donovan Cayne, Commander in Chief of Starfleet, explained that when Andoria left the Federation, they had accessed any technology they had a hand in developing as per their treaty. The process had taken a long time but was finally completed. Much of what they took had been replaced, but their expertise in weapons was one of the drivers of why the Federation wanted nothing more to do with them.

Rebuilding Under Admiral Ktell (2444)

Following "The Incident" in 2443, President Stiave Atremi was elected and tasked Admiral Remae Ktell with rebuilding Starfleet. The Mars Defence Perimeter was chosen as the operational headquarters for this effort.

Key events in the rebuilding:

  • May 2nd, 2444: President Atremi meets with Admiral Ktell to discuss rebuilding Starfleet
  • May 9th, 2444: Admiral Ktell arrives at Mars to find the facilities deserted
  • May 10th, 2444: Admiral Ktell takes command of the USS Republic, an Odyssey-class starship parked at the shipyards
  • June 1st, 2444: Personnel begin arriving on Mars, mostly Ensigns
  • Admiral Ktell organizes personnel by department: Science, Engineering, Security, Medical, Pilots, and Intelligence

The rebuilding effort focused on restoring power to the facilities, organizing personnel, and preparing for operations. Admiral Ktell restored some power to the systems of the old starbase and began coordinating the arrival of personnel and supplies.

Current Operations

Today, the Mars Defence Perimeter serves as the command center for all operations in the Sol System. The facilities include:

  • Orbital Facilities: A starbase in orbit of Mars, shipyards, launch bays for fighter squadrons
  • Surface Facilities: Medical facilities, science facilities, security training areas, engineering facilities, pilot training grounds
  • Operations Command and Control: The command centre for all operations in the area

The MDP maintains facilities for all administration of Martian operations and serves as the operational headquarters for the 52nd Fleet's rebuilding efforts.

Notable Facilities

Throughout its history, Mars has been home to many notable facilities:

  • Utopia Planitia Shipyards: One of Starfleet's most important shipyards, responsible for constructing many famous vessels
  • Starbase Valhalla: Located in orbit with Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, played a role in the Federation Civil War
  • Mars Defence Perimeter: The current operational headquarters for the 52nd Fleet
  • Medical Facilities: Capable of treating large numbers of patients, including offices, personal quarters, counselling suites, medical research and training areas
  • Science Facilities: Scientific research, experimentation, testing and training facilities
  • Security Facilities: Training areas spread across all facilities of Mars
  • Engineering and Shipyards: Teams work on shipyards to construct or repair ships, responsible for upkeep of all sections within Martian space
  • Pilot Training Grounds: Pilots protect the area, flying sorties around Mars and around Sector 001

For more information about current Mars facilities, see the Mars Facilities page and the Mars Home page. For comprehensive historical information, visit the STF Wiki Mars Defence Perimeter page.