USS Equinox, NCC-72381

USS Equinox, NCC-72381
Class	Nova class
Registry	NCC-72831
Status	Destroyed (2376)

The USS Equinox, NCC-72381 was a 24th century Federation Science vessel, Nova Class, operated by Starfleet.

Constructed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, it was launched in 2370, and destroyed in 2376 by Nucleogenic lifeforms.

A limited role starship, designed for short-term planetary research, it had a top speed of Warp 8.

In early 2371, the Equinox was pulled into the Delta Quadrant, like the USS Voyager, by the entity known as the Caretaker.
39 of the crew (roughly half) were killed in a conflict with the Krowtonan Guard.

On their way back to the Alpha Quadrant, the ship made first contact with several hostile species, and few friendly ones. The ship's eventual end came with they took advantage of vulnerable lifeforms, using their energy to power the ship. Five crewmembers were able to be saved by the USS Voyager, whom are stripped of their rank by Captain Janeway.