Astrophysics Officer

Lieutenant Amelia Chen is an astrophysics specialist, and is a member of the science branch. Chen’s military background allowed for direct entry as a commissioned officer in the ISDC.

The science officer posted to the bridge will typically be an astrophysicist as those skills will be required to analyse any phenomena or unknown vessels encountered by Endeavour. The bridge science console will have access to a range of short and long range sensor systems.

Short range sensors provide details of nearby objects (up to 5000 GU’s - well outside visual range) using passive analysis of emitted EM and active scans which use RADAR. Together these systems can provide an understanding of the structure and configuration of an object in space as well as any activity that generates EM such as propulsion, weapons or communications systems.

Long range sensors use radio telescopy and other sensor systems to interpret EM emitted by distant celestial phenomena. This data can be used to identify points of interest for further exploration or any unusual activity that may represent a danger to the vessel.

As the bridge science officer, Chen would be responsible for interpreting the sensor data and advising the Conn on any tactical, navigational or scientific implications.

Where relevant the bridge science officer will also be supported by specialists from other disciplines such as astronomy or planetary sciences.

What Would I Be doing?

Interested in Lieutenant Chen's role as an astrophysics officer?

You'll bring your existing scientific qualifications to the role and complete training on the operation of the vessels' sensor systems

Once you've completed training you'll be able to gain more experience by joining simulator missions chosen from a growing library of tactical, exploratory, scientific and diplomatic scenarios.

As science officer on these missions you'll need to be ready to explain the unexpected or the unusual to the rest of the crew so that they can log a new discovery, make first contact or prepare to defend the vessel. While you may be supported by specialists from other disciplines such as geophysics and exolinguistics, you must be ready and able to handle a number of scenarios yourself:

Tactical Analysis

The tactical team can spot and track other objects such as vessels in space, but only the science officer can scan and visualise those vessels. The science officer would provide guidance on the configuration of a vessel including whether it had been encountered before and provide warning of possible hostile action.

Scientific Analysis

Not everything encountered in space is necessarily a ship or even artificially constructed. A science officer needs to analyse an unknown object or phenomenon quickly and provide guidance to the Conn on how to deal with it.

In some cases this may involve determining whether the object or phenomenon is trying to communicate and how to respond. Once channels of communication were opened, an exolinguist would assist with interpreting the message.

Planetary Analysis

Exploring strange new worlds will be an important part of achieving Endeavour's mission to make first contact with new sentient species.

While detailed planetary analysis would be managed by a geophysics specialist, any science officer needs to be capable of performing orbital scans to assess whether a planet is worth further exploration in the context of the mission.

Becoming an Astrophysics Officer

To join the mission you'll need to sign up as crew, which gives you access to online training at the Academy including the simulator facility.

Science officers follow a specialist career track and depending on your existing academic or technical qualifications you'll have the option of direct entry as a commission officer or as a (non-military) warrant officer.

To become an astrophysics officer you'll complete training on sensor systems. As you become 'rated' on each system you'll be able to operate that system in the simulator during missions. 

Once you've logged the required mission hours operating those systems, you'll qualify as a science officer.

Your profile will display which systems you're rated on, as well as show your current rank and qualification insignia.

Sign up now or contact a recruiter for help.