The Odyssey’s ventral equipment pod is equipped with a series of remotely-controlled survey probes, designed for investigation and retrieval of samples of both planetary and stellar phenomena. These are unique to the class, and serve in addition to the standard probe complement aboard the ship that are deployed via the torpedo launchers.

The pod’s quarantined nature connected to the exterior of the ship means that the pods’ bays are separated from the rest of the ship, allowing for collection of potentially dangerous material with mitigation of risk to the crew. Of course, once material is within the pod, it is possible to transfer it to the interior of the ship via secured, bio-filtered corridors, allowing the transfer of samples directly to laboratories.

The Odyssey launched with six probes, and the parts and materials for a handful more.