Explorer ships spend a great deal of their time exploring the "RIM", the uncharted and unexplored areas of space that have not been claimed by any known race. As this is the case, Explorer ships are often the first class of vessel unknown alien beings come in contact with. This privilege and burden is not taken lightly and, as the slightest misinterpreted action can result in tragedy, the crews and commanding officers of Explorer ships are extremely well versed in First Contact procedures.
Due to Explorer class ships dominating the exploration field, they are equipped with the latest in sensor and communications technology, allowing greater ease in contacting and communicating with different alien species. Also, several large planetary drop ships allow Explorer ships to chart and explore entire planets within a few short weeks, laying the foundation for a more detailed expedition.
Though Explorer class ships have more than enough power to jump into Hyperspace and go where they will, the bulk of an Explorer class ship's mass consist of spare parts with which to build Jump Gates. The continual construction and distribution of Jump Gates makes it easier for other Earth Alliance vessels and commercial ship to jump into new areas of space. This provides the Earth Alliance with a quick and effective way to quickly expand humanities sphere of influence, as well as to gain valuable resources and revenue, as Earth can charge the governments of other races for use of Alliance Jump Gates
