These ships conduct planetary or stellar surveys or just explore -- the Scout Service's mission for "scoutships".

Joyeuse Lab Ship

TO:   BuProc
FROM: AHC
DATE: 176
DIST: * TS *

Begin construction of the attached LA-12/10k armored lab ship.  Double
yard capacity is authorized, for a duration of 114 weeks.  MCr6988.962
is authorized.

LA-12/10k   Lumiere   LA-K4222F3-A00100-00009$-1   MCr6876.462   10kT
             batt bear                      2L               Crew=119
                  batt                      2L                  TL=12
Pass=350 (175 extra staterooms for scientific personnel; I guess they
can double up).  Low=0.  Cargo=530.  Fuel=3400 (extra month PP, extra
jump-1).  EP=200.  Agility=1.  Marines=0.  Backup bridge.  3 backup
Model/6fib (I suppose the extra bridge and comps are used for observa-
tions).  Scoops.  Pure.  *TS* NOTE: $ is 80 triple missile turrets
configured for 20 anti-missile batteries.  Drop tanks 2000T (1 jump-
2).  Hangar space 650T (10 FF).

END MSG