| Escape pod | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | |
| Name | Escape pod |
| Continuity | Various |
| Model | Various |
| Class | Various |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Statistics | |
| Crew | None |
| Passengers | 1-2 |
| Armament | None |
| Length | 4 meters (average) |
| Width | 3 meters (average) |
| Weight | |
| Complement | |
| First Appearance | |
Escape pods are small capsules located on larger space-faring vessels such as starships or heavy cruisers. Their primary function is to serve as an evacuation tool during emergency situations. Escape pods are usually very small, with a single compartment that can accomdate one to two passengers. They use standard propulsion systems and are not equipped for FTL travel. Most escape pods can be pre-programmed to find the closest inhabitable ship or system on which to land. Though small, Escape pods are extremely durable and are designed to not only endure the rigors of outer space, but also the intense friction of planetary re-entry as well as landing.
One of the more famous examples of an escape pod was the Class-6 Escape pod featured in the 1977 film Star Wars. In the film, the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO fled from the Imperial Star Destroyer Devastator in the escape pod and landed on the nearby desert planet Tatooine.
A more advanced form of lifeboat was featured in the 1979 film Alien. After barely surviving an attack by a xenomorph, Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley set the mining ship the USCSS Nostromo on self-destruct and got away aboard the ship's escape vessel, the USCSS Narcissus.
Escape pods were also found on most starships featured in the television series Andromeda. In the pilot episode, "Under the Night", Captain Dylan Hunt orders the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant to evacuate the ship in the escape pods.
Notes & Trivia[]
- Escape pods are also referred to as life pods or life boats.
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