Classifications of Spacefaring Ships

Spacefaring ships are classified into three general categories based on their size and capabilities. Those categories are Light, Medium, and Heavy. Although there is significant overlap in capabilities between the categories, each spacefaring ship class is assigned only one of these categories, typically based on size first and foremost.

The History

The first organization to officially classify its space-faring vessels was the United Terran Commonwealth shortly after their foundation in 2227 CE. The original UTC classifications were applied to all ships, be they civilian, commercial, or military in usage.
By the time of the Terran Colonial Wars, the classifying of ships was only applicable to military vessels, and the system used was outdated and inaccurate. The classifications of today (c. 2532 CE) were devised in 2491 CE by the Democratic Peoples of Terra, and are currently in use by most factions.

The Modern Classifications

Light-Class Space Vessels

Light-Class space vessels are between 10 m and 100 m long. Most light-class space vessels are capable of operating planet-side, or within the mesosphere of atmospheric planets. Additionally, most light-class spacefaring vehicles under 60 m long are not wormhole-safe. Most light-class space vessels are capable of using Ion Shield Generators.

Examples of Light-Class Space Vessels

Energy Cruiser (E-Cruiser)

Exospheric Combat Vessel (ECV)

Frigate

Medium-Class Space Vessels

Medium-Class space vessels are between 100 m and 400 m long. Most medium-class space vessels are capable of operating space-side, or outside of the mesospheres of atmospheric planets, but only some ships of this class can operate planet-side as well. Almost all medium-class spacefaring vehicles are wormhole-safe. Most medium-class space vessels are capable of using Ion Shield Generators.

Examples of Medium-Class Space Vessels

Destroyer

Exploration Ship (Exie)

Transport Vessel

Heavy-Class Space Vessels

Heavy-Class space vessels are between 400 m and 920 m long. Almost all heavy-class space vessels are only capable of operating space-side, with the notable exception of the Landing Carrier. Most heavy-class spacefaring vehicles are not capable of utilizing Ion Shield Generators, and instead opt for Reactive Armor. All heavy-class space vehicles are wormhole-safe.

Examples of Heavy-Class Space Vessels

Battlecruiser

Heavy Assault Ship (Dreadnought)

Landing Carrier

Types

Light
Medium
Heavy