Federation HQ in space....

[Mage]

It really only just fully sank in....
Even after Earth joining the Federation again, the mobile starbase was still used as HQ, and as we see in the finale, years later is even expanded with more stations and still in space.

And it makes sense. For a huge coalition like the Federation, not having a HQ on a member world but rather in space seems more logical. Now ofcourse, for filming reasons it was easier to use established buildings that looked futuristic, but in-universe, I wonder why a space dwelling facility was never considered during the 23rd and 24th century.

 

[Rahul]

And, once again, at this point already a Trek trope, the writers continuously use "Federation" and "Starfleet" synonymously without ever bothering about the difference...

 

[The Wormhole]

And, once again, at this point already a Trek trope, the writers continuously use "Federation" and "Starfleet" synonymously without ever bothering about the difference...

This time it was explained. Back in S3 when they first arrived at Federation HQ it was established that due to the state the Federation was in, the Federation government and Starfleet Command were placed in one locale for convenience sake. Michael and Saru even commented on how unusual an arrangement that was and what it could mean about this current era.

 

[Frontis]

I found this:
The simple answer is this: the United Federation of Planets is a galactic government founded by humans, Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites. By the time of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Federation contained over 150 member worlds. Starfleet is a branch of the Federation, devoted to exploration and defense. But the two organizations have a long and fascinating history that reveals a much more complex working relationship.

Star Trek: The Difference Between the Federation and Starfleet

We know that Captains Kirk and Picard work for Starfleet. Or do they work for the United Federation of Planets? Which is it? What's the difference?

www.denofgeek.com

 

[Citiprime]

This does make me wonder whether for Starfleet Academy, whether it will be space-based near Starfleet HQ, since Discovery's ending implies Starfleet Command is still space-based into the 33rd century? Or if Starfleet Academy is located back on Earth for the show?

Just, for me, it does feel weird not to see Starfleet Command not next to the Golden Gate bridge, and I thought the season 4 ending would facilitate Earth becoming the capital for the Federation again.

 

[HotRod]

This does make me wonder whether for Starfleet Academy, whether it will be space-based near Starfleet HQ, since Discovery's ending implies Starfleet Command is still space-based into the 33rd century? Or if Starfleet Academy is located back on Earth for the show?

Just, for me, it does feel weird not to see Starfleet Command not next to the Golden Gate bridge, and I thought the season 4 ending would facilitate Earth becoming the capital for the Federation again.

The Academy is in San Francisco. The Variety article from awhile back made mention of the massive central atrium that they're building having a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

[evilchumlee]

This does make me wonder whether for Starfleet Academy, whether it will be space-based near Starfleet HQ, since Discovery's ending implies Starfleet Command is still space-based into the 33rd century? Or if Starfleet Academy is located back on Earth for the show?

The Academy will be on Earth.

Keeping Starfleet/Federation HQ where it is makes some sense. It's basically been that way for a century now. The Academy basically just didn't exist during the time, so they're just picking up where they left off.

I found this:
The simple answer is this: the United Federation of Planets is a galactic government founded by humans, Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites. By the time of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Federation contained over 150 member worlds. Starfleet is a branch of the Federation, devoted to exploration and defense. But the two organizations have a long and fascinating history that reveals a much more complex working relationship.

Star Trek: The Difference Between the Federation and Starfleet

We know that Captains Kirk and Picard work for Starfleet. Or do they work for the United Federation of Planets? Which is it? What's the difference?

www.denofgeek.com

Writers and such do often tend to confuse Starfleet and The Federation, but it has absolutely led to a somewhat blurring of the lines.

Starfleet is an absolutely gargantuan, byzantine organization by the 24th century. It could probably be the government in and of itself, and has definitely absorbed some duties that one might otherwise expect the Federation proper to handle... or at least also does so. Starfleet has its own ambassadors and what not and handles aspects of foreign relations on behalf of the Federation.

 

[The Wormhole]

Starfleet has its own ambassadors

It does?

 

[Mage]

And, once again, at this point already a Trek trope, the writers continuously use "Federation" and "Starfleet" synonymously without ever bothering about the difference...

As stated, this HQ is for both Starfleet AND the Federation. But even then, that wasn't my point. My point was that it makes sense to have Federation HQ in deep space, not on one member world.

 

[evilchumlee]

It does?

Well, potentially anyway. It's a pretty weak, throwaway reference to a "Starfleet Diplomatic Corps".

HOWEVER, even if Starfleet doesn't have full-fledged ambassadors, they DO engage in diplomatic activities on behalf of the Federation quite often. Starship captains are basically defacto ambassadors.

 

[JoseNoodles]

It really only just fully sank in....
Even after Earth joining the Federation again, the mobile starbase was still used as HQ, and as we see in the finale, years later is even expanded with more stations and still in space.

And it makes sense. For a huge coalition like the Federation, not having a HQ on a member world but rather in space seems more logical. Now ofcourse, for filming reasons it was easier to use established buildings that looked futuristic, but in-universe, I wonder why a space dwelling facility was never considered during the 23rd and 24th century.

Don't have to worry about hull breaches and the venting of atmosphere on a planet.

 

[Mage]

Don't have to worry about hull breaches and the venting of atmosphere on a planet.

Yes, because natural disasters don't happen on a planet.
And before people say 'weather control systems', they also rely on tech to NOT have venting of atmosphere and hull breaches.

 

[DonIago]

It's an interesting question, given the number of accidents, mishaps and disasters that we've seen, whether life for an average Federation ultimately tends to be significantly safer depending on whether they're on a planet or a vessel.

Vessels can suffer warp core breaches, but they can also get out of the way of an oncoming Borg cube.

 

[Nerys Myk]

Should written as "...in SPAAAAACE!!!!"

 

[JoseNoodles]

Yes, because natural disasters don't happen on a planet.
And before people say 'weather control systems', they also rely on tech to NOT have venting of atmosphere and hull breaches.

You don't have to take time to build planets. They come pre-made.

 

[Nerys Myk]

You don't have to take time to build planets. They come pre-made.

Carol Marcus says hi!

 

[JoseNoodles]

Carol Marcus says hi!

Plenty of members with M class worlds. Protomatter says hi right back.

 

[Mage]

You don't have to take time to build planets. They come pre-made.

And buildings are grown in nature?

 

[JoseNoodles]

And buildings are grown in nature?

Phylosian ones sure. But I don't think it takes heavy lifting for the Federation to put up buildings. They put up massive mushroom shaped space stations in orbit.

 

[Discovery McDiscoveryFace]

I do very much hope that if they are placing The Academy on Earth, they do so into San Fransisco, rather than putting it somewhere else just so they can show they are being a bit different.