As part of the Ambassador class project, Starfleet had planned to build a set of operational spacecraft and then build six semi-complete vessels to keep as a reserve force, much as was done with the later Galaxy class. However, Starfleet decided to cancel this option in favour of increasing the reserve Galaxy force from two to six vessels instead. This decision came when the construction of the spare hulls had already been partially completed, so Starfleet was left with six Ambassador class primary hulls on its hands.Various options were contemplated, most centring around turning the hulls into operational vessels. One idea was for a Centaur-style conversion, adding nacelles but not engineering hulls. However, Starfleet was not willing to expend even the reduced resources needed for this option. In the end it was decided to link the hulls together in order to create a space station; Starfleet had been planning to build a new station in Jupiters orbit, so this option would allow it to fulfil that need without having to design and produce new hardware.The conversion went remarkably smoothly. Since the station was not considered a front line combat or defence station the weapons systems were removed, although the shields were retained. The hulls were stacked in groups of three, with each group linked together by bridging gangways. Various peripheral equipment was added to allow the station to fulfil its new roles. These included various scientific research projects, including a holographic research laboratory run by Dr. Lewis Zimmerman.

Type-Space station