In 2175, the Gernsback was sent on a survey mission to the recently discovered planet 2175 Aeia. While on approach to the planet, the Gernsback was impacted by an unspecified impactor, resulting in damage to its sublight drive. The Gernsback was unable to control its descent and forcibly crash-lands on the surface of Aeia. Some of the crew, including the captain, were killed. Ronald Taylor was promoted to acting captain.