The Molotov was a starship built by the Soviet Union and named for that country's long time General Secretary, Vyacheslav Molotov. In 2031, it had been launched from Earth and was en route to Home. Like the American starship Admiral Peary, its mission was to take the first step in establishing a permanent diplomatic and military presence in the Tau Ceti system for its parent nation. The Molotov did not have FTL capabilities, so presumably its passengers and crew were kept in cold sleep during travel.