The Kestrel Class Atmospheric Shuttles were the most common medium atmospheric shuttle used by the Earth Alliance. Originally incepted by Mitchell-Hyundyne in 2241, by 2262 KarmaTech had become the design's primary manufacturer. A notably versatile craft, the Kestrel was easily operated by a single pilot and would have been most often used to ferry cargo and personnel between surface and orbital facilities. They could also be outfitted for scientific survey missions and were carried aboard most Earthforce starships and space stations.