The Andromeda class was a type of Federation starship in use in the 24th century, classified as an explorer. (Star Trek: Encyclopedia) The class prototype, USS Andromeda, launched in 2362, shared many design elements with contemporary starship designs, most notably the Galaxy class. The Andromeda class was also one of the few starship designs to utilize three warp nacelles. (LUG RPG: Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 1: The Ships of Starfleet)