The USS John Ross (NCC-811) (formerly USS Zeta Reticulum) was a Antares-class surveyor in service to the Federation Starfleet in the mid-23rd century. In 2263, the John Ross was refitted by the Federation Diplomatic Service to engage in first contact missions. Following the completion of the refit, the John Ross was placed under the command of Captain Sandra Earle, and dispatched on a five-year mission of exploration.