In 2285, the Grissom, under Esteban's command, was assigned scientific study of the newly created Genesis Planet. Traveling aboard the Grissom were Starfleet Lieutenant Saavik, and David Marcus, one of the scientists who had developed the Genesis Device. While in orbit, however, they discovered the photon torpedo in which Captain Spock's body had been ejected from the USS Enterprise. In addition, sensors registered an animal lifeform on the surface, something previously thought to be impossible.