LATERAL SENSOR ARRAYS

	The Enterprise is equipped with the most extensive array of sensor 
equipment available. The spacecraft exterior incorporates a number of large 
sensor arrays providing ample instrument positions and optimal three-axis 
coverage.
	Each sensor array is composed of a continuous rack in which are 
mounted a series of individual sensor instrument pallets. These sensor 
pallets are modules designed for easy replacement and updating of 
instrumentation. Approximately two-thirds of all pallet positions are occupied 
by standard Starfleet science sensor packages, but the remaining positions 
are available for mission-specific instrumentation. Sensor array pallets 
provide microwave power feed, optical data net links, cryogenic coolant 
feeds, and mechanical mounting points. Also provided are four sets of 
instrumentation steering servo clusters and two data subprocessor 
computers.
	The standard Starfleet sensor complement comprises twenty-four 
semi-redundant suites of these six standard sensor pallets. These 144 pallets 
are distributed on the Primary Hull and Secondary Hull lateral arrays. The 
instrumentation is located to maximize redundant coverage. A total of 284 
pallet positions are available on both hulls.
	The upper and lower sensor platforms provide coverage in very high 
and very low vertical elevation zones. These arrays employ a more limited 
subset of the standard Starfleet instrument package.
	In addition to standard Starfleet instruments, mission-specific 
investigations frequently require nonstandard instruments that can be 
installed into one or more of the 140 nondedicated sensor pallets. When such 
devices are relatively small, such installation can be acomplished from 
service access ports inside the spacecraft.
	Installation of larger devices must be acomplished by extravehicular 
activity. A number of personnel airlocks are located in the sensor strip bays 
for this purpose. If a device is sufficiently large, or if installation entails 
replacement of one or more entire sensor pallets, a shuttlepod can be used 
for extravehicular equipment handling.  Æ