A large, multipurpose hull, the Nebula is a compact design that benefits from its versatility. Built with a detachable upper mission pod, the Nebula-class ships can be re-equipped with different pods depending on their intended missions. Most Nebula-class vessels carry a standard pod carrying additional weaponry for ship support, but other variants are known to carry such things as extra sensor equipment and cargo bays, usually for long range expeditions.

Though less powerful than the Galaxy Command Ship, the Nebula Cruiser is more plentiful both because of their reduced construction costs and the ease of maintenance facilitated by the removable mission module. Nebula cruisers are continually called upon to serve in roles that are inappropriate for expensive and rare Galaxies (and now Sovereigns) and cannot be filled by other ships such as Excelsior Cruisers.

[1-29-03] Shield generator power requirement increased to 6.