Federation Probes and Space Vehicles Database Communications Beacon U.S.S. Voyager

	History:
	Until permanent subspace relays are available in unexplored areas of the galaxy, small expendable beacons are carried aboard Federation starships as temporary devices until full fledged units can be placed. The extended exploration and patrol range of Starfleet vessels is so great that over 500 new subspace relays are made operational each year. Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual VOY "The Fight"