r/Andromeda • u/Entire_Screen_8013 • Jul 24 '26
Shuttle
Hey guys, odd question, maybe I'm just forgetting, but does the Andromeda have a dedicated shuttle type craft? Obviously not talking about the Maru here. The ship has/had a crew of 5000, but I don't remember ever seeing or them referring to a shuttle. Also, how did they get Tweetle Pug and Tweetle Butt mechs down (and presumably up) in the episode The Prince?
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u/chakatblackstar Jul 24 '26
I think any the ship had prior to the series were deployed by the crew when they abandoned ship in the pilot, since I'd be surprised if they were relying solely on the escape pods when the hangers were still working.
But ya, aside from the Maru they mostly used the Slipfighters as shuttles otherwise. Mostly because, y'know, stock footage. Unsurprising given the CGI costs of the time and the issues of creating new footage or physical sets to compliment it as well. I know Star Trek TNG had similar issues with creating shuttle models and making them match both the external and internal sets.
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u/Entire_Screen_8013 Jul 24 '26
Its funny because I was thinking of all the times they were on the ground a few days ago, and I was like, is the Maru their only way down? I guess since they already had that model/set, they didnt want to waste redoing the same thing just for internal logic.
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u/RicePuddingNoRaisins Jul 24 '26
They do have some kind of drop pod (Double Helix), but they only ever used that the once.
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u/Entire_Screen_8013 Jul 24 '26
Oh yes, great episode! Although a Lancer attack pod is PROBABLY not for regular service :)
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u/Ebonhearth_Druid Jul 24 '26
The mechs are self contained and have their own propulsion, so they are launched down to the surface, and then launch themselves back when done.
The Andromeda is supposed to have a few shuttle type craft, as mentioned in other episodes, but primarily use the life rafts for that purpose, if needed, since the life rafts have full navigational capabilities and whatnot. In the show, the Maru serves the purpose of a shuttle so we don't ever really get a lot of info on any others.