An away team is comprised of a group of starship or starbase crewmembers, disembarking their assignment to undertake excursions either on a planet, another starship or another starbase. An away team undertakes what is called an away mission.
Away teams can perform a variety of duties on their away mission. This could include:
- Exploring an area;
- Making first contact;
- Undertaking a diplomatic mission;
- Performing scientific research;
- Fighting or defending.
They can transport to their destination by either transporter or shuttlecraft.
Prior to the Federation Starfleet forming, Earth Starfleet utilized the term "away team" during the 22nd century. (ENT: "Broken Bow", et al)
This term fell out of use during the 23rd century; Federation Starfleet personnel preferred the term "landing party". (TOS: "The Cage", et al)
By the 24th century, the term was utilised again. In this timeframe, Starfleet regulations dictated the first officer assemble and lead the away team, and the second officer be one of the team's members. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint", "Time's Arrow") Under Starfleet Code Section 12, Paragraph 4 of these same regulations, the commanding officer was prohibited in most cases from joining the away team, with his or her place being on the bridge. (TNG: "Gambit, Part I"; Star Trek Nemesis)
Other teams[]
- Arctic Archaeology Team
- A-6 Excavation Team
- Assault team
- Engineering team
- Diagnostic team
- Forensic team
- Observer team
- Security team
- Survey team
External link[]
- Away team article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.