Escape pod

Escape pods are small capsules located on larger space-faring vessels such as starships or heavy cruisers. Their primary function is to serve as an evacuation tool during emergency situations. Escape pods are usually very small, with a single compartment that can accomdate one to two passengers. They use standard propulsion systems and are not equipped for FTL travel. Most escape pods can be pre-programmed to find the closest inhabitable ship or system on which to land. Though small, Escape pods are extremely durable and are designed to not only endure the rigors of outer space, but also the intense friction of planetary re-entry as well as landing.

Escape pods were also found on most starships featured in the television series Andromeda. In the pilot episode, "Under the Night", Captain Dylan Hunt orders the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant to evacuate the ship in the escape pods.