Arguably the most important spacecraft of the late-21st century, dozens of
Alan B Shephards were constructed in Earth orbit for space agencies and corporations by the multinational Frontier Consortium beginning in 2065. The
Sheps, as they were affectionately known, played a key role in opening deep space to mankind, building such a reputation for reliability in the process that several modernized vessels remain in service over 150 years later.
Two
Shephards exist in their original configuration in 2218. The
Helen Sharman, which carried the first manned expedition to Saturn and established a base on Europa, is preserved at the Olympian Spaceflight Museum. The
Claude Nicollier has been restored to 2065 specifications and currently offers "historical cruises" throughout the Inner System.