The Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depot represented a specific class of space station designed for shipyard operations. Both the Galactic Empire and the Alliance to Restore the Republic operated several of these massive installations. Their substantial size allowed them to provide service to capital ships as large as Executor-class Star Dreadnoughts and Praetor II-class ships.
Core Worlds Engineering was the manufacturer of the Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depot, recognized as one of the most expansive and comprehensively equipped maintenance facilities available. These Mk IX stations took the form of colossal cylindrical space stations, adorned with numerous docking arms, dry dock facilities, and boarding airlocks equipped with a plethora of sensors and communications arrays. The Mk IX possessed the capability to service nearly any vessel in operation, notably including the Galactic Empire's massive Executor-class Star Dreadnoughts and Praetor II-class ships.
To maximize speed and efficiency, the majority of the Mk IX's production and fabrication systems were automated. Despite this, each Mk IX required a large crew of 20,000 officers, enlisted personnel, and technicians. These crews consisted of highly trained individuals responsible for station upkeep and starship maintenance. While comfortable, guest accommodations resembled military barracks rather than luxurious suites, leading to shorter stays for most personnel, even though the stations could accommodate up to 22,000 passengers. The guest facilities included substantial armor and shielding, along with a respectable array of weaponry for defense against enemy starships. Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depots also incorporated hangar bays and routinely hosted a squadron of gunboats for patrol duties and anti-starfighter defense. However, attacks were infrequent, as the stations were typically surrounded by powerful warships awaiting docking or recently completing refits. The defensive capabilities of these surrounding ships provided significant protection for the Mk IX stations. Mk IXs were frequently positioned near busy hyperspace routes or within sectors that housed large fleets or battle groups.
The Mk IX's weaponry consisted of eight light turbolasers mounted in turrets on both the port and starboard sides, along with four twin medium laser cannons in turrets on each side, and four twin light ion cannons in turrets on each side. Additionally, ten heavy tractor beam projectors were integrated into the hull.
Serving as a shipyard, the Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depot played a critical role in the overall logistical network. For the vessels and crews operating within their areas of operation, Mk IXs provided a crucial and distant support base.
During both the Imperial Era and the Galactic Civil War, Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depots saw active service. Both the Imperial Navy of the Galactic Empire and the Alliance Fleet of the Alliance to Restore the Republic possessed a limited number of these stations. Consequently, they became high-priority targets for destruction by opposing forces.
The 2018 canon Fantasy Flight Games sourcebook for roleplaying, Fully Operational, marked the first mention of the Mk IX Orbital Maintenance Depot.
- Fully Operational (First mentioned)