Os probes são carregados e iniciados manualmente ou automaticamente nos navios da Frota Estelar?

O Manual Técnico da TNG indica que as sondas padrão estão armazenadas na vizinhança do lançador para uso imediato. Como as sondas precisam ser carregadas no elevador de lançamento (e, em seguida, são ejetadas pelo navio através da porta da sonda via aceleração magnética), é lógico que elas tenham que ser carregadas manualmente por equipes dedicadas.

The following section lists the specifications of each class. The higher class numbers are not intended to imply greater capabilities, but rather different options available to the command crew when ordering a probe launch. General use probes readied for immediate launching are stored adjacent to the photon torpedo reactant loading area on Deck 25. Other standby probes are stored on Deck 26 on standard torpedo transfer pallets. All probes are accessible to Engineering crews for periodic status checks and modifications for unique applications.

Um diagrama é fornecido para ajudá-lo a visualizar a cadeia de eventos.

De Memória alfa :

In addition to sensors, Galaxy-class ships were equipped with a variety of probes and scientific devices that could be launched from the torpedo launchers. These included basic scanner probes and reconnaissance probes, class-A probes and probes from class-1 to class-5. (TNG: "Where Silence Has Lease", "Force of Nature", "Ship in a Bottle", "Chain of Command, Part I")

Havia um elogio padrão de sondas em naves da Frota Estelar, que podiam ser disparadas facilmente (e alternadamente) através dos tubos de torpedos. Em alguns casos, no entanto, um probe teria que ser modificado de sua configuração de "estoque" antes de poder ser lançado.

De Memória alfa :

When the preliminary readings were inconclusive, and Data couldn't detect abnormalities in Gamma Arigulon's radiant energy, Captain Jean-Luc Picard gave the order to prepare two class-1 probes. However, before the probes were launched, a Klingon attack cruiser de-cloaked, and the captain stopped the launch. (TNG: "Reunion")

e ( Memória Alfa ):

Some probes used by Starfleet were modified photon torpedo casings with extended sensor equipment and no warhead. (TNG: "The Emissary"; Star Trek Generations)

Quanto ao processo de lançamento da sonda ( Memória Alfa ... novamente ):

Tubes could be controlled from the bridge or from the torpedo bay. (ENT: "Silent Enemy")

Isso se aplicaria a torpedos e sensores "em estoque" que seriam carregados e preparados automaticamente.

De Você sabe onde :

Vessels in the 24th century were also equipped with automated torpedo bays. (TNG: "In Theory") Even though 24th century torpedo bays were automated, they could still be modified for manual launch.