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Temptation-class

Small passenger shuttle used for Earth-to-space and inter-colony transport.
Jenxi Seow Published 20 Jun 2025 Updated 20 Jun 2025
*Temptation*-class

The Temptation-class was a small passenger shuttle used by the Earth Federation Forces and Titans to transport passengers from Earth to space and between colonies. These versatile civilian and military transport vessels played a crucial role in maintaining communications and personnel movement during the Gryps Conflict.

History

The Temptation-class served as a standard passenger shuttle for both military and civilian operations during the UC 0080s. These vessels provided essential transportation services between Earth’s surface and space installations, as well as inter-colony passenger transport throughout the Earth Sphere.

When launching from Earth, the shuttle utilised atmospheric escape boosters to achieve orbital velocity. This configuration allowed the relatively small vessel to overcome Earth’s gravitational well without requiring massive propulsion systems, making it economical for routine transport operations.

UC 0085 operations

In UC 0085, the Valentine was employed by the Earth Federation Forces to transport students from the École du Ciel mobile suit piloting school to space. The vessel performed this mission by transferring students from a Garuda-class atmospheric transport to space installations, utilising a booster system to achieve atmospheric escape.

UC 0087 operations

In UC 0087, during the height of the Gryps Conflict, the Temptation operated on regular transport runs between Earth and Green Oasis colony. The vessel was commanded by One Year War veteran Bright Noa, who had returned to routine transport duties following the conclusion of the earlier conflict.

The peaceful transport operations were disrupted when the Temptation became involved in the expanding conflict between the Titans and AEUG. Whilst carrying refugees from the clash between the two factions at Green Oasis, the shuttle was attacked by Paptimus Scirocco’s PMX-000 Messala. The vessel was rescued by AEUG mobile suits, specifically the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki and RX-178 Gundam Mk-II.

This incident proved pivotal for Bright Noa, who decided to defect from Federation service and join the AEUG resistance movement. He subsequently became captain of the AEUG flagship Argama, returning to active military command.

Jaburo evacuation

During the AEUG assault on Jaburo, multiple Temptation-class shuttles were deployed for mass evacuation operations. As the underground base came under attack, Earth Federation Forces personnel struggled to board the limited number of available shuttles. The desperate evacuation highlighted the critical role these vessels played in emergency operations.

Jerid Messa grabbed onto Mouar Pharaoh’s hand as their shuttle took off during the chaotic evacuation, demonstrating the life-or-death importance of these transport vessels during military operations.

Post-Dakar operations

Following the First Battle of Dakar, Char Aznable and Kamille Bidan used a Temptation-class shuttle from the Garuda-class Audhumla to return to space. This mission demonstrated the continued utility of these vessels for both military and diplomatic transport throughout the conflict.

Design

The Temptation-class was designed as a small, economical passenger shuttle optimised for routine transport operations. The vessel’s compact size and efficient propulsion system made it suitable for frequent flights between Earth and space installations.

The shuttle featured three jet/rocket engines that provided sufficient thrust for both atmospheric flight and space operations. When launching from Earth, the vessel required additional booster systems to achieve escape velocity, but could operate independently once in space.

The design prioritised passenger capacity and operational efficiency over defensive capability. As a civilian transport, the vessel carried no armaments, relying on escort vessels or safe transit corridors for protection during wartime operations.

Atmospheric escape capability

For Earth launches, the Temptation-class utilised supplemental booster systems attached to the main engines. These boosters provided the additional thrust required to escape Earth’s atmosphere and achieve orbital velocity. Once the boosters were expended, they were jettisoned, allowing the shuttle to continue operations using its primary propulsion system.

This design approach minimised the vessel’s mass and complexity whilst still providing Earth-launch capability. The system was particularly effective for scheduled passenger services that required regular Earth-to-space transport.

Ships

Temptation

The lead ship of the class, the Temptation was commanded by Bright Noa during its regular runs between Earth and Green Oasis in UC 0087. The vessel became involved in the Gryps Conflict when it was attacked whilst carrying refugees, leading to Bright’s decision to join the AEUG.

Valentine

The Valentine served the Earth Federation Forces in UC 0085, transporting students from the École du Ciel mobile suit training academy to space installations. The vessel demonstrated the class’s utility for specialised transport missions requiring reliable Earth-to-space capability.

Brahstation

The Brahstation was another vessel of the class that operated during the UC 0080s period, though specific details of its service record remain unknown.

Behind the scenes

The Temptation-class was designed for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam as part of the series’ comprehensive depiction of space-based civilian infrastructure. The design reflects the practical requirements of maintaining civilian transport in a militarised environment.

The class also appeared in the manga Mobile Suit Gundam: École du Ciel, which expanded on the vessel’s role in military education and training operations.

Appearances

See also