Star Trek The Next Generation
Object

Iconian Launch Probe

A class of small Iconian launch probes: compact, geometric devices of polished, unfamiliar alloy etched with faint glyphing, housed in launch racks within the Iconian control room. Individually roughly shuttle‑sensor‑buoy sized with visible thruster nozzles, these probes can be launched planet‑side toward orbiting ships. When activated they produce violent directional backwash; launched units may streak to impact, resist interrogation, detonate on contact, and are implicated in abrupt systems disruptions to nearby vessels.
2 appearances

Purpose

Designed to be launched through the Iconian gateway as transit/launch vehicles; in the scene their thrust/backwash is exploited to overload and detonate the Iconian power core as a denial/sabotage measure.

Significance

Functions as the decisive instrument of sabotage that forces Picard's moral pivot: launching the probes converts recoverable technology into a weapon to deny the Romulans, precipitating Picard's sacrificial decision and sealing the narrative turning point.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments
S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Blinded Data — Picard Chooses Denial

The Iconian launch probes are identified by Data as the mechanism whose rocket backwash can be directed into the installation's main grids to cause a catastrophic overload. Picard plans to abuse the probes' launch sequence as an improvised weapon to detonate the power core and deny the gateway technology.

Before: Seated in launch racks beside the control console, armed with latent energy and primed for automated launch sequences.
After: Targeted by Picard's planned override; poised to be launched as the sacrificial catalyst for an overload (sequence prepared but not shown detonated within this scene).
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S2E11 · Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Picard's Last Override

The Iconian launch probes are identified by Data as the mechanism to trigger a destructive backwash. Picard plans to launch these probes intentionally so their exhaust will feed into and overload the installation's power grids, detonating the power source and denying the technology.

Before: Seated in launch racks, dormant but charged and ready—latent threats awaiting activation.
After: Activated/launched as part of the override sequence (initiated by Picard with Data's guidance), contributing to the intended overload of the power core.
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