United States Space Force Enhanced Destroyer — EDD-24 Colorado
The Union-class fleet of Enhanced Destroyers is a mid-cycle upgrade of second generation 'Standardized Design' In-Orbit Destroyers. They feature an upgraded Direct Fusion Drive (EDFD), improved Liquid Droplet Radiators (AHRS), and updated offensive capabilities.
The Enhanced Destroyer's role is to provide protection for military and civilian strategic assets across the Solar System, as well as offering power-projection support for military operations.
Within the USSF Interplanetary Fleet, they are classified as a medium-sized vessel, provided to support smaller Frigates and Corvettes while supplementing larger Cruisers.
The Union-class and its sister classes altogether comprise close to a third of the fleet, making them fairly abundant and heavily utilized.
Idea:
Following from my work on the USSF Sacramento I was thinking of ways to continue further building on the world surround the spacecraft. Additionally, I was interested in refining the design and detail work of my previous models. This also included trying to think of designs from the lens of grounded engineering, where the model would be deeply informed by contemporary and near-future technologies and science.
The opportunity to dive into this project came in September of 2025 with the annual Spaceshiptember online creator event. Science fiction and space related prompts are posted online everyday for the month of September, allowing artists a curated creative outlet to delve into their respective art forms, but with an explicit focus on sci-fi.
Process:
Using the USSF Sacramento as inspiration, I knew I wanted to develop a standardized design that could be replicated across a variety of spacecraft models. This both has rationale in the world building, as well as within the practicalities of modeling. While there was an overall design that was conceived, the process was to start with focused effort and thought on detailed models of the requisite parts and components of the spacecraft. From there, the pieces can be assembled and worked into their final form.
By focusing my workflow on smaller pieces, it allowed me to think of things in a more ‘local’ context and space. As such, I was able to put more detail into sections like the truss lattice-work, handlebars, and other subcomponents of the model.
The model of the central core and propulsion module.
Various sections of the ship, prematurely assembled to get a better understanding of what the ship would look like as a whole. It also informed me on what parts I should focus on next and if things needed to be rearranged or modified.
A close up of the radiator section with procedural materials applied to the model.
Working on one of the weapons modules. Designed to be distinct from the habitation elements of the ship, with a more angular design.
Putting the components together to see what the ship would look like.
Developing of the other segments of the ship, including the RCS and close-in defense systems.
Development of the remaining pieces of the vessel, prior to final arrangement.
The more modular process involved in making the ship was both very rewarding and quite fun to do! Overall, it as well delivered a high-quality and more detailed piece that could be viewed much more close up. Moreover, the modular nature of the of the model meant it was very easy for me pull whatever sections I needed to make other ships and assets, if I so chose to. This would become relevant in succeeding projects.
First hero render
Conclusion:
My first new entry into Spaceshiptember 2025 was a particularly fun one that offered a lot of opportunity and inspiration to me. Although, I ultimately got the model finished and the first renders out by the middle of the month, the groundwork laid allowed me to jump right into working on other projects over the following weeks.
I was quite satisfied with how the visuals turned out, and as I continue to build out the world building that surrounds these vehicles, it is giving me new ideas and opportunities to try creating new art pieces for people to enjoy.