In the late 21st century, breakthroughs in spacecraft propulsion allowed mankind to push out into a number of star systems containing suitable exo-planets for colonization.  Many of these systems allied under the Red Star of the Solar Federation, promoting equality for all sentient beings and emphasizing technical advancement.  Many of the craft developed to support further exploration were part of the so-called "Constellation Series' of designs, derived from Solar Federation Constellation Specification Manual (SFCSM). 

Named for the constellation of the Hare, Lepus was designed as fast, light scout ship with moderate range and would virtually leap out of Space Gantry Platform launch bays.  Normally fully automated (but a 2-person crew could supplement), a single Nuclear Thrust Drive core combined with a Compact Space Compression motivator could send the automated craft on mid-deep space missions with awe-inspiring speed.  Mission parameters range from Star Patrol to identifying smugglers to locating worlds with new resources or potential colony sites could be handled with quick-change sensory packs, located just above the craft's drive core.

This is the first of my "Constellation Series" of rocket designs. Lepus was originally a random assortment of leftover parts.  Then I got a hold of Rocsim and devised a better way to make those parts into an interesting model with some sci-fi flair.