Difference between outpost and colony

[Uncle Sock]

Henlo,

I’m working on a story concept and got a bit stuck—what’s the actual difference between an outpost and a colony?

So far, my thinking is that an outpost usually serves a specific purpose—like a research station, listening post, or military installation—while a colony is more of a permanent settlement, not necessarily tied to Starfleet or the Federation.

Does that sound right to you? Can you think of any other distinctions between the two, maybe with some examples from canon?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[DEWLine]

Seems close enough to correct for me.

 

[Deks]

In Trek, I think the difference primarily might come down to 'scale' and 'designation'

I would agree you got it largely right in your interpretation...
But we also saw that outposts can also be used as deep space stations - lightly armed mostly (or no armaments of any kind) - sort of like a way-station for passing ships (DS9 started out as an outpost - it didn't become a starbase until it was upgraded and its strategic importance shifted).

Colonies can also act as outposts (or have them)... so its possible that the UFP uses both terms interchangeably - at least sometimes.