Why did the Federation rename Terok Nor to "Deep Space Nine"?

[at Quark's]

Well before it is relocated in Emissary, it's referred to as 'Deep Space Nine', when in orbit of Bajor -- hardly deep space! And even after its -unplanned- relocation to the wormhole, the station still doesn't seem to be very far away from Bajor (can be reached in 3 hours at impulse).

So, does the label 'Deep Space' just mean that it is not located in a 'core' region surrounded by other Federation territory, but rather one of its outposts, close to the Cardassian border ?

 

[Sgt_G]

I believe that it technically was not inside Federation space but rather that Bajor was an independent planet under Federation protection. Which would beg the question, "where are stations Deep Space One thru Eight?"

 

[OtherGene]

I think it's all down to that Earth-centric policy that caused the Federation to be so damned unpopular around the galaxy It's in deep space relevant to Earth, it's a mighty long way from good ol' home. Even if it's right on the doorstep of some other planets. It's the same thinking that results in most of the ships being named after Earth rivers, cities etc.

Out in the real world I think they called it that to position it clearly against Babylon 5

 

[Paradise City]

I think it's probably a designation for remote outposts and reflects a distance from Starfleet. DS9 was probably remote before the Wormhole was discovered which then made that sector a hub. But even then as a gateway to the unexplored Gamma Quadrant, it still kinda fits. It's not Terek Nor as that's a Cardassian name and in the post-occupation era, they'll have wanted to replace Cardassian names with new ones.

Other Deep Space stations have been mentioned in TNG and DS9 albeit never a DS10.

 

[TheGoodStuff]

Hmm, I'm going to come at this from a different angle. Especially as the answers given seem acceptable [it is in 'deep space' relative to the Federation].

Why is it the Federation that names it? It is a Bajoran owned stationed that is run by the Federation. Shouldn't it have a Bajoran name? Like 'Bajor Space Dock/Bajor 1'? I wonder if part of the Federation running-it-deal they simply incorporated it into their own station naming rules. Hmm, I wonder if the Bajoran DO have their own name for it that is perhaps never mentioned on-screen? Or would they simply refer to it as 'Terok-Nor'.

Interesting.

 

[urbandefault]

Also a nod to the "original," Deep Space Station K-7, which doesn't quite roll off the tongue as easily as Deep Space Nine. Now I have to wonder if maybe DS9's official designation wasn't Deep Space Station K-9. Hmmm.

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Deep_Space_Station_K-7

 

[TheGoodStuff]

Also a nod to the "original," Deep Space Station K-7, which doesn't quite roll off the tongue as easily as Deep Space Nine. Now I have to wonder if maybe DS9's official designation wasn't Deep Space Station K-9. Hmmm.

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Deep_Space_Station_K-7

I was going to reply to you seriously. Because you make a good point.

But now I am imagining a floating dog-shaped station called Deep Space K9 and I can't be serious.

 

[Nyotarules]

Its a deal the Feds made with the Bajorans, 'you want our assistance, then we get to name the station, calling it 'Orb of the prophet' is not acceptable.'

 

[Terok Nor]

I have no idea why the Federation renamed me but as you can see I've changed my name back.

 

[DaddlerTheDalek]

I remember Deep Space 5 beeing mentioned in Star Trek: First Contact.

 

[Guy Gardener]

From Memory Alpha.

Deep Space 5 was a Federation space station that was in service with Starfleet in the late 24th century. DS5 was located near the planet Ivor Prime.

In an alternate quantum reality visited by Worf in 2370, Deep Space 5 was responsible for new starship developments and the object of covert surveillance by the Cardassians, along with Starbase 47, the Iadara colony, and the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. (TNG: "Parallels")

In 2373, Deep Space 5 reported the complete destruction of the colony on Ivor Prime. It was subsequently determined that the Borg were responsible, and were mounting a new attempt at an invasion of the Federation. (Star Trek: First Contact)

Deep Spaces 3, 4, and 7 have also been mentioned.

 

[Kemaiku]

Starcharts shows several of the DS stations, all lightyears just outside Federation borders, spread around it's edge.

 

[HIjol]

Is there a cannon reason why DS9 did not qualify as a potential Star Base, which would have made it "Star Base ___"? I know it wasn't set up as a repair/refit/resupply facility, but, in partnership with the Bajorans - who asked the UFP to come in the first place - I could easily see how it would have been valued and welcomed as such a facility. Also, it would have potentially been visited by more Star Ships, and would have had the reputation as a Port visited by powerful Federation ships, and had the "protection" if lacked as a "Deep Space" station.

 

[Paradise City]

Starbase suggests its a wholly Starfleet facility. Deep Space might be a more multi-purpose Federation facility administered by Starfleet. Not canon just me speculating aloud.

 

[kkt]

I believe if the Bajorans called the station something else we would have heard it at least once.

I suggest numbering the station in the Federation pattern rather than making up a Bajoran name was a way to emphasize that the Federation would defend it if attacked. A warning to Cardassia not to try to retake it, or any other power.

 

[Paradise City]

The Bajorans wanted admission to the Federation. At least the faction that was generally in power on Bajor did. What better way to nail your colours to the mast and set on that course than give the station over the Feds to both name and operate?

 

[HIjol]

Hmmm...I could see that my previous Post could be "off-base" (pun!) but like Quark said, then, why did they name it "Deep Space" if it wasn't in Deep Space?

 

[Nyotarules]

It was in 'deep space' in relation to Federation headquarters and Starfleet which are both Earthbased.

 

[TheGoodStuff]

The Bajorans wanted admission to the Federation. At least the faction that was generally in power on Bajor did. What better way to nail your colours to the mast and set on that course than give the station over the Feds to both name and operate?

That feels too political for me. The Bajorans are ravaged, the planet is a mess, the Government/facilities are all wrecked...I can't imagine them thinking "yeah we want into the Federation when we clean this mess up...lets let them name the Cardassian base up there!". They even have to deal with strong anti-Federation sentiment.

I still cant help but wonder if DS9 is the Federation designation for the base and your common Bajoran just calls it Terok Nor. Hmm, or perhaps the Bajorans just do not care. Perhaps, to them, it is like a floating Auschwitz and giving it a name or use is so far beyond their power/care that giving it to the Federation to run in their name is just easier all round.

Is there a cannon reason why DS9 did not qualify as a potential Star Base, which would have made it "Star Base ___"? I know it wasn't set up as a repair/refit/resupply facility, but, in partnership with the Bajorans - who asked the UFP to come in the first place - I could easily see how it would have been valued and welcomed as such a facility. Also, it would have potentially been visited by more Star Ships, and would have had the reputation as a Port visited by powerful Federation ships, and had the "protection" if lacked as a "Deep Space" station.

I have always concluded that the term 'Starbase' is a technical term for a facility that is collossal in size [like the famous Mushroom base]. I assume things smaller than that are 'Deep Space X' or 'Base' or 'Facility'.

Just my interpretation though. I can't recall anything on-screen that creates a formal distinction in terminology.

 

[Paradise City]

That feels too political for me. The Bajorans are ravaged, the planet is a mess, the Government/facilities are all wrecked...I can't imagine them thinking "yeah we want into the Federation when we clean this mess up...lets let them name the Cardassian base up there!". They even have to deal with strong anti-Federation sentiment.

The place is ravaged, they don't want the Cardassians back and the way to guarantee that is to seek to emulate other grandee worlds like Vulcan and be a part of the Federation. It's all supported by the early dialogue of the show where we see a power struggle between "go-it-alone" radicals and the provisional government, the latter of whom are for joining the Federation.