The USS Orville (ECV-197) was a mid-level Exploratory-class vessel in Planetary Union service in the early 25th century. The ship was led by an unnamed captain and first officer until 2419. Captain Ed Mercer and First Officer Kelly Grayson assumed command of the Orville in September 2419.

The Orville was designed for long-distance exploration and cartography of uncharted space. Therefore, nearly 300 crew members and their families lived on the Orville, working in Science, Medical, Engineering, and Security sections. The ship hosted a quantum drive capable of brief spurts of speeds over 10 light years per hour. in 2422 the ship was upgraded with its speed now at 17 light years per hour.

The Orville was not intended for combat though it was equipped with essential military and defensive armaments. The ship participated in many military conflicts, most notably the Battle of Earth in early 2421.