Originally referred to as starship personnel, the term Tansaku quickly came into favor when the SSS acquired their Tansaku-class Science Vessels. The crews of the Tansaku are typically a blend of field personnel, and trained starship personnel. Their mission is dual natured. Tansaku vessels are mobile laboratories and travel in this capacity. Additionally a portion of the fleet is dedicated to transporting personnel and supplies to various SSS research sites. They are in fact the life lines for the expeditions.

SSS Tansaku missions typically fall into these categories:

One of the primary purposes of the Tansaku is to transport expedition teams to other planets, along with the equipment and supplies they will need while there.

The Tansaku serves as a temporary command post when a new expedition first arrives. The ship and crew remain long enough to get the expedition equipment in place and then normally depart a week after this task is complete.

As mobile research/science labs, they were built to explore and investigate. Many of their missions are as a follow up to an initial discovery by Star Army of Yamatai ships.

The Tansaku make routine visits to the SSS expeditions. While they the deliver additional supplies and new or replacement personnel. While there the facilities of the ship are used to assist the expedition with any problems they may have.

Any citizen of the Yamatai Star Empire can apply for employment in expeditionary division of the (SSS). Academy graduates, and honorably discharged Star Army of Yamatai personnel are granted priority consideration. However, actual placement requires that the candidate has the prerequisite skills for the position.

Employment with the Scientific Studies Service (SSS) is done by contractual agreements in two, four and six year intervals.