Page "Robotech Armed Forces" Paragraph 12

The SDF-3, the massive flagship of the REF fleet, was supposed to lead the attack on Earth but it is delayed as it conducts a test of one of the Neutron-S missiles in the remote omicron sector.

The test goes horribly wrong as the missile's detonation creates a new black hole.

Even though the SDF-3 is 800 million kilometers ( 500 million miles ) from the detonation, it is heavily damaged.

A refitted Science vessel, the Deukalion is also heavily damaged.

Vince Grant in the cruiser Icarus attempts a rescue mission but they come under attack from unknown alien forces, and the mission fails.

However, Admiral Rick Hunter is able to contact Vince and warn him of the true power of the Neutron-S missiles and that they cannot, under any circumstances, be used on Earth.

Vince obeys Hunter's orders and returns to Earth with the Deukalion in tow.

However, the SDF-3 is left adrift in space.