The Pathfinder Project was the title of a project that attempted to communicate with USS Voyager, which was stranded in the Delta Quadrant. It was created sometime between 2374 and 2376, following the discovery of Voyager's presence in the Delta Quadrant. It was overseen by Admiral Owen Paris, and was based at Starfleet Communications Research Center. The day-to-day running of the project was handled by Commander Peter Harkins, and its staff included Lieutenant Reginald Barclay. It first made contact with Voyager in 2376, using the MIDAS array. Although the first communication was brief, and problematic, the communications technology improved to a level whereby contact could be made on a regular basis - weekly by 2377.
In early 2378, after the successful return of Voyager to the Alpha Quadrant, its original purpose had been outlived, however, the ability to initiate communications over such vast distances is sure to be a unique tool that should not go unused. Futhermore, the pioneering work in artificial transgalactic wormholes may eventually lead to Starfleet developing its own transwarp hub system.
References
- VGR: "Pathfinder"
- VGR: "Inside Man"
- VGR: "Endgame"