The Daedalus was launched from the Warp Five complex in orbit of Earth in early 2156. It's first mission was to escort a colonial convoy to establish a colony on a planet orbiting Nu Pyxis, which was deep within what is now known as the Neutral Zone. Contact was lost with the convoy several days into their mission. a search was mounted by Vulcan ships operating in the general vicinity, but was called off after only one week, when rogue elements of the Romulan Star Empire attacked Space Station Salem One, sparking the conflict now known as the Earth-Romulan War. It is believed that the convoy was ambushed and destroyed by Romulan forces, given the proximity to Romulan space, and the declaration of war.