In 2265, the Tereshkova took part in a joint study between Starfleet and the Trill government of a rogue comet in the Trill system. Three members of the Tereshkova crew were killed during this mission, and the details classified by the mission leader, Fleet Captain Christopher Pike. (DS9 - The Lives of Dax short story: "Sins of the Mother") The ship is likely named in honor of Valentina Tereshkova, Soviet cosmonaut and the first human woman in space.