Cryptic Studios is hard at work getting Star Trek Online ready for release on Feburary 2nd, 2010.  We're super excited and found some news updates and a few Youtube videos for you to peruse. 

We can neither confirm or deny if we're participating in the closed beta, but if we we're, I'm sure we would really be enjoying it. 

Open Beta Dates Announced:

We're all very happy to be able to let you know that Star Trek Online will be in Open Beta from January 12 - January 26, 2010. Keys will be given out on a first come, first served basis, and can be acquired right here on startrekonline.com. We know you've all been eagerly anticipating your chance to experience the Star Trek Universe in a way that only Star Trek Online will allow, and we can't wait for you all to beam aboard this great adventure in January! (source StarTrekOnline.com)

Read the article here.

Massively.com Star Trek Online Q&A:

Zambie: Does the look of the ship effect it's stats?

Cryptic: Not within each tier, no. For instance, if you're flying a Heavy Escort – the Commander-level Escort – the stats on each configuration within the Heavy Escort classification remain the same. You have three different hulls to choose from: the Akira, the Zephyr and the Norway. They're different cosmetically, and you can do even more to change the way the look using our Total Customization technology, but they are functionally the same.

Siphaed: With the Klingon Empire now consisting of the Orions, Gorn, and Nosskin as well as the Klingons, there seems to be only Klingon ships available to players. After launch will we see added content that makes ships of these races available to players?

We're definitely planning to add more and more ships to the game as we move on. It's the nice part about designing an MMO – it's never really finished. This means we can add all kinds of new ships and skills to the game, depending on what players ask for.

Thunder_Child: It's been recently reported that Klingons will have the Bird of Prey, Raptors, Battle Cruisers and a Carrier. What are the major differences in how these ships handle?

The Bird-of-Prey is a fast-attack ship that is equipped with a battle cloak, slipping on and off sensor readings while within combat to deliver bursts of damage. Raptors are highly versatile due to their flexible bridge officer seating configuration. Battle Cruisers are sturdy and powerful, yet not very maneuverable. Carriers rely on their nimble fighter squadrons to cover their own lack of agility.

UltimateQ, -Drexel-: Will we be able to explore the interior of our ships alone or with other players (IE Captain's Quarters, "Earl Grey, hot!") in any detail?

Ship interiors are definitely something we're working on, but likely won't make it into the game by launch. We definitely want people to be able to meet with their friends on their bridges in the future, though. We realize it's a very important part of the social experience we can offer in Star Trek Online. (source Massively.com)

Read the full article here.

3 New Screens From MMORPG.com:

See the HD version here.

And finally, the Youtube Videos