Think of it. Five years ago no one had ever heard of Bajor or Deep Space 9 and now, all our hopes rest here."

- Chancellor Gowron to Captain Benjamin Sisko - 2373

One of the most politically and strategically important space stations in the Alpha Quadrant.  Deep Space 9, originally called Terok Nor, is a space station that was constructed by the Cardassians and is in orbit over the planet Bajor.

Following the Cardassian withdrawal it came under Federation administration at the request of the Bajoran government.  But DS9 soon became a vital commercial port and defensive outpost when a fixed wormhole was discovered nearby that leads to the Gamma Quadrant.

Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the Bajoran wormhole DS9 became a key tactical location in the Dominion War.