Orpheon is a Space Pirate frigate in orbit around Tallon IV, and the first accessible area in the game. It is operated by the Space Pirate Science Team, and used primarily for transporting and conducting experiments on Metroids, Parasites and various other bizarre species, most likely for militaristic purposes. While these experiments often resulted in the death of the test subjects, some successes were achieved, the most notable being Meta Ridley.

Prior to Samus’ arrival, an escaped Parasite Queen and its offspring had caused considerable damage to the frigate, prompting most of the crew to abandon the vessel. They left many of their test subjects behind, along with Phazon containers and injured Space Pirates. After Samus arrives on Orpheon and defeats the Parasite Queen, the creature falls into the Reactor Core, causing the frigate to crash into the surface of the planet. The remains of the ship can later be found in the Tallon Overworld.