Recently, Star Trek Online.Info spoke with Al Rivera about Star Trek Online:
Is it possible to visit a planet by using a shuttle or only by using the transporter?
You, and your chosen away-team, will be able to transport down the surface of planets. Some planets or locations may be only accessible via a shuttle, but if you are asking if you will manually fly the shuttle through the atmosphere and land on the surface, then no.
Originally posted in German, STO.Info has made an English translation available.
