SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
NASA and 'Star Trek' Legacies Intertwined in Diversity and Space Exploration
WHY IT MATTERS
The rollback of NASA's diversity programs and policies undermines the progress made in representing a diverse future in spaceflight, which 'Star Trek' has encouraged for decades, and threatens to undo the show's lasting impact on space exploration and diversity.
What happened
Gene Roddenberry's 'Star Trek' series, which premiered in 1966, has had a lasting impact on NASA and space exploration. The show's creator established relationships with NASA personnel, and the agency provided photographs, advice, and stock footage for the series.
'Star Trek' inspired generations of space professionals, including astronauts, engineers, and flight surgeons, with its message of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. The show's influence can be seen in NASA's decision to name its first space shuttle Enterprise and its efforts to increase diversity in its astronaut corps.
However, the Trump administration's recent orders to dismantle NASA's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs and policies have undone institutional support for 'Star Trek's' vision of acceptance and inclusivity.
DEVELOPING STORY
Story timeline
PRIMARY SOURCES
‘Star Trek’ and NASA have intertwined legacies – the show championed diversity and inspired generations of real space scientists
The Conversation US · Deana L. Weibel, Professor of Anthropology, Grand Valley State University · CC BY-ND; link/attribution intake only—no edited republication