‘Star Trek’ and NASA have intertwined legacies – the show championed diversity and inspired generations of real space scientists
60 years of ‘Star Trek’: A cultural anthropologist on how the show’s “infinite diversity in infinite combinations” conception helped shape NASA’s vision of the future.
The television series "Star Trek," which premiered in 1966, has an intriguing history that extends far beyond its original run. The show, created by Gene Roddenberry, championed diversity and inclusivity, which was reflected in its cast of characters from various backgrounds working together on the starship Enterprise. What many may not realize is that "Star Trek" also had a significant influence on the real world of space exploration and NASA.
From the very beginning, Roddenberry sought to establish connections with NASA personnel, providing them with resources like photographs of planetary bodies, advice on spaceflight realities, and access to certain NASA facilities. This partnership helped legitimize the show and simultaneously boosted NASA's public image by showcasing its work and depicting a positive future for space exploration, including visits to distant worlds and groundbreaking scientific advancements such as teleportation and warp drive.
In the 1970s, the connection between "Star Trek" and NASA reached new heights. Actress Nichelle Nichols, who played communications officer Uhura, was recruited by NASA to inspire young people to pursue careers in space exploration. Her recruitment efforts led to the selection of the first Black and female astronaut candidates in 1978.
The impact of "Star Trek" on NASA and its employees cannot be overstated. In interviews for a recent book, a significant portion of the space professionals mentioned the show as an inspiration for their careers. The influence of "Star Trek" can be seen in the diversity of modern astronauts, with the 2025 astronaut class including more women than men and the Artemis II crew featuring the first woman, first Black astronaut, and first Canadian on a lunar mission.
This influence extends beyond the professional realm, with "Star Trek" convention attendees reflecting the series' values of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. These values have become a defining characteristic of contemporary "Star Trek" fandom, demonstrating the lasting impact of the show on both the world of science fiction and the pursuit of real space exploration.
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