Iconic Star Trek filming location spotted from space | Space photo of the day for Sept. 10, 2026
This new satellite image shows Vasquez Rocks in southern California, where Captain Kirk once faced off against the Gorn.
A striking satellite image recently captured by NASA's Landsat 9 satellite has revealed an iconic filming location from the beloved science fiction series Star Trek in southern California. The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 9 satellite has provided a false-color image that showcases the unique rock formations and desert vegetation at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area County Park.
Known for its striking sun-bleached boulders and barren landscape, Vasquez Rocks has served as an incredible backdrop for numerous Star Trek episodes, including the famous fight scene between Captain Kirk and the Gorn. The satellite image reveals the vast array of rock formations and vegetation, highlighting the park's resemblance to a mysterious desert planet.
What's more, Vasquez Rocks has also been used to depict the alien home world of Vulcan in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and Star Trek (2009), as well as providing a setting for classic sci-fi films such as Galaxy Quest, Battlestar Galactica, and Planet of the Apes.
The fascinating image serves as a reminder that Earth harbors its very own alien landscapes, with Vasquez Rocks offering a tangible connection to the imaginative worlds created by filmmakers and science fiction enthusiasts alike.
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