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Science officer

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Science officers serve in the science department on starships or starbases in Starfleet , both Federation and Lyran , and are usually part of the sciences division . The head of the department is sometimes known as the chief science officer and may operate the science station on the bridge or operations center . As the name implies, science officers are responsible for observations, research, and experiments in any of the sciences , including mathematics , statistics, physics (physical and temporal), chemistry , botany , zoology, geology , cosmology , and others. Some science officers specialize in a particular discipline, but the chief science officer is expected to be familiar with most of the sciences and rely on his or her staff for particular expertise. The department has some overlap with the medical department in terms of microbiology, xenobiology , and life sciences.

Commander T'Pol was the chief science officer on board the Enterprise (NX-01) . ( Star Trek: Enterprise )

Sangeet Ramjattansingh was chief science officer of USS Accord at its commissioning in 2256 . Charles Gray would later succeed him in that billet. ( Star Trek: Accord )

Spock was both first officer and science officer aboard the USS Enterprise . Though primarily a navigator , Pavel Chekov was cross-trained as a science officer. ( Star Trek: The Original Series )

Commander Willard Decker was first officer and, after the death of Sonak and until Spock arrived to volunteer for duty, science officer aboard the USS Enterprise in 2272 . ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

On the USS Enterprise -D , Lieutenant Commander Data was the operations manager and from time to time performed the additional duties of a science officer. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation )

Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax was the chief science officer on Deep Space 9 and the USS Defiant . She once told Kira Nerys that, as the science officer, it was her job "to have a better idea". ( DS9 : " Paradise ")

On the USS Voyager , Ensign Harry Kim was the operations manager and from time to time performed the additional duties of a science officer. ( Star Trek: Voyager )

Ensign Samantha Wildman was a science officer ( xenobiologist ) on the USS Voyager . ( Star Trek: Voyager )

• 1 Other military services
• 2.1 Starfleet
• 2.2 Non-Starfleet
• 3 External links

Other military services [ ]

In the Cardassian Guard , the science officer is known as the chief investigative officer . This officer is the primary sensor and technical analyst of outside phenomena (those not falling in the engineering glinn's purview), and while she usually has much of the same expertise as a science officer would have in Starfleet, she (or he--though the sciences tend to be female-dominated in Cardassian society) is seen as an investigator for the sake of the military rather than a scientist for the sake of science. ( Star Trek: Sigils and Unions )

Sometimes both Federation and Lyran Starfleet recruited science officers out of civilian graduate schools . In fact, most science officers in Lyran service were recruited from civilian graduate schools. ( Star Trek: The Stoneship Files , Star Trek: False Vacuum )

Notable science officers [ ]

Starfleet [ ].

• USS Gustav P. Remington
• USS Chimera ( 2364 -)
• USS Yorktown
• USS Defiant
• USS Crusader ( 2387 - 2388 )
• USS Crusader (2389-)
• USS Hathaway ( 2285 -22xx)
• USS Justice
• USS Prometheus
• USS Valkyrie (NCC-2590)

Non-Starfleet [ ]

• IRW Letant ( 2374 - 2375 )
• RIS Bouteina ( 2384 - 2389 )
• Stoneship ( 2401 -)

External links [ ]

• Science officer article at Memory Alpha , the canon Star Trek wiki.
• Science officer article at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
• 1 USS Ares (NCC-1650)
• 2 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-H) (Endurance class)

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“Who’s on first?” – Abbott & Costello Classic Comedy Routine

Comedy crystallizes special times in our lives. It vividly captures moments like no other art form, even as far removed as a different timeline, era or galaxy. It feels good to laugh, and laughing makes those special moments we treasure more enjoyable and memorable. Laughter is healing – the best medicine. One only has to look at Dr. McCoy’s jovial bedside manner. Enterprise’s Chief Medical Officer makes medicine fun. Bones is a physician who knows how to laugh.

Comedy may be earthbound, but can be universal. Abbott and Costello took the sport of baseball and unusual names to a new comic level in their classic comic skit, ‘Who’s On First?’ This hilarious comedy routine remains one of the most recognizable and delightful comic exchanges in Hollywood history. It’s so universally funny bone tickling that in 1999 Time magazine named it the ‘Best Comedy Routine’ of the 20th century. The duo answered their own comic question prophetically and emphatically by putting themselves first on 20th century’s laugh heap.

The classic bit has the ever innocent Lou Costello being schooled on a baseball team’s positions by his street smart buddy, Budd Abbott. Costello can’t handle those wacky baseball player names, and of course, Budd offers no clarity. Though the beloved American comedy team never intended to document a Starfleet crew roster with the routine, it’s a fitting comedy performance for an unsung part of Star Trek mythology – First Officers.

While scores of books, articles and blog posts focus on the cosmic exploits of captains Kirk and Picard, first officers such as Riker and Chakotay are overshadowed. Fear not, first officer fans. Future TV Trek just may end up changing things. Star Trek: Discovery, in its narrative concept and distribution, promises to blaze a new trail for both television science fiction and loyal Trekkers who love it. Actress Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead) fleshes out Michael Burnham, a Starfleet first officer, and much early publicity and buzz surrounds her. As a new ST launches, it’s important to remember being Starship Captain isn’t the only proper way to carve out a space exploring career with grace and distinction.

Who’s on first in the Star Trek universe?

Leonard Nimoy as Spock on Star Trek: The Original Series | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

Mister Spock – Leonard Nimoy

Live long and prosper, oh iconic Enterprise First Officer.

Spock, as befits his mixed racial heritage, impresses us as the exception. While his Captain may still get more of the galactic press, randy reputation and nova spotlight, the half Vulcan, half human first officer – and also Enterprise science officer – garners his fair share of accolades. Indeed, in the classic theatrical films, Spock is even promoted to Captain, so this son of Sarek knows what it’s like to come out of the shadow of James T. Kirk. Back in the day, Nimoy would often get the most fan mail out of the original cast of star trekkers.

How’s Spock measure up in recent Trekdom? In the J.J. Abrams theatrical reboots, Zach Quinto’s Spock, although still respectful of his Chris Pine Kirk, appears more flustered, frustrated or even combative than Leonard Nimoy’s too cool for school portrayal. Maybe it’s all the stress he’s under over romancing the beautiful human Uhura played by Zoe Saldana? Whatever the ultimate evolution of this legendary first officer, he’s a model in professionalism for all other Number Ones to follow.

Jonathan Frakes as Commander Will Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

Commander Will Riker – Jonathan Frakes

“What am I still doing here?” It’s a question which defines William T. Riker and his career trajectory.

Riker asks his on again, off again, on again Imzadi Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) this loaded question in “The Best of Both Worlds”, Star Trek: The Next Generation ‘s Borg epic. It’s the final episode of the 3rd season, as the two relax in Ten Forward, Riker can only talk promotion – or, more precisely, why he’s not taking Captain promotions offered by Starfleet.

Perhaps no other episode neatly captures the dynamic of a Captain and his right hand – his first, his Number One. Will Riker wasn’t the first to be called Number One. In Trek’s first pilot, “The Cage”, Majel Barrett played the enigmatic Number One, technically the first, first officer in Star Trek. After the show was restructured and recast, she became known for her role as the Vulcan loving Nurse Christine Chapel.

One of the jewels in the Michael Piller scripted “Best of Both Worlds” is Riker vs Shelby. Commander Riker tangles with Commander Shelby – played by the magnificent Elizabeth Dennehy – on loan to help Enterprise battle the rampaging Borg. Shelby’s ambitious. She makes no doubt about what she wants in her career. Shelby doesn’t mull over promotions, she takes them. This Shelby quote nicely encapsulates Riker’s unique dilemma, “You’re in my way. All you know how to do is play it safe. I suppose that’s why someone like you sits in the shadow of a great man for as long as you have – passing up one command after another. If you can’t make the big decisions, Commander, I suggest you make room for someone who can.” Ouch, Willie boy!

Nana Visitor as Major Kira on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

Major Kira – Nana Visitor

She’s the first officer who’s not really a first officer. She’s not Starfleet and so she owes no real allegiance to the Federation nor her superior, once Commander, ultimately Captain Benjamin Sisko. When it counts, however, Major Kira excels in her duties as a Number One.

Where do her loyalties really lie? Kira has worn many hats over her career and she’s pledged loyalty to a variety of organizations. While fighting against the Cardassian occupation, Kira was a top operative in the Bajoran Resistance. Now she’s a Major in the Bajoran military – and serves alongside Captain Sisko on Deep Space Nine and on the starship Defiant. She’ll come to be deeply loved by the Channeling, Odo, and that complicated romance will become a test for her as both a military professional and a woman.

Deep Space Nine logged many firsts for a TV Trek, and the fact that Major Kira wasn’t a Starfleet officer was among the more intriguing and complex character traits.

Robert Beltran as Chakotay on Star Trek: Voyager | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

Chakotay – Robert Beltran

Can a former member of a group pledged to stop and resist Federation authority become a functioning and valuable first officer to a Starfleet Captain? We found out in Star Trek: Voyager .

Chakotay had a respected career in Starfleet, but he abandoned the group for the Maquis – a paramilitary organization committed to stopping Cardassia and Federation assisted expansion to convert more worlds into the Cardassian Union. When Janeway first encountered Chakotay, he wasn’t a man who saw much equality or fair play given to his fellow resistance fighters coming from Starfleet – the Federation’s enforcers of its peace treaty with Cardassia.

Though in many ways, Captain Janeway had no choice but to enlist Chakotay into her fold – after Voyager lost crew members during pursuit of him and his Maquis into the Badlands – the choice proved a beneficial one for the whole crew. Janeway and Chakotay worked closely together, and this often can make for more than just a professional based relationship. Although they experienced physical attraction to each other during their long tour of duty on Voyager, it would be former Borg drone, Seven of Nine (played by Jeri Ryan), who would eventually romance Voyager ‘s first officer.

Jolene Blalock as T’Pol on Star Trek: Enterprise | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

T’Pol – Jolene Blalock

With the prequel series, Star Trek: Enterprise , Vulcans seem to gravitate to being first officer. Here, in the now defunct UPN network prequel show which sought to fill in the backstory of classic, original Trek, T’Pol is Subcommander – and although not officially at first a first officer, it’s the role she mostly assumes.

She’s initially placed onto the starship by the Vulcan High Council as a kind of observer. After her tenure impresses Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula), she’s given the title of Commander and is cleared for having to take standard Starfleet training – bypassing the usual process for an officer of her rank and status.

Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery | Photo: CBS All Access

Michael Burnham – Sonequa Martin-Green

As of this writing, little is known about Michael Burnham – played by Sonequa Martin-Green of The Walking Dead fame, other than she’s a human and will be the first officer, serving aboard the U.S.S. Shenzhou.

A few additional facts known about this first officer: Deliberately given a male name and she has a close relationship with Spock’s father, Sarek. As for the First Officer connection, this is why Discovery was written with more of a focus on the second in command, not having the usual preoccupation with the ship’s Captain, “to see a character from a different perspective on the starship—one who has different dynamic relationships with a captain, with subordinates, it gave us richer context”.

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Will is an Emmy Award nominated screenwriter, book author and content producer. He's written for magazines, the web and for several highly respected TV shows, most notably for the Star Trek franchise. Will penned episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine , and he was one of the few freelancers to work on episodes for both landmark Hollywood series, born of visionary Gene Roddenberry. He's pitched to Star Trek: Voyager , Deep Space Nine & for USA Network's show, Stephen King's The Dead Zone . His articles & celebrity interviews appear in national magazines, websites, newspapers and he's written extensively for publications such as: Yahoo! News, McCall's Quilter's Home, American Chronicle, Bayonne Style, OMG, Shine, Hudson Reporter, The Last Reel & Sci-Fi Pulse. His new book, Star Trek Sex: Analyzing The Most Sexually Charged Episodes Of The Original Series , is published by Bearmanor Media. You can follow Will on Twitter @willstape and @LaughTrek .

Markus McLaughlin

July 10, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Zachary Quinto’s Spock wasn’t mentioned, but he too deserves to be on that list… 🙂

July 11, 2017 at 4:17 pm

He’s mentioned under Leonard Nimoy’s original portrayal.

July 11, 2017 at 12:56 pm

Seeing the new first officer listed alongside the other five really brought it home … at last – after a gap of 12 years – we’re finally getting some more Star Trek.

July 20, 2017 at 10:42 pm

It’s changeling Odo, not channeling.

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Screen Rant

Every enterprise number one in star trek.

First Officer of the USS Enterprise is almost as prestigious as being Captain. Some of Star Trek's greatest characters have been Number One.

Some of the greatest characters in Star Trek have served as the First Officer - AKA the Number One - of the USS Enterprise. The various incarnations of the Enterprise share the most storied legacy in Starfleet, and the Captains of the Enterprise are legendary figures like Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). But the crucial role of Number One is really the lynchpin of any starship, especially the Enterprise. Note that Picard has a dog named Number One in Star Trek: Picard , but he hasn't actually been First Officer of the Enterprise.

The term "Number One" was originated by the mysterious, female First Officer played by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry in the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." A woman as second-in-command of a starship was a bridge too far for TV executives in the 1960s, and Number One was replaced as First Officer by Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Spock and Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) in Star Trek: The Next Generation are the defining ideals of a First Officer in Star Trek, and every Number One created since has been based upon or compared to Spock and Riker in some fashion. Star Trek has since retconned the Starship Enterprise as the flagship of the United Federation of Planets in the 22nd to the 24th centuries, and here are the Starfleet First Officers who have held the fabled position of Number One.

Related: Picard Season 3 Is The Biggest Star Trek Event In 28 Years

9 Sub-Commander T'Pol - Star Trek: Enterprise

Sub-Commander T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) was retconned as the original Number One of the Enterprise by virtue of Star Trek: Enterprise being a prequel set in the 22nd century. T'Pol, like Spock a canonical century later, served in the dual role of First Officer and Science Officer on the NX-01 Enterprise led by Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula). T'Pol was originally on loan from the Vulcan High Command, but she later formally joined the United Earth Starfleet. T'Pol is now the originator of a Vulcan serving as First Officer on the Enterprise, and her experience, intelligence, and wisdom were crucial to Captain Archer's NX-01 surviving their perilous, historic first voyages into deep space.

8 Commander Christopher Pike - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The series premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds established that Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) was Number One to the USS Enterprise's Captain Robert April (Adrian Holmes). April was the first Captain of the Constitution-class NCC-1701 Enterprise, and Pike served as his First Officer during their first five-year mission from 2245-2250. Afterward, April turned the Enterprise over to Pike, who became Captain. No doubt, Pike's experience as First Officer taught him the importance of the position, and thus, he recognizes the excellence of his own choice of Number One, Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn).

7 Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Number One is literally who the First Officer position is named for. The character of Number One was originated by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry in Star Trek 's original pilot, "The Cage," and Rebecca Romijn took over the role of Number One over 50 years later in Star Trek: Discovery season 2. Strange New Worlds finally gave Number One a name - Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley - and a compelling backstory that Una is a genetically-engineered Illyrian. The fact that she was concealing this from Starfleet is what motivated Number One to become the finest First Officer in Starfleet, and her fate after being arrested for lying about being an Augment will be resolved in Strange New Worlds season 2.

6 Lt. La'an Noonien Singh - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley was unable to perform her duties as First Officer twice in Strange New Worlds season 1, and both times, she was replaced by Lt. La'an Noonien Singh (Christina Chong), who served as Acting First Officer. La'an was the Enterprise's Security Chief, and she is also Una's closest friend and protégé. La'an rose to the challenge as Number One admirably, and it's possible she might have replaced Una a third time had she not left the Enterprise at the end of Strange New Worlds episode 9. In an alternate future, La'an is First Officer of the USS Farragut under Captain James T. Krk (Paul Wesley).

Related: Discovery's Saru & Georgiou Set Up Strange New Worlds' La'an & Number One

5 Commander/Captain Spock - Star Trek: The Original Series & Movies

Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy) served as First Officer and Science Officer of the USS Enterprise under Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series . While others have now canonically preceded him, the Vulcan is the true standard-bearer as the Enterprise's Number One. In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Spock was a Captain, but he gladly resumed his role of Number One under Admiral Kirk, which he essentially maintained throughout the rest of the Star Trek: TOS movies. When Strange New Worlds season 2 begins, the younger Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) is likely taking over the position of Number One following Una Chin-Riley's arrest.

4 Commander William T. Riker - Star Trek: The Next Generation & Movies

Perhaps the best-known Number One in Star Trek is Commander Will Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation . Captain Picard affectionately referred to Riker as "Number One," which popularized the term since Star Trek: The Original Series never used it after "The Cage." Riker redefined what the First Officer of the Enterprise could be, and he became the prototype for the Star Trek First Officers that followed. As Number One, Riker led Away missions and was generally more friendly and affable to the crew than his Captain was on the Enterprise-D. Riker was Picard's Number One for 15 years before he finally accepted a promotion to Captain, and Jean-Luc named his dog "Number One" after Commander Riker.

3 Lt. Commander Shelby - Star Trek: The Next Generation

In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 3 and 4's classic "The Best of Both Worlds" two-parter, the USS Enterprise-D got a new Number One in Lt. Commander Shelby (Elizabeth Dennehy). The ambitious Shelby was an expert on the Borg and openly coveted Riker's role as First Officer on the Enterprise. In spite of their rivalry, Riker made Shelby his Number One when he became Acting Captain after Picard was assimilated and became Locutus of Borg. Shelby left the Enterprise after Picard's humanity was reclaimed, and she never did become the Enterprise's Number One again, but Shelby eventually became Captain of her own starship.

2 Lt. Worf - Star Trek: The Next Generation

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation season 7 two-parter, "Gambit," Captain Picard is believed dead, and Commander Riker is captured by mercenaries. This results in Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) taking command of the USS Enterprise-D, with Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) becoming his First Officer. Worf's stint as Number One was brief, but it's believed that following Data's death in Star Trek: Nemesis , Worf became Picard's First Officer in the waning days of his commanding the USS Enterprise-E.

Related: Picard Season 3 Sadly Reminds Us Of Nemesis' Biggest Mistake

1 Commander Data - Star Trek: Nemesis

Commander Data was Picard's pick to replace Riker as First Officer once Will left the Enterprise-E to become Captain of the USS Titan . However, Data sacrificed himself to save the Enterprise from Shinzon's (Tom Hardy) thalaron weapon in Star Trek: Nemesis . Sadly, Data becoming Captain Picard's Number One never came to be in Star Trek, but there's little doubt Data would have been an excellent First Officer of the Enterprise.

More: All 5 Actors Who Played Jean-Luc Picard In Star Trek

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50 Years of NASA and Star Trek Connections

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Fans of the television science fiction series Star Trek were saddened when the show’s final episode aired on June 3, 1969. It seemed like the end of a very short era, as the program had only been on the air for three seasons. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry first had the idea for a science fiction television series in 1964, set in the 23rd century aboard a starship whose crew was dedicated to exploring the galaxy. The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) network introduced the show to its fall 1966 lineup, with the first episode airing on Sep. 8. To put that date in perspective, NASA was preparing to launch the Gemini 10 mission, and was still almost three years from landing humans on the Moon, while Star Trek ’s Starship Enterprise was making fictional journeys through the galaxy. What made the show particularly attractive to late 1960s television audiences was the makeup of the Enterprise ’s crew. Among the major characters were an African-American woman Communications Officer, an Asian-American helmsman, and a half-human half-Vulcan Science Officer, eventually joined by a Russian-born ensign. While the show enjoyed good ratings during its first two seasons, lower ratings in the third season led to its eventual cancellation, despite a concerted letter-writing campaign from its dedicated fans.

After the show’s cancellation, Star Trek lived on and prospered in syndication and attracted an ever-growing fan base. Often dubbed “trekkies,” these fans held the first Star Trek convention in 1972 and became a dedicated constituency. When in 1976 NASA announced that it would name its first space shuttle orbiter Constitution , in honor of its rollout on September 17, the anniversary of the ratification of the United States Constitution, trekkies engaged in a dedicated letter writing campaign to have the orbiter named Enterprise , after the starship in the television series. This time the fans’ letter writing campaign was successful. President Gerald R. Ford sided with the trekkies and directed NASA to rechristen the first space shuttle. When it rolled out of its manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California, it bore the name Enterprise . On hand to see the event were many of the original cast members of the show as well as its creator Rodenberry, hosted by NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher. Thus began a long relationship between the space agency and the Star Trek brand.

When NASA was developing the Space Shuttle in the 1970s, it needed to recruit a new group of astronauts to fly the vehicle, deploy the satellites, and perform the science experiments, and was encouraging women and minorities to apply to be astronauts. The Agency hired Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Nyota Uhura as the Communications Officer on the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek , to record a recruiting video . She came to JSC in March 1977, and accompanied by Apollo 12 and Skylab 3 astronaut Alan L. Bean, toured the center and filmed scenes for the video in Mission Control and other facilities. NASA hoped that her stature and popularity would encourage women and minorities to apply, and indeed they did. In January 1978, when NASA announced the selection of 35 new astronauts, among them for the first time were women and minorities. Nichols returned to JSC in September 2010 with the Traveling Space Museum, an organization that partners with schools to promote space studies. She toured Mission Control and the International Space Station (ISS) trainer accompanied by astronaut B. Alvin Drew. She also flew aboard NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) airborne telescope aircraft in September 2015, possibly the closest any of the cast members has come to flying in space.

Meanwhile, the Star Trek brand renewed itself in 1979 as a full length motion picture with the original TV series cast members reprising their roles. This first film was followed over the years with a number of sequels.  And on the small screen, a reboot of sorts occurred in 1987 with the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation , set in the 24th century aboard the Enterprise-D , a next generation starship with a new crew. That series lasted seven seasons and was followed by a near-bewildering array of spin-off series, all built on the Star Trek brand, that continue to this day.

The actor who played Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, the Starship Enterprise ’s chief engineer, James Doohan, had early associations with NASA. In April 1967, Doohan visited NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, now Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, where he spent time with NASA pilot Bruce A. Peterson. Peterson was a test pilot for the experimental M2-F2 lifting body aircraft who a month later barely survived a horrific crash of the vehicle. Peterson became the inspiration for the 1970s TV series The Six-Million Dollar Man , and film of the crash was included in the show’s opening credits.  Doohan narrated a documentary film about the Space Shuttle released shortly before Columbia made its first flight in April 1981. In January 1991, Doohan visited JSC and accompanied by astronaut Mario Runco (who sometimes goes by the nickname “Spock”) toured the Shuttle trainers and Mission Control and tried his hand at operating the Shuttle robot arm in the Manipulator Development Facility. In a unique tribute, astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, the first person to step on the lunar surface, made a rare public appearance to speak at Doohan’s retirement in 2004, as “one old engineer to another.”

George Takei, who played Starship Enterprise helmsman Lt. Hikaru Sulu, and his husband Brad, visited JSC in May 2012. Invited by both Asian Pacific American and LGBT Employee Resource Groups, Takei spoke of leadership and inclusiveness, including overcoming challenges while in Japanese-American internment camps during World War II and as a member of the LGBT community.  He mentioned that Star Trek was ahead of its time in creating a future when all members of society could equally participate in great undertakings, at a time when the country was struggling through the Civil Rights movement and the conflict in Southeast Asia.  He was greatly inspired by the inclusiveness that is part of NASA’s culture.  JSC Center Director Michael L. Coats presented Takei with a plaque including an American flag flown aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis ’ STS-135 mission.  He also visited Mission Control and spent some time with Robonaut.

The Science Officer aboard the Starship Enterprise , the half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock, was played by Leonard Nimoy.  The actor was on hand in September 2012 when Space Shuttle Enterprise arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, on the last leg of its journey to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, where it is currently on display.  “This is a reunion for me,” said Nimoy.  “Thirty-five years ago, I met the Enterprise for the first time.”  As noted earlier, the Star Trek cast was present when the first Space Shuttle rolled out of its factory in 1976.  Following his death in 2015, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristaforetti paid tribute to Nimoy aboard the ISS by wearing a Star Trek Science Officer uniform, giving the Vulcan greeting and quoting Captain Kirk, “Of all the souls I have encountered … his was the most human.”

At the helm of the Starship Enterprise was Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner.  The actor is a life-long advocate of science and space exploration.  His relationship with NASA began during the original series, with references to the space agency incorporated into several story lines.  An episode that aired in February 1967 featured a photograph of the Gemini 6 launch hanging on the wall.  In 2011, Shatner hosted and narrated a NASA documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Space Shuttle program , and gave his time and voice to other NASA documentaries.  Most recently, he narrated the NASA video We Are Going , about our plans to land the next man and the first woman on the Moon by 2024.  NASA recognized Shatner’s contributions in 2014 with a Distinguished Public Service Medal , the highest award the agency bestows on non-government individuals.   The citation for the medal, presented to Shatner by NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Communications Bob Jacobs, read, “For outstanding generosity and dedication to inspiring new generations of explorers around the world, and for unwavering support for NASA and its missions of discovery.” 

Elements of the Star Trek universe have made their way not only into popular culture but also into NASA culture. As noted above, Star Trek fans were instrumental in naming the first Space Shuttle Enterprise . When NASA was designing an Earth observation facility for the ISS to make use of its optical quality window, its formal acronym became the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). The connection between that acronym and the name of a Klingon officer aboard the Enterprise in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series was an opportunity not to be missed. On the facility’s official patch, underneath the acronym WORF is the name written in the fictional Klingon language. Several astronaut crews have embraced Star Trek themes for their unofficial photographs. The STS-54 crew of Space Shuttle Endeavour dressed in the uniforms of Starship Enterprise officers from “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” the second full-length feature motion picture of the series. Space Shuttle and ISS crews create Space Flight Awareness (SFA) posters for their missions, and more than one has embraced Star Trek motifs. The ISS Expedition 21 crew dressed in uniforms from the original series, while the STS-134 crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour chose as their motif the 2009 reboot motion picture Star Trek .

In the documentary “ NASA on the Edge of Forever: Science in Space ,” host NASA astronaut Victor Glover states, “Science and Star Trek go hand-in-hand.” The film explores how for the past 50 years, Star Trek has influenced scientists, engineers, and even astronauts to reach beyond their potential. While the ISS doesn’t speed through the galaxy like the Starship Enterprise , much of the research conducted aboard the orbiting facility can make the fiction of Star Trek come a little closer to reality. Several of the cast members from the original TV series added their viewpoints in the documentary, along with those of NASA managers and scientists. The mutual attraction between NASA and Star Trek is that both, to paraphrase the opening voiceover from the TV series, seek to explore and seek out new worlds, and to boldly go where no one has gone before. May everyone involved in these endeavors live long and prosper.

A 57-Year-Old Star Trek Mystery Has Finally Been Solved

The final season of Star Trek: Discovery just solved a franchise mystery that's been left open since a classic episode of The Original Series aired.

• Nearly 60 years ago, Star Trek: The Original Series introduced the Mirror Universe.
• Star Trek: Discovery returned to that parallel dimension in Season 1, showing audiences more of that world.
• In the final season of Star Trek: Discovery, the fate of a key vessel in the mirror universe is revealed.

The following contains spoilers from Star Trek: Discovery , Season 5, Episode 5, "Mirrors," now streaming on Paramount+ .

One of the most interesting concepts in the Star Trek mythology is its "mirror universe," a parallel dimension where almost everyone is evil. Of the universe's dozen series, only four ever explored it, and only two did so more than once. Star Trek: Discovery made the mirror universe key to its first season, and in its final one, the series revealed what happened to the ISS Enterprise 57 years after it was first introduced. When the show first debuted, some long-time fans felt the crew and the captain were not in keeping with the tenor of proper Starfleet officers. However, Season 1 revealed Captain Lorca hailed from that universe , explaining why he seemed more "evil" than the typical starship captain.

Once the USS Discovery traveled through a wormhole to the 32nd Century, Dr. Kovich told Dr. Culber that the Mirror Universe and Prime Universe were too far apart for "crossings" to occur any longer. However, while on the hunt for the clues to the location of the Progenitors' technology, Captain Burnham and Cleveland "Book" Booker find a pocket of interdimensional space housing a vessel from the Mirror Universe. However, it's not any old starship, it is the ISS Enterprise last seen in "Mirror, Mirror" when the Prime Universe's Captain Kirk told Mirror Universe Spock it only took one good man to start a revolution. Once Star Trek: Deep Space Nine reintroduced the Mirror Universe, what happened to the ship was an open question Discovery just answered.

Kirk: What worries me is the easy way his counterpart fitted into that other universe. I always thought Spock was a bit of a pirate at heart.

Spock: Indeed, gentlemen. May I point out that I had an opportunity to observe your counterparts here quite closely. They were brutal, savage, unprincipled, uncivilized, treacherous - in every way splendid examples of homo sapiens, the very flower of humanity. I found them quite refreshing. -- Star Trek: The Original Series "Mirror, Mirror"

Where the Mirror Universe and the ISS Enterprise Came From

Star trek: discovery's mary wiseman, wilson cruz and blu del barrio hype finale.

When Gene Roddenberry put together his pitch for Star Trek 60 years ago in 1964, a loose idea of the Mirror Universe concept was on an early pitch document . The full concept came from writer Jerome Bixby, based on his decade-old short story "One Way Street." The writer said "the universe [he] created was a very savage counterpart" and that "it's arguable...the universe itself might be termed a 'character,'" in The Captain's Logs Supplemental by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman.

In "Mirror, Mirror," Kirk, Doctor McCoy, Uhura and Scotty are sent via transporter accident to the Mirror Universe. The episode is mostly about them trying to survive long enough to be returned to their own universe. However, Mirror Spock figures out the captain and crew aren't from his version of reality. So, he ends up helping them recreate the accident so they can return home. Tiberius Kirk and the evil versions of the crew are also sent back, but it's strongly implied that Spock will quickly take control from him.

Star Trek: The Original Series "Mirror, Mirror" Official Synopsis: A transporter accident places Captain Kirk's landing party in an alternate universe, where the Enterprise is in the service of a barbarically brutal empire.

In Star Trek: Enterprise , a two-part episode set in the Mirror Universe brought the USS Defiant from The Original Series episode "The Tholian Web" to the past. This helps explain why the ISS Enterprise is so much like the Constitution class vessels from the prime universe. Each starship is also equipped with a Tantalus Field, a mysterious device that makes a captain's enemies vanish. Presumably, Spock used the vessel to start his revolution, and Deep Space Nine reveals how it all turned out. Yet, what happened to the ISS Enterprise remained a mystery, until "Mirrors."

The USS Discovery's Search for Clues Led Burnham to the Enterprise

Star trek: discovery's alex kurtzman & michelle paradise talk final season.

Captain Burnham and the USS Discovery crew are familiar with the USS Enterprise, though Captain Christopher Pike was her commanding officer then. After surviving the Time Bug placed on the ship by Moll, Burnham and Book take a shuttle into an "aperture" of extradimensional space to follow their ship's warp trail. When they enter it, Burnham recognizes the ship, but tells Book that during her time in the Mirror Universe in Season 1, she never saw that particular vessel. The ship has been stuck there for some time, and it's damaged. Not just from the pocket dimension it sits in, but it had been in a battle.

Star Trek: Discovery "Mirrors" Official Synopsis: Captain Burnham and Book journey into extradimensional space in search of the next clue to the location of the Progenitors' power, while Rayner navigates his first mission in command of the U. S. S. Discovery and Culber opens up to Tilly.

When Burnham and Book board the vessel, they discover something surprising. Rather than a Terran warship, they see the ISS Enterprise seemingly serving as a home to refugees . After restoring some power to the ship, they are able to locate Moll, L'ak and the clue they seek by scanning for the quantum signature of people and objects from the prime universe. A short fight breaks out, but circumstances align so that Moll and Booker have to work together to free L'ak and Michael from a security protocol.

When L'ak and Michael fight, she's able to get the clue and she, accidentally, wounds the Breen exile. Moll and L'ak escape in the shuttle Michael and Book arrived on, so they have to figure out a way to get the ISS Enterprise out of the extradimensional space it was marooned in so long ago. Naturally, they succeed with the help of quick-thinking by Commander Rayner on the USS Discovery. What's most interesting, however, is that throughout this adventure no one really wonders just how the clue from the Prime Universe ended up on the flagship of the Terran Empire.

Deep Space Nine Revealed the Fate of Spock's Terran Empire

Star trek: discovery actors doug jones & david ajala prepare for their last adventure.

The first show to return to the Mirror Universe was the first serialized Star Trek , Deep Space Nine in Season 2, Episode 23, "Crossover." Naturally, because that series was set on the space station close to the planet Bajor, this was the corner of the Mirror Universe that the episode (and its many sequels over seven seasons) explored. Rather than the jingoistic rules of the Terran Empire, however, humans were an oppressed class working the ore processing facilities on the Deep Space 9 station. It was ruled by an alliance of Klingons, Cardassians and Bajorans.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine "Crossover" Official Synopsis: Kira and Dr. Bashir are accidentally sent to the Mirror Universe and discover that it is dominated by a ruthless Klingon–Cardassian alliance and Terrans (humans) are slaves.

Kira Nerys met her counterpart, the leader of the station known as "the Intendant." She explained to her what happened after the real Captain Kirk transported back to his universe. Spock used the ISS Enterprise to become Chancellor of the former Empire, all the while making institutional reformations that made the society more peaceful and equitable. However, after years of being oppressed by the Terrans, the Klingon and Cardassian alliance was able to launch a successful campaign against them.

The Klingon-Cardassian Alliance is the dominant power in the Alpha Quadrant and controls the space near Bajor in the Mirror Universe. The alliance is mostly benevolent and a lover of liberty, but the realities of dealing with a foe like the Terran Empire forces them to engage in questionable tactics.

Still, Deep Space Nine left the ultimate fate of the Terran Empire -- and, more specifically, the ISS Enterprise -- an open question . In fact, Intendant Kira never really clarified when the Terran Empire fell, beyond saying that Spock's reforms began "almost a century ago." Still, knowing that the Terran Empire fell under a brutal assault by Klingons and Cardassians , a picture starts to emerge about why the ISS Enterprise would have been a home for refugees and made the perilous, impossible journey across dimensions.

A Terran Refugee Hid the Clue In the ISS Enterprise In the 24th Century

Star trek: discovery's sonequa martin-green embarks on one final voyage.

At the end of "Mirrors," Michael Burnham reveals the scientist who hid the clue on the ISS Enterprise was able to do so because she was, herself, a Terran . Some time before The Next Generation 's "The Chase," she and a group of refugees fled the ISS Enterprise in shuttles and made their way into the Prime Universe. From there, many of them made homes in the Federation, and this particular scientist was the Junior Science Officer on the ISS Enterprise, Dr. Cho.

Star Trek: The Next Generation "The Chase" Official Synopsis: The crew of the Enterprise must race against various rival powers to uncover an archaeological secret that explains the predominance of humanoid life forms in the galaxy.

This means the Terran refugees fled the Mirror Universe sometime before the events of "The Chase." Yet, it was close enough to those events that Dr. Cho was able to make her way back to the ship that carried her and her fellow immigrant in order to hide the clue there. As Booker notes in the episode, the clues to the Progenitors' technology each come with a lesson. In this case, Dr. Cho wanted to subtly teach the searchers who followed her that things can always get better. She went from being a Terran scientist to a Branch Admiral in Starfleet. It's kind of like Starfleet's first mutineer becoming the captain of the first vessel on which she served afterward.

No matter the timeline or universe, the Enterprise is an important, historic vessel. The ISS Enterprise was a warship that brought fear and terror to whomever it visited. At least, until a man named Kirk told a man named Spock there was a better choice to make. In its final season, Star Trek: Discovery has found yet another way to tie its story into the fabric of the universe's past and the message Gene Roddenberry and all those who followed him wanted to give the audience. Things can always be better, but it takes people making the right choices to get there.

Star Trek: Discovery debuts new episodes Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

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Star Trek Has Finally Revealed the Evil Enterprise's Weird Fate

Watch out for any goatees.

Today, everyone knows what a multiverse is. But back in 1967, parallel universe stories weren’t nearly as common as they are now, even within the sci-fi genre. A classic Star Trek episode, Jerome Bixby’s “Mirror, Mirror,” helped popularize the alternate universe trope, complete with meaner versions of yourself who may rock an evil little goatee like Mirror Spock.

Star Trek’s Mirror Universe also gave us an alternate version of the USS Enterprise in the ISS Enterprise , a ship that served the Imperial Terran Empire, not the United Federation of Planets. Now, in the Discovery Season 5 episode “Mirrors,” the evil ISS Enterprise is back... as a force for good. Here’s what it all means. Spoilers ahead.

The ISS Enterprise returns

Captain Burnham watches the ISS Enterprise warp to Federation HQ.

While pursuing the thieves Moll and L’ak, Book and Burnham take a shuttlecraft into an unstable wormhole and discover the floating, pseudo-derelict ISS Enterprise . One of the clues to the Progenitor’s tech has been hidden on it, but for Burnham, it’s kind of like a bizzaro universe homecoming. Burnham spent a decent amount of time in the Mirror Universe in Discovery Season 1 , and in Season 2 she found herself on the Enterprise with her brother Spock just before jumping from the 23rd century to the 32nd century.

In “Mirrors,” Burnham notes that “crossing between universes has been impossible for centuries,” which means the ISS Enterprise must have crossed over into the Prime Universe well before the 32nd century. Burnham is referencing the events of Discovery Season 3, when we learned that Philippa Georgiou, a resident of the Mirror Universe, couldn’t go back to her home universe because those dimensions had drifted apart. But the ISS Enterprise , which was previously captained by an evil Kirk, crossed over into the Prime Universe well before that moment, and Discovery has now added details connecting The Original Series, Deep Space Nine , and Discovery Season 3.

How evil Spock became good

Spock talking with Kirk in “Mirror, Mirror.”

In the Deep Space Nine episode “Crossover” we learn that after Kirk talked to Mirror Spock and encouraged him to try making the Terran Empire a peaceful power, Mirror Spock did just that. But as Mirror Kira explained, Mirror Spock’s idealism didn’t work out the way he’d hoped:

“Spock rose to Commander in Chief of the Empire by preaching reforms, disarmament, peace. It was quite a remarkable turnabout for his people. Unfortunately for them, when Spock had completed all these reforms, his empire was no longer in any position to defend itself against us [the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance].”

Discovery appears to be referencing this exact event, even if Spock isn’t named outright. When Book learns the ISS Enterprise became a refugee ship for people who’d turned against the Empire, he says, “The Terran High Chancellor was killed for trying to make reforms.”

This likely references Spock, but adds the twist that he was perhaps betrayed by other people within the Terran Empire, even if Earth adopted his reforms. Now, by the end of “Mirrors,” the 23rd-century ISS Enterprise has been moved to the Prime Universe and the 32nd century. It’s an antique by modern standards, but it’s a contemporary of the USS Discovery, so it’s still serviceable. This means that by the end of Discovery Season 5 there will still be a version of the classic Enterprise floating around Federation headquarters, so when the Starfleet Academy series debuts, 32nd-century Starfleet cadets will have access to the classic version of the most famous Enterprise. It may technically be an evil twin, but its historic adventures aren’t over just yet.

Star Trek: Discovery and The Original Series stream on Paramount+.

• Science Fiction

Original ‘Star Trek’ Enterprise Model Resurfaces Decades After It Went Missing

The model used in the original series’ opening credits is now back with Eugene Roddenberry Jr., the son of the show’s creator

Julia Binswanger

Daily Correspondent

Nearly 50 years after it went missing, the original model of the  USS Starship Enterprise from the hit show “ Star Trek ” is finally voyaging home. The 33-inch model—the same one that appears in the opening credits of the original series—is now back with Eugene Roddenberry Jr., the son of the show’s creator.

“After five decades, I’m thrilled that someone happened upon this historic model of the USS Enterprise ,” says Roddenberry, who goes by “Rod,” in a Heritage Auctions statement . “I remember how it used to adorn my dad’s desk.”

The tiny model has been missing since Roddenberry’s father, Gene Roddenberry (who died in 1991), lent it to the makers of 1979’s  Star Trek: The Motion Picture , the first Star Trek feature film. Unfortunately, he never got it back. What happened to it at that point is unknown.

Last fall, the spaceship popped up on  eBay —with a starting bid of $1,000. The listing was titled “Rare Custom Star Trek USS Enterprise Spaceship by Richard Datin .” Datin, a model maker from the Howard Anderson special-effects company, built the original model out of solid wood. The  New York Times ’ Emily Schmall reports that the seller came across the item after discovering it in a storage unit. After receiving many inquiries about the item, the seller contacted Heritage Auctions.

“Once our team of experts concluded it was the real thing, we contacted Rod because we wanted to get the model back to where it belonged,” says Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, in the statement. “We’re thrilled the Enterprise is finally in dry dock.”

The ship’s whereabouts after its disappearance remain a mystery; unfortunately, the missing years aren’t described in a captain’s log. The younger Roddenberry says there had even been rumors that he’d thrown it into a pool as a boy, per Jamie Stengle of the Associated Press (AP).

While the model would “easily” sell for over $1 million at auction, it’s a “priceless” piece of television history, Maddalena tells the AP.

Since Star Trek ’s debut in 1966, the Enterprise has become an instantly recognizable image—and a pioneering design that inspired many other fictional spacecraft.

“We didn’t want the Enterprise to look like something currently planned for our space program,” said Walter Jefferies, the Star Trek art director who designed the fictional craft, in the 1968 book The Making of Star Trek , per the auction house. “We knew that by the time the show got on the air, this type of thing would be old hat. We had to go further than even the most advanced space scientists were thinking.”

The younger Roddenberry rounded up a group of Star Trek production veterans to help authenticate and restore the model. One of them was Gary Kerr, a “Trek x-pert” who worked on the 2016 restoration of an 11-foot model of the Enterprise for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum . Kerr still had old photos of the model sitting on the elder Roddenberry’s desk.

“We spent at least an hour photographing it, inspecting the paint, inspecting the dirt, looking under the base, the patina on the stem, the grain in the wood,” Roddenberry tells the Times . “It was a unanimous ‘This is 100 percent the one.’”

While other models of the Enterprise exist, the newly discovered ship is the original. Looking ahead, Roddenberry wants to ensure that this one-of-a-kind artifact is accessible to the public.

“This is not going home to adorn my shelves,” he tells the AP. “This is going to get restored and we’re working on ways to get it out so the public can see it, and my hope is that it will land in a museum somewhere.”

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Julia Binswanger | READ MORE

Julia Binswanger is a freelance arts and culture reporter based in Chicago. Her work has been featured in WBEZ,  Chicago magazine,  Rebellious magazine and  PC magazine. 

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Nbc news now, 'star trek' uss enterprise model found on ebay after nearly 50 years.

The original USS Enterprise model used in the introduction of the show "Star Trek" was found after being missing for nearly 50 years. The model went missing in the 1970s and was found being sold on eBay with a starting bid of $1,000.  April 26, 2024

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Starfleet ranks

• View history

The rank insignia of a Starfleet captain in the late 23rd century

Cristóbal Rios' rank pip collection from his Starfleet career

Tom Paris is demoted to ensign for disobeying orders

Starfleet ranks were identifying titles of rank for the officers and enlisted members of Starfleet denoting the chain of command under both United Earth and the United Federation of Planets . These titles were generally adapted from earlier Earth naval forces. ( TOS : " The City on the Edge of Forever ", ENT : " Storm Front ")

• 1 Early usage
• 2.1 Early 23rd century
• 2.2 Early-mid 23rd century
• 2.3 Late-mid 23rd century
• 2.4 Late 23rd century
• 3 24th century
• 4 25th century
• 5 29th century
• 6 32nd century
• 7.1 Mirror universe
• 7.2 Alternate reality
• 7.3 Alternate universe
• 8.1 Flag officers
• 8.2 Officer ranks
• 8.3 Provisional officers
• 8.4 Cadet ranks
• 8.5.1 Non-commissioned officers
• 8.5.2 Crewmen
• 9.1 Fleet captain
• 9.2 Deputy director
• 9.3 Colonel
• 9.4 Corporal
• 9.5 Miscellaneous
• 10.1 See also
• 10.2 Background information
• 10.3 Apocrypha
• 10.4 External links

Early usage [ ]

By the development of the NX-Alpha in 2143 , the Starfleet rank structure had at least three enlisted ranks, four officer ranks, and three ranks for use by flag officers . Silver rank pips were displayed on the right breast of the Starfleet uniforms , above a colored shoulder trim denoting what division the crew member was assigned to. Flag officers' pips were surrounded by a black rectangle with a silver border. ( ENT : " First Flight ", et al.) This system was still in place by 2161 . ( ENT : " These Are the Voyages... ")

23rd century [ ]

Early 23rd century [ ].

By the 2230s , the Starfleet uniform used a sleeve stripe system instead of pips to denote rank. ( Star Trek )

Early-mid 23rd century [ ]

Gold shoulder trim of a flag admiral, captain, and officer (left to right)

By 2239 , Starfleet had adopted a uniform where officer rank was denoted by the number of raised or indented pips on a Starfleet delta . ( ST : " The Brightest Star ") The admiralty wore a Starfleet insignia surrounded by a wreath made up of smaller golden or black Starfleet insignia on a dark disc; the more of them are gold, the higher the rank. ( DIS : " The Vulcan Hello ", " The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry ")

A variation of this uniform introduced in the 2250s changed the rank system back to a sleeve stripe system. For the command and operations division officers, the stripes matched the division color: gold stripes for command, red stripes for operations. Sciences division officers wore silver stripes. ( DIS : " Brother ", " Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2 ")

A new uniform was introduced around 2259 , retaining the rank insignia system from the previous style with only slight modifications. Sciences officers wore blue stripes in the new system, while silver stripes were reserved for medical officers. Doctors wore a light-blue variant of the sciences uniform while nurses wore white. ( SNW : " Strange New Worlds ", et al.)

Another Starfleet uniform used around this time had a much simpler rank and insignia system, in which enlisted personnel wore no rank insignia while the rank of chief petty officer was denoted by a special sleeve stripe. Commissioned officers wore a solid gold stripe. This system would be in use concurrently with other rank insignia systems for at least fifteen years, with only a slight modification by 2265 , when those holding the rank of captain were authorized to wear two gold stripes whereas other officers wore one. ( TOS : " The Cage ", " Where No One Has Gone Before ")

Late-mid 23rd century [ ]

By 2266 , Starfleet had phased out the simple rank system that gave all commissioned officers the same insignia. They also modified the other system that had been in use for the last decade or so. In this new system, all enlisted personnel, chief petty officers included, as well as ensigns, had no insignia whatsoever with most enlisted personnel also wearing Starfleet jumpsuits instead of the standard tunic uniforms worn by the officers. ( TOS : " The Corbomite Maneuver ", et al)

Starfleet flag officers wore a thicker braid insignia than regular officers. ( TOS : " Court Martial ", " The Trouble with Tribbles ")

The rank of cadet and midshipman were both in use at Starfleet Academy . ( TOS : " Shore Leave ", " Court Martial ")

In the mid- 2270s , Starfleet changed its uniforms yet again, although mainly in appearance only. The rank insignia of officers remained almost the same, though the lieutenant junior grade braid was now used to indicate ensign. Enlisted personnel adopted a style of their own rank insignia and both officers and admirals could now wear a short sleeve "Class B" uniform which displayed rank insignia on shoulder tabs. ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

Late 23rd century [ ]

By the year 2278 , Starfleet had again changed its uniforms , abandoning the previous sleeve stripe system and adopting a totally new insignia design which incorporated a series of rank pins worn on a shoulder strap with the color of the strap determining the bearer's branch within Starfleet. At this point, the lieutenant junior grade rank had also been re-established.

The shoulder strap system also matched with a cuff strap which could display various citation and years-of-service pins. Finally, in the case of admirals, another series of cuff straps denoted the particular rank of the admiral.

Enlisted uniforms were also completely revamped from previous versions and now were worn as jumpsuits with rank pins worn on the lower right sleeve. Enlisted ranks themselves were expanded, encompassing several grades of petty officer and chief petty officer . ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan )

With the exception of some minor cosmetic changes to officer uniforms, including the introduction of a standard communicator pin by 2344 , the uniforms and insignia of the late 23rd century remained unchanged until the late 2340s . ( TNG : " Yesterday's Enterprise ", " Family ")

Concept art by Robert Fletcher

24th century [ ]

Ranks in the 2360s

A captain's rank pips

By the year 2355 , Starfleet had introduced a new uniform design , with a pip system of golden pin insignia worn on the collar. ( TNG : " The Battle ")

The 24th century pip system included a black pip insignia to denote chief petty officers. ( TNG : " Realm Of Fear ")

The pip system used in the mid-to-late 24th century remained relatively unchanged through 2385 , having been kept across several uniform design changes. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

In the 2360s , admirals wore a triangular insignia on a special flag officer uniform. ( TNG : " Too Short A Season ", " Coming of Age ", " Conspiracy ")

Admiral insignia worn in the vertical fashion

By 2365 , this insignia had been replaced by a "boxed pip" system worn vertically on the flag uniform collar. ( TNG : " The Measure Of A Man ") By 2366 , the admiral insignia was commonly worn horizontally against the collar in the same way as the insignia worn by other grades. ( TNG : " The Defector ")

Chief petty officer

By the mid- 2370s , Starfleet had changed the chief petty officer rank insignia, replacing the black pip with chevrons and dots. ( DS9 : " Hippocratic Oath ")

25th century [ ]

By the year 2399 , Starfleet's familiar pip design had been relocated from the collar to the right breast of the uniform and the pips had become silver. ( PIC : " Remembrance ") By the early 2400s , the silver rank pips were back on the collar of the uniform. ( PIC : " The Star Gazer ")

The pips of flag officers were placed on a dark gray isosceles trapezoid with a silver border. ( PIC : " Maps and Legends ")

29th century [ ]

The uniforms worn by the Starfleet crew of the USS Relativity during the 29th century displayed a new design for rank insignia, with horizontal bronze chevrons on the right collar instead of pips. ( VOY : " Future's End ", " Relativity ")

32nd century [ ]

By the 32nd century , Starfleet had passed through a number of rank insignia systems. ( DIS : " Forget Me Not ", " Su'Kal ")

By 3189 , rank was indicated on an officer's tricom badge . The ranks of captains and admirals were also shown on the collar and shoulders. The shoulder and collar had a similar design; captains had a vertical shoulder rank band at the edge of the shoulder, while admirals had a horizontal band along the top of the shoulder. ( DIS : " Die Trying ") Other officers had a plain collar badge.

Tricom badge concept art

Alternate timelines [ ]

Mirror universe [ ].

• See : Starfleet ranks (mirror)

Alternate reality [ ]

By 2258 in the alternate reality , Starfleet had adopted uniforms and an insignia pattern reminiscent of the mid 2250s in the prime reality . These new insignia consisted of silver bands worn on the lower sleeves of the uniform. Ensigns and certain skirt uniforms displayed no rank insignia. ( Star Trek )

Alternate universe [ ]

In an alternate universe observed during a quantum fissure , Starfleet had adopted an additional form of insignia which was incorporated directly into the design of the Starfleet combadge . The insignia appeared as black, gold, and silver bars behind the Starfleet delta, designed to show the rank of the wearer and along with collar pips. ( TNG : " Parallels ")

The same insignia was also used by the alien Barash during a holographic simulation of the USS Enterprise -D , designed to trick Commander William T. Riker into thinking he was in the future. Barash's simulation did not include the collar pips. ( TNG : " Future Imperfect ")

Comparative rank tables [ ]

Flag officers [ ].

Admirals in Starfleet were described as the flag officers , a term held over from naval tradition. These ranks constituted the highest authorities of Starfleet Command . ( TOS : " The Deadly Years ")

Officer ranks [ ]

Provisional officers [ ].

Insignia worn by warp specialist Kosinski

In 2364 , Starfleet propulsion expert Kosinski ran several upgrade experiments on the Enterprise -D. Kosinski wore a unique rank insignia denoting his special position. ( TNG : " Where No One Has Gone Before ")

The crew of the USS Voyager , which included non-Starfleet Maquis members, was forced to make use of provisional rank appointments as a matter of course since the ship was stranded in the Delta Quadrant and the Maquis members were essential to shipboard operations. ( VOY : " Caretaker ", et al. )

In 2381 , Vulcan Officer T'Lyn was given a provisional rank appointment as an ensign when she transferred from the VCF Sh'vhal to the USS Cerritos . ( LD : " wej Duj ")

Emblems designed by Madgaleno

Cadet ranks [ ]

Cadet ranks were held by those attending Starfleet Academy during their training to become commissioned officers. ( TNG : " The First Duty ")

Enlisted ranks [ ]

Enlisted ranks were achieved by members of Starfleet who had not attended Starfleet Academy. ( DS9 : " Starship Down ")

Non-commissioned officers [ ]

• Petty officer, first class; also known as " technician first class ", etc. ( TOS : " Space Seed ")
• Petty officer, second class; also known as "specialist second class", etc. ( citation needed • edit )
• Petty officer, third class; also known as " yeoman third class ", etc. ( TOS : " Charlie X ")

Crewmen [ ]

• Crewman first class ( TNG : " The Drumhead ")
• Crewman second class ( ENT : " Shuttlepod One ")
• Crewman third class ( ENT : " Cold Front ")

The lowest possible rank of recruit , ranked below the crewman grades. ( ENT : " Rogue Planet ", " Cogenitor ")

Titles and positions [ ]

Fleet captain [ ].

Fleet captain insignia, 2259

Fleet captain was a title bestowed upon Starfleet captains when in command of more than one facility. It was a rare distinction, held by particularly respected captains. ( TOS : " The Menagerie, Part I ", " Whom Gods Destroy ") The 2259 fleet captain rank insignia used the flag-officer-disk-version of the Starfleet insignia, with only the two small delta leaves below the main delta colored gold; the cuff stripes and other elements of the uniform were those of a captain. ( SNW : " Lost in Translation ")

In 2259, Captain Christopher Pike , commanding officer of the USS Enterprise , was temporarily promoted to fleet captain, bringing the USS Farragut and Bavali Station under his command. ( SNW : " Lost in Translation ") Pike was permanently promoted to this title by 2266 . ( TOS : " The Menagerie, Part I ") In the 2260s , it was also held by Captain Garth , one of Starfleet's most decorated captains and hero of the Battle of Axanar . ( TOS : " Whom Gods Destroy ")

Deputy director [ ]

Sloan's insignia

Sloan posing as a deputy director with Internal Affairs

While posing as a deputy director with Internal Affairs , Luther Sloan wore captain's pips with a gold bar connecting them beneath. ( DS9 : " Inquisition ")

Colonel [ ]

Colonel West in 2293

In 2293 , Starfleet Colonel West was involved in the Khitomer conspiracy . ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

Corporal [ ]

In 2154 , Starfleet Corporal Askwith perished at the Earth embassy on Vulcan. ( ENT : " The Forge ")

Miscellaneous [ ]

The space officer's shoulder epaulets

In 2254 , Captain Christopher Pike, while on Talos IV , imagined himself as an Orion trader . He imagined an officer in a dress uniform with him at the Orion colony wearing peculiar shoulder epaulets and of unknown rank. ( TOS : " The Cage ")

In 2376 , The Doctor aboard Voyager briefly resigned his Starfleet commission. ( VOY : " Virtuoso ")

Appendices [ ]

See also [ ].

• Starfleet admirals
• Starfleet captains
• Starfleet commanders
• Starfleet lieutenant commanders
• Starfleet lieutenants
• Starfleet lieutenants junior grade
• Starfleet ensigns
• Starfleet cadets
• Starfleet enlisted personnel
• Starfleet crewmen

Background information [ ]

The rank system used during Star Trek: The Original Series was originally designed by William Ware Theiss , with the first versions inspired principally by the insignia of the United States Navy. According to Inside Star Trek: The Real Story [ page number? • edit ] , since Gene Roddenberry didn't want an overtly military Starfleet, Theiss toned down his stripe system by giving ensigns no stripe and lieutenants one full stripe, which is what an actual USN ensign wears.

For Star Trek: The Motion Picture , Jon Povill sent Fletcher a production memo, dated 3 August 1978 , explaining the rank insignia to be used in the film, with no reference to lieutenant junior grade or other flag officers. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , p. 126) Robert Fletcher , who designed the Starfleet uniform used in the film, developed a rank system which displayed on straps over both shoulders. These insignia included a circle for "mid shipman", a triangle for "lieut comm jr. grade", a chevron for "lieutenant comm", a single stripe for "commander", two stripes for "captain", two stripes a circle with spines for "admiral" and two spiney circles for "adm of the fleet". ( Star Trek: Costumes , p. 45) An unidentified triangular insignia is worn on the epaulets of several crewmembers, but is not identified in any production or background sources. It's A Wrap! sale and auction listed it as representing the rank of petty officer . [6] While an additional epaulet insignia featuring a single thin strip was also used but not identified to a rank. [7]

One version of the flag officer rank insignia sold as part of It's A Wrap! sale and auction

During the production of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Director Nicholas Meyer wanted the uniforms to feel as real as possible, and asked for new rank insignia. Fletcher explained: " There was kind of a complicated arrangement of divisions and ranks expressed by the braid on the sleeves. I made that up. I organized it and produced a little instruction booklet about it for the wardrobe department […]. " ( citation needed • edit ) On the early version of the uniforms, the insignia was on a band around the upper arm, which was later moved to the cuff. ( citation needed • edit )

The Star Trek Encyclopedia omitted and created insignia, introducing some confusion

The Star Trek Encyclopedia  (3rd ed., p. 201), depicted an overview of the rank system used in the Star Trek films , though it omitted the petty officer second class, created the master chief petty officer second class and fleet captain (which had not been used in the films,) and depicted erroneous insignia for lieutenant commander and admiral. The Star Trek Fact Files Part 70 and the Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 2, Issue 10 , p. 99, would also include the apocryphal fleet captain and master chief petty officer second class insignia, the erroneous lieutenant commander insignia (with a broken vertical gold stripe, instead of a solid horizontal gold stripe,) and an almost entirely different depiction of flag officer insignia. This system created an insignia with one gold dart to represent commodore, used the commodore insignia for rear admiral, created a three gold dart insignia for vice admiral, and used the rear admiral insignia for admiral. A three gold dart insignia was included in some It's A Wrap! sale and auction flag officer sets, but never seen on screen. [8]

The later pip designs of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Enterprise emulated US Navy insignias almost exactly, although an article on the 2151 uniforms and rank did not mention lieutenant junior grade or lieutenant commander. ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 3, Issue 11 , p. 42) Neither rank is used during Star Trek: Enterprise .

Apocrypha [ ]

The role-playing game supplement Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual discusses ranks.

Starfleet officers in the late 2230s

Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness , Issue 2 depicts that a style of uniform was in use by 2239 . This would make it seem that a few versions of the prime reality uniform were never adopted in the alternate reality, unless they was used very briefly after 2233 .

A rank senior to fleet admiral was first referenced in " The Wormhole Connection ". The rank of grand admiral is said to have existed in 2285 and has a special uniform with shoulder boards worn on the red maroon jacket uniform. The rank also appeared in the novel The Sorrows of Empire , held first by the counterpart Garth , then by the counterpart Matt Decker and then by Spock , before he becomes Emperor of the Terran Empire .

A "flag admiral" pin used as one of Data's medals

A "flag admiral" insignia design (a six pointed starburst) from the fan-published Klingon Covert Operations Manual was used as one of Data's medals in " The Most Toys ".

External links [ ]

• Earth Starfleet ranks at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Federation Starfleet ranks at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 2 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Command Delta Badge

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This magnetic delta comes to you directly from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds . It is full-size and true to the show's scale in size and finish. The delta features a brushed metal finish. The delta has two vertical magnetic clutches and a back plate to hold it securely in place. While manufactured with FanSets normal attention to detail, this delta is not manufactured as a prop replica.

• True to the show's scale in size and finish
• Ships on May 15, 2024

Ordering Information

• Return Policy: We will gladly accept returns for any reason within 30 days of receipt of delivery.
• Shipping: Ship times are estimates of time in transit after your product leaves the fulfillment center. Some items in your order may ship separately to arrive faster.
• Availability: Ships internationally to most countries around the world.
• Shipping Policy: For more information, see our Shipping Policy here .

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Star Trek: Lower Decks Badge

Forged from resilient materials, the Star Trek: Lower Decks Badge proudly showcases the iconic Delta Shield insignia, adorned with the unique colors and design motifs of the U.S.S. Cerritos crew. Whether you stand among the esteemed senior officers or serve as a humble ensign, this badge serves as a beacon of your dedication to Starfleet and the Lower Decks team.

• This magnetic delta comes to you directly from Star Trek: Lower Decks .
• Measures at 2.25" tall
• The delta features a brushed metal finish.
• The magnet has two vertical magnetic clutches to hold it securely in place.
• While manufactured with FanSets normal attention to detail, this delta is not manufactured as a prop replica.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Badge

Star Trek: The Next Generation Delta This delta comes to you directly from Star Trek: The Next Generation.  It is a full-size delta that features a matte brushed metal finish.  The magnetic version has two horizontal magnets or clutches to hold it securely in place. While manufactured with FanSets normal attention to detail, this delta is not manufactured as a prop replica.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Science Uniform T-Shirt

Introducing our Star Trek Uniform T-Shirt, where style meets intergalactic adventure! Inspired by the iconic uniforms worn by the crew of the Starship Enterprise, this shirt is a must-have for any Star Trek enthusiast.

• Your new favorite tee is made from super smooth and comfortable cotton touch polyester jersey that won't fade after washing.
• Fit: Regular fit; item generally runs small.
• Made Of: 95% polyester, 5% elastane.
• Care: Machine wash cold inside out with like colors and tumble dry low.
• Shipping Policy: For more information, see our Shipping Policy .

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Star Trek The Original Series Command Uniform T-Shirt

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Star Trek: The Original Series Engineering Uniform T-Shirt

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Star Trek: Picard Magnetic Delta Badge

This magnetic pin comes to you directly from the   Star Trek: Picard . It is a full-size delta. While manufactured with FanSets normal attention to detail this pin is not meant to be an exact prop replica. With a bright silver delta over a matte finish black nickel it measures 2 ¾" tall. Revised for screen accuracy this new version of the Picard Delta features a groove in the silver overlay. This magnet lets everyone know how much you enjoy Star Trek: Picard.

Product Details:

• Official Size and Scale!
• Double Clutch Magnetic Back
• Measures 2 ¾” tall

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Star Trek: Discovery Men's Copper Operations Uniform

Did you know that the Uniforms for Star Trek: Discovery were based on actual NASA uniforms? That is why they are so stylish. The Star Trek: Discovery Men's Copper Operations Uniform looks just like the one worn by Shazad Latif as Security Officer Lt. Ash Tayler in the series. The lined blue top features a copper Starfleet badge and additional copper accents.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Material: 100% Polyester
• Care: Hand Wash to preserve uniform
• Additional Information: Pants are not included.
• Availability: Ships to the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Sherpa Blanket

This Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Sherpa Blanket lets you relax in ultimate comfort after a long day of commanding the U.S.S. Enterprise. Featuring the iconic colors of the Star Trek: The Next Generation command uniform on the soft mink front and a cozy sherpa back, this Star Trek blanket is perfect to snuggle up in as you unwind during the evening.

• You'll never need another blanket! This blanket is the perfect addition to your home, it looks good and is a nice companion on cool nights.
• Made Of: 100% polyester.
• Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with mild detergent and similar colors. Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry for longest life.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Throw Pillow

Give your starship quarters a noticeable upgrade with this Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Pillow. Inspired by the iconic command uniform from Star Trek: The Original Series , this Star Trek accent pillow makes a great finishing touch to your home decor.

• Show off your favorite shows or characters with this vibrant throw pillow. You'll want to be able to display one of these in each comfortable spot in your house!
• Measures: 16” Wide x 16” Tall.
• Made Of: spun poly material with down alternative; blown and closed.
• Care: Spot Clean or Dry Clean Only.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Throw Pillow

If you are in the command division on your starship, then you deserve some R&R every now and then! Inspired by the command uniform of crew members aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, the Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Pillow lets you relax in comfort while showing some pride for your division.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Science Uniform Adult Shorts

Planning a trip to Risa, Casperia Prime, or maybe Freecloud is more your vibe? Don't forget to pack these Star Trek: The Original Series Science Uniform Adult Shorts in your suitcase! Get ready to do some high tech science experiments aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 in these blue Star Trek: The Original Series Science Uniform Adult Shorts featuring the Science Badge! With mesh side pockets, water-repellant fabric, and elastic waistband, you can't go wrong rocking these amazing shorts on your next adventure.

• Made of: 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex (fabric composition may vary by 3%)
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Star Trek: Voyager Command Uniform Sherpa Blanket

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Star Trek: Discovery Command Uniform Beach Towel

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• Measures: 30"x60".
• Made Of: 100% Velour Terry Cotton.
• Care: Please wash before using towel. Pile and softness will return.

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Star Trek: Discovery Command Uniform Throw Pillow

Give your decor an out-of-this-world upgrade with this Star Trek: Discovery Command Uniform Pillow. Inspired by the command uniforms within the DISCO series, this Star Trek: Discovery pillow is perfect for command division members and Star Trek: Discovery fans alike.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Engineering Uniform Athletic Shorts

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Star Trek: Discovery Command Uniform Sherpa Blanket

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Beach Towel

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Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Sherpa Blanket

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Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Beach Towel

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Command Uniform Tote Bag

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• Dimensions: Bag 15" x 15"
• Maximum weight limit: 44lb
• Handle length: 11.8".
• Made Of: 100% spun polyester fabric, Dual handles 100% natural cotton bull denim.
• Care: Handwash.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Premium Tote Bag

Whether you are commanding a starship or heading to class, this Star Trek: The Original Series Command Uniform Tote Bag lets you store everything you need for the day in one secure place while showing off your command division status. Featuring the iconic yellow uniform and command division badge, this Star Trek: The Original Series tote bag is a must-have addition to your style.

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Star Trek: Discovery Women's Copper Operations Uniform

Look as stylish as Cadet Sylvia Tilly this Halloween when you put on the Star Trek: Discovery Women's Copper Operations Uniform. This lined blue shirt with copper accents is a replica of the style worn by Mary Wiseman as Cadet Tilly in Star Trek: Discovery. It features copper shoulder braids and a copper Starfleet emblem.

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Star Trek: Discovery Women's Gold Command Uniform

Step onto the bridge and take control this Halloween with the Star Trek: Discovery Women's Gold Command Uniform. Whether you are dressing up as Michael Burnham, the Shenzhou Captain Philippa Georgiou, or assuming command of your own spaceship, this uniform will let everyone know who is in charge.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Women's Deluxe Science Uniform

You'll look like you stepped off the Starship Enterprise when you wear this  Star Trek: The Original Series Women's Deluxe Science Uniform. This costume includes a form-fitting blue dress with a black collar shiny gold wrist bands and a replica Star Trek emblem pin. Look your best and impress Star Trek fans young and old in this officially licensed costume.

• 100% Polyester
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Star Trek: The Original Series Women's Deluxe Command Uniform

You'll look like you stepped off the Starship Enterprise when you wear the  Star Trek: The Original Series  Women's Deluxe Command Uniform. This costume includes a gold, form fitting long sleeved mini dress with a black collar, shiny gold wrist bands, and a replica Star Trek emblem pin. Look your best and impress Star Trek fans young and old in this costume.

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Star Trek: The Original Series Deluxe Spock Uniform

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Star Trek: The Original Series Spock Dog Costume

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Star Trek: Discovery Science Women's Uniform (Silver)

Boldly go where no man has gone before, and look great while doing it with this Star Trek Discovery Science Uniform in silver. This blue top features an inner lining, a silver Starfleet emblem on the chest and additional silver accents ,  making it the perfect addition to your Star Trek cosplay costume . Pants are not included, only the jacket.

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Star Trek: Discovery Women's Command Uniform

Step onto the bridge and take control this Halloween with the Star Trek: Discovery Women's Command Uniform. Whether you are dressing up as Michael Burnham, the Shenzhou Captain Philippa Georgiou, or assuming command of your own spaceship, this uniform will let everyone know who's in charge. This Star Trek: Discovery outfit features the standard-issue navy blue uniform of all Federation crew members, as well as the gold trim that signifies command personnel. Includes a shirt with Starfleet insignia and zipper, a matching pair of pants, and boot tops.

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Published May 2, 2024

It's The (Other) Enterprise! How Discovery's I.S.S. Enterprise Connects Three Eras of Star Trek

The Mirror Enterprise had a long road getting from there to here.

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains story details and plot points for Star Trek: Discovery's "Mirrors."

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In the classic 1967 episode, " Mirror, Mirror ," when Kirk, Bones, Scotty, and Uhura accidentally beamed across dimensions, and onto another version of the Enterprise , the first clue that this was a parallel universe was the fact that the ship was orbiting around the Halkan homeworld from right-to-left, rather than left-to-right. So, the first glimpse of the I.S.S. Enterprise was simply that it was taking a different path, literally, zagging when it should have been zigging.

Ever since the debut of "Mirror, Mirror," the idea of an evil Enterprise grew in our imaginations, even if we didn't get to actually see it on-screen again. Even as the Mirror Universe expanded in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , Star Trek: Enterprise , and Star Trek: Discovery , an on-screen glimpse of the I.S.S. Enterprise — traveling on a very different path from the U.S.S. Enterprise — remained elusive. That is, until now.

In the Discovery episode " Mirrors ," the final destination of this version of the Enterprise has been revealed, and in that revelation, the entire timeline of the Star Trek universe has been traversed. Unlike the classic 1701 of the Prime Universe, the I.S.S. Enterprise 's journey has lasted centuries. Here's how that journey unites at least three different aspects of the larger Star Trek story.

How Discovery Brings Back the Mirror Enterprise

"Mirrors"

In "Mirrors," the fifth episode of Discovery 's fifth season, Book and Burnham take a shuttlecraft into an unstable wormhole, hoping to find a trace of Moll and L'ak and the next piece of the puzzle that can lead them to the Progenitor 's elusive technology. But instead, adrift and displaced by nine centuries, and an entirely different dimension, they find the I.S.S. Enterprise , a ship Burnham never actually encountered while she was in the Mirror Universe in Discovery 's first season, but is nonetheless instantly familiar with.

While aboard, we learn that while this ship was part of the Terran Starfleet. At some point after the events of "Mirror, Mirror," a group of rebellious reformers commandeered this Enterprise , turning it into a ship of hope. Book finds a plaque on the ship which commemorates the ship's journey, pointing out that "The Terran High Chancellor was killed for trying to make reforms." This could reference Mirror Spock, though Burnham and Book would have no way of knowing that.

In "Mirror, Mirror," Kirk challenged Mirror Spock to be better, and try to reform the Empire which, we learned, actually did happen. But, interestingly, Burnham and Book only have one piece of the puzzle, the audience of all of the Star Trek franchise, has the rest.

The Deep Space Nine Connection

"Crossover"

In the 1994  Deep Space Nine episode " Crossover ," Kira and Bashir find themselves in the Mirror Universe after a warp bubble kerfuffle spits them out the Bajorian wormhole and into very unfamiliar territory. They’re in the Mirror Universe all right, but this is the 24th Century version of the Mirror Universe, not the 23rd Century time frame from "Mirror, Mirror." Kira comes face to face with her Mirror self, Intendant Kira, who tells her all about how Spock became the leader of the Empire, and began "preaching reforms" and "peace."

This neatly parallels what Book says in "Mirrors," but now, we learn that some Terrans who believed in peace escaped on the I.S.S. Enterprise . While the DS9 future of the Mirror Universe was bleak for Terrans, we now learn that some survived, and even made it to the Prime Universe thanks to the Enterprise . 

The Story of Another Wayward, Vintage Starship

"In A Mirror Darkly, Part 2"

The Constitution -class I.S.S. Enterprise 's journey from the Mirror Universe of the 23rd Century to the 32nd Century is also reminiscent of another TOS Mirror Universe starship crossover. Back in Discovery 's first season, the crew learns everything they need to know about the Mirror Universe thanks to information about the U.S.S. Defiant , a ship, which like the I.S.S. Enterprise , eventually moved across universes and time, as well.

In the 1968 Original Series episode " The Tholian Web ," the U.S.S. Defiant vanishes, only to reappear in the 2005 Enterprise two-parter, " In a Mirror, Darkly ." As Burnham puts it in "Despite Yourself," this journey is unorthodox, "Data suggests that in the future, the Defiant will encounter a phenomenon that'll bring it into this alternative universe's past." This means that not only did the Defiant cross universes, but time-traveled too, from the 23rd Century setting of The Original Series , to the 22nd Century setting of Star Trek: Enterprise . 

The I.S.S. Enterprise didn't travel from the 23rd century Mirror Universe straight to the 32nd century Prime Universe. As we learned in Discovery 's third season, crossing over directly between these universes at this point in time is impossible. But, it did crossover sometime before the end of the 24th Century; one of the mysterious 24th Century scientists, Dr. Cho, was Terran. And, that detail, brings the journey of the I.S.S. Enterprise , all the way back to the story of Discovery .

Discovery 's Hopeful Mirror Universe Tale

Book reads the journey of the I.S.S. Enterprise to Burnham, mentioning that this crew escaped all thanks to the help of a "Keplian slave turned rebel leader." Instantly, Book and Burnham know this can only mean "Action Saru" himself, from the Mirror Universe.

This detail ties into Season 3's two-parter, " Terra Firma ," in which Georgiou re-entered the Mirror Universe in the 23rd Century, at a point in time prior to Burnham's crossover in Season 1. But, in this version of the Mirror Universe, Georgiou, like Mirror Spock, tried to affect some positive change, which had dire consequences for her. But, at the same time, in this Mirror Universe, Georgiou had also freed Saru, and we did see him leading a rebellion toward the end of the episode. As the Guardian of Forever told Georgiou in " Terra Firma, Part 2 ," her actions in at least one version of the Mirror Universe had a big, positive impact, "You saved a Kelpien. And you didn't have to do that. And he'll save others. A lot of them."

So, thanks to Georgiou, Mirror Spock, and Action Saru, the story of the Mirror Universe in Star Trek: Discovery 's final season has become an optimistic one. Like the idealistic Terran rebels in Deep Space Nine 's " Through the Looking Glass ," not all stories about the darkest dimension in Star Trek have to end in despair. And thanks to crossover between dimensions, the I.S.S. Enterprise has now become a beacon of hope in not one universe, but two.

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Ryan Britt is the author of the nonfiction books Phasers on Stun! How the Making and Remaking of Star Trek Changed the World (2022), The Spice Must Flow: The Journey of Dune from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies (2023), and the essay collection Luke Skywalker Can’t Read (2015). He is a longtime contributor to Star Trek.com and his writing regularly appears with Inverse, Den of Geek!, Esquire and elsewhere. He lives in Portland, Maine with his family.

Star Trek: Discovery Seasons 1-4 are streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and Austria. Seasons 2 and 3 also are available on the Pluto TV “Star Trek” channel in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The series streams on Super Drama in Japan, TVNZ in New Zealand, and SkyShowtime in Spain, Portugal, Poland, The Nordics, The Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe and also airs on Cosmote TV in Greece. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Stay tuned to StarTrek.com for more details! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on TikTok , Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , and Twitter .

One of the Most Underrated Star Trek Films Is Far Better Than Fans Remember

• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is seen as one of the "bad" movies starring the original cast.
• On its 40th anniversary, it is unquestionably a classic Star Trek installment that should be beloved.
• It was also a triumph of low-budget filmmaking from "novice" director Leonard Nimoy.

Among fans of Gene Roddenberry's science fiction universe there is a saying about the feature films: "the even ones are good, the odd ones are bad." At least, when it comes to the films starring the original cast. However, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is unfairly tainted by this belief, and 40 years after its debut, it's a better film than it gets credit for. The unlikely journey the crew of the USS Enterprise took from Star Trek: The Original Series , its cancelation in 1969, to leading a feature film a decade later is historic.

Paramount, seeing the successes rival studios had with Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind , wanted to do their own big-budget, sci-fi spectacle film. Meanwhile, passionate fans clamored for more Star Trek . The first film had its share of struggles, but Star Trek: The Motion Picture also had its merits. Still, fans barely recognized the characters and the film's plodding pace left fans wanting. Similarly, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier suffered from a visual effects company that couldn't deliver on the ambition of its story. While these entries are classics in their own right, the criticism surrounding them is, at least, fair. The Search for Spock , however, isn't just a good movie, it's also the film that best captures the spirit of the television series.

It Was a Long Road Getting from The Original Series to Star Trek III

One of star trek's best new characters reclaimed a problematic trope.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture suffered chiefly from Paramount pre-selling the film to theaters for a release date when no script was even completed. The first visual effects company completely whiffed their assignment, and Roddenberry argued constantly with Harold Livingston, the other writer. Still, despite going massively over budget, The Motion Picture was a financial success. Still, because of the difficulties with the film, Gene Roddenberry lost control of Star Trek movies to another former television producer.

Harve Bennett is why Star Trek films succeeded afterwards, applying a television production sensibility to the films. While making The Wrath of Khan , he and Nimoy both realized killing off Spock might be a mistake . Unlike the previous outing, the process of filmmaking was fun. When Star Trek II became an immediate hit, Paramount greenlit a third film. Thanks to quick-thinking on the set the day they shot Spock's death (and an insert created by ILM of Spock's "coffin" at the end), they had a story.

Bennett said in the special features of The Search for Spock home release, this was the easiest film he'd ever written. In order to keep him in the creative mix, Leonard Nimoy got to direct the movie , despite concerns from the studio. Similarly, his fellow castmates were skeptical at first to see one of their own running the set. However, Nimoy's collaborative nature made it a pleasure for all involved, and the story had nice moments for every member of the crew. Yet, the biggest problem was how to bring back Spock in a way that resonated with audiences .

The Search for Spock's Central Conceit Was Improvised by Nimoy

Why spock died in star trek ii: the wrath of khan.

In The Center Seat - 55 Years of Star Trek , Nimoy recounted how Bennett and he dangled a thread for Spock's future. Bennett asked him if there was anything he could do to leave them an "out." Since Spock had just rendered McCoy unconscious with a Vulcan nerve pinch , Nimoy deployed another classic move. Spock mind-melded with McCoy and simply said, "Remember." Star Trek III revealed in this moment, he transferred his "katra" -- the Vulcan soul, ostensibly -- into McCoy's mind . The katra and his body were then supposed to be taken to the planet Vulcan.

Because of the political turmoil caused by the revelation of the Genesis Device and the USS Enterprise slated to be decommissioned, they couldn't do it. Thus, for the first time, Starfleet became the "enemy" of Kirk and the heroes. They had to steal the Enterprise, bust Doctor McCoy out of prison and illegally travel to the Genesis Planet to retrieve Spock's body . This led to a confrontation with the Klingons that the undermanned Enterprise couldn't win. Thus, the beloved ship that had been "home" to the characters and fans for decades was destroyed.

Adding to the cynicism of The Search for Spock , Kirk's newly introduced son David Marcus was killed by a Klingon. While the storytellers saw this as the price he paid for using "protomatter" to create the Genesis Device (an illegal substance), fans were dismayed. The death of Kirk's son, the beloved starship and the antagonism of Starfleet didn't sit right with long-time fans. A contemporaneous review from Starburst magazine lambasted the film saying it was "pretentious" and had a "funereal tone."

Star Trek III Is a Great Star Trek Film Because It's About the Characters First

How star trek's vulcans evolved beyond gene roddenberry's creation.

The Starburst review reflects how Star Trek III was misjudged by people who expected empty action and thrills from the sci-fi of the day. The Search for Spock "is nothing more than a lot of character studies revolving around the qualities of friendship and commitment," Alan Jones wrote. Jones also felt that Klingon commander Kruge was not "a full-blooded villain" like Khan. However, Kruge (played by Christopher Lloyd) was a ferocious and cold Klingon giving fans a proper adventure with Star Trek's best villains for the first time in film.

The Enterprise did not have a full crew on hand, which is why the single Bird of Prey was able to hold them at bay so well. Stealing the USS Enterprise was also a wonderful sequence, utilizing every bridge crew member. Uhura had a fun scene with a young officer she dubbed "Mister Adventure." Sulu got the best guard, who called him "Tiny." Scotty was able to hobble the newest class of ship, the USS Excelsior, with a few turns of a wrench. Chekov had less to do than in The Wrath of Khan but was still vital to defeating the Klingons and rescuing Spock and Saavik.

It's also DeForrest Kelley's best film, playing his "katric madness" to perfection, mixing dramatic and comedic moments. He's genuinely frightening when he's lurking in Spock's quarters, and it's pure comedy when he tries to use the Vulcan nerve pinch on Starfleet guards. Shatner's performance is great, too, specifically when he learns David has been killed. On top of all this, James Horner's score elevates each moment of the film with themes and motifs that immediately feel like classic Star Trek music fans have lived with all their lives.

Even The Search for Spock's Detractors Kind of Like the Film

William shatner is wrong about his regret for kirk's death scene.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , the podcast Inglorious Treksperts discussed the film with special guest Kevin Feige, certified Star Trek fan and Marvel president. The hosts all said that Star Trek III is not a good Star Trek film, yet while discussing it with Feige and guest Terry Matalas, they kept mentioning great moments, brilliant visual effects and Horner's score. Feige laughingly pointed out how their critique sounded. The film was "bad" except for a collection of great scenes, performances, music and moments. It's the perfect summation of The Search for Spock 's legacy .

The film was done on the cheap, with no location shots at all. Everything took place on set, particularly the Genesis Planet which needed multiple biomes and was rigged to fall apart in the climax. The Enterprise was destroyed, bothering fans more than even Spock's death in Star Trek II . At the time, it was a controversial film that audiences didn't know how to feel about. It was also the third film at a time when a trilogy was usually as far as any film franchise went. That it ended with the caption "And the adventure continues…." Felt like a cop out, at least, until Star Trek IV was announced .

As the middle chapter of a six-film saga, Star Trek III works much better than it did at the time of release. Any deficits in production or even storytelling are dimmed with age, while the great moments are elevated with nostalgia and hindsight. Nimoy was an economical director who understood the material better than any other film director before or since, save perhaps for Jonathan Frakes. At 40 years old, The Search for Spock is a high point of The Original Series cast's films, and it utterly destroys the idea that "odd numbered" Star Trek films are destined to be "bad."

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is available to own on DVD, Blu-ray, digital and streams on Max.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body.

Director Leonard Nimoy

Release Date June 1, 1984

Cast Robin Curtis, Willliam Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley, James Doohan

Writers Harve Bennett, Gene Roddenberry

Runtime 105 Minutes

Main Genre Sci-Fi

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Production Company Paramount Pictures, Cinema Group Ventures