Star Trek Beyond - Blog Posts

#friendly reminder that jaylah fixed an entire 100-year-old crashed federation starship on her own

Star Trek Favorite Scene 1/?

More Than Just Drawings

Artist and graphic designer Mike Okuda may not be a household name, but you’re more familiar with his work than you know. Okuda’s artistic vision has left a mark here at NASA and on Star Trek. The series debuted 50 years ago in September 1966 and the distinctive lines and shapes of logos and ships that he created have etched their way into the minds of fans and inspired many.  

Flight Ops

The Flight Operations patch has a lengthy history, the original version of which dates to the early 1970s. Having designed a version of the patch, Okuda had some insights about the evolution of the design.

“The original version of that emblem was designed around 1972 by Robert McCall and represented Mission Control. It later changed to Mission Operations. I did the 2004 version, incorporating the space station, and reflecting the long-term goals of returning to the Moon, then on to Mars and beyond. I later did a version intended to reflect the new generation of spacecraft that are succeeding the shuttle, and most recently the 2014 version reflecting the merger of Mission Operations with the Astronaut Office under the new banner Flight Operations.”

“The NASA logos and patches are an important part of NASA culture,” Okuda said. “They create a team identity and they focus pride on a mission.”

In July 2009, Okuda received the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, which is awarded to those who are not government employees, but have made exceptional contributions to NASA’s mission. Above, Okuda holds one of the mission patches he designed, this one for STS-125, the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Orion

Among the other patches that Okuda has designed for us, it one for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion is an integral of our Journey to Mars and is an advanced spacecraft that will take our astronauts deeper into the solar system than ever before. 

Okuda’s vision of space can be seen in the Star Trek series through his futuristic set designs, a vision that came from his childhood fascination with the space program. 

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Let History Never Forget the Name Enterprise

Just as the captains of the fictional 24th century Starfleet blazed a trail among the stars, the space shuttle Enterprise helped pave the way for future space exploration. 

Fifty years ago, Star Trek debuted with the USS Enterprise as the main space-faring vessel used in much of the Star Trek universe. As such, the vessel holds a treasured place in the hearts of Star Trek fans and is as much of a character in the show as Kirk and Spock. Over three different series and a total of 14 seasons on TV and 13 feature films, the iterations of Enterprise have captured the imaginations and provided inspiration for its fans across the globe. 

This brief history of the shuttle tells the tale of humanity's first reusable spacecraft. Space shuttles were first built in the late 1970s and were flown in space from 1981 to 2011. Their missions ranged from helping to build the International Space Station to repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.   

It’s All In The Name

The first shuttle was originally to be named Constitution, celebrating the country’s bicentennial and was to be unveiled to the public on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 1976. However, a massive letter-writing campaign by Star Trek fans prompted President Gerald Ford to suggest the change. In the above photo, we see the shuttle Enterprise rolled out in Palmdale, California, with cast members of Star Trek on Sept. 17, 1976. 

To Boldly Go . . .

This circular red, white and blue emblem was  the official insignia for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test flights and became a model for future space shuttle mission patch designs, including placing the names of the crew on the patch . The four astronauts listed on the patch are: 

Fred Haise., commander of the first crew 

Charles Fullerton, pilot of the first crew 

Joe Engle, commander of the second crew 

Dick Truly, pilot of the second crew 

First Impressions

In this image, Enterprise makes its first appearance mated to its boosters as it is slowly rolled to the huge Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center. Although she never flew in space, shuttle Enterprise underwent a series of fit and function checks on the pad in preparation for the first launch of its sister craft, Columbia.

Not Meant To Be

Enterprise sits on Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center undergoing tests after completing its 3.5 mile journey from the VAB. Have you ever wondered why Enterprise never went into space? Converting Enterprise from a training vehicle to space-worthy one was too cost prohibitive, our engineers felt.

Engage

Commander Fred Haise and pilot Charles Fullerton are seen in the cockpit of Enterprise prior to the fifth and final Approach and Landing Test at Dryden Flight Research Center (Armstrong Flight Research Center). The tests were performed to learn about the landing characteristics of the shuttle.

It’s Been An Honor To Serve With You

The Enterprise’s two crews pose for a photo op at the Rockwell International Space Division's Orbiter assembly facility at Palmdale, California. They are (left to right) Charles Fullerton, Fred Haise, Joe Engle and Dick Truly.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

On July 6, 2012, the Enterprise, atop a barge, passes the Statue of Liberty on its way to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, where is now permanently on display.

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NASA and Star Trek

Star Trek debuted in September 1966 and in its various incarnations, the series has been an inspiration to many, even some of us at NASA. The series allowed its fans to explore “strange new worlds” and to dream of what could be right in their living rooms. To celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary, we’ve collected some Trek-themed photos featuring Star Trek cast members and NASA astronauts. 

Serious Business

The STS-54 crew of the space shuttle Endeavour in their official "gag" photo are costumed as the bridge crew of the Enterprise as depicted in the movie "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” The photo was taken on the Star Trek Adventure set of the Universal Studios California theme park in Los Angeles, California, while the crew was on a west coast training and public relations tour during the Summer of 1992. From left to right: 

Greg Harbaugh (Mission Specialist/Engineering Officer)

Mario "Spock" Runco Jr. (Mission Specialist/1st Officer/Science Officer) 

John Casper (Commander/Captain) 

Susan Helms (Mission Specialist/Communications Officer) 

Don McMonagle (Pilot/Navigation-Helm Officer) 

“I have been, and always shall be, your friend”

Astronaut John Creighton shows the on board Graphical Retrieval Information Display (GRID) computer, which displays a likeness of Mr. Spock aboard STS-051G, June 18, 1985.

“A Keyboard. . . How Quaint”

Actor James Doohan (who played engineering genius Montgomery Scott in Star Trek) sits in the commanders seat of the Full Fuselage Trainer while astronaut Mario Runco explains the control panel during a tour of Johnson Space Center on Jan. 18, 1991. 

“You Wanted Excitement, How's Your Adrenaline?”

Actress Nichelle Nichols (Uhura in Star Trek) toured Johnson Space Center in Houston on March 4, 1977, while Apollo 12 lunar module pilot and Skylab II commander Alan Bean showed her what it felt like inside the Lower Body Negative Pressure Device and showed her how the Shuttle Procedures Simulator operated. 

Nichols paid us another visit in 2012 and 2015 with the Space Traveling Museum. 

Infinite Diversity, Infinite Combinations

European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti gave the Vulcan salute aboard the International Space Station shortly after the passing of Leonard Nimoy on Feb. 28, 2015. She commented on Tweeter: " ‘Of all the souls I have encountered.. his was the most human.’ Thx @TheRealNimoy for bringing Spock to life for us"

Live Long And Prosper

While visiting Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, George Takei (Hikaru Sulu on the original series) had the chance to exchange Vulcan salutes with Robonaut on May 29, 2012. 

“Let’s See What’s Out There”

Scott Bakula, who played Captain Jonathan Archer on Star Trek: Enterprise, stands with astronauts Terry Virts and Mike Fincke on set. The two astronauts made guest appearances on the series finale episode “These Are The Voyages . . .” March 2005.

Boldly Going For Real

Above is the crew of STS-134, the next to last shuttle mission, in their version of the 2009 Star Trek movie poster. 

The crew of Expedition 21 aboard the International Space Station also made a Trek-themed poster in 2009, wearing uniforms from Star Trek: The Next Generation with the Enterprise NX-01 silhouette in the background.

Learn more about Star Trek and NASA.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com 

Do you trust me? Pt.4

" You got one too?" " Yeah, I did." I turn around to see Annie, she holds up her letter. The same as mine just without my name. " We should accept." " I can't leave Natalie." " Joy can watch her, Mrs. Kelly can help too." "I-I guess." I agree. There's nothing much we can do. If I accept then I can do some good with my life, save lives, stop wars, and so much more. I call the number on the letter. "Hello?" " Hi, this is Isabella Sackfield, I wish to apply to Starfleet." " To be what exactly?" Crap, I didn't think about that. I'll go with whatever I say first. " A captain." " Alright, the next shuttle to the academy leaves on September 3rd. Have your bags packed and labeled with your name, age, and what you are going to be. Thank you for your application." I turn around to face Annie and say " I leave in two weeks, that Sunday to be exact." " I called too, I leave with you. We'll have to tell Joy and Sara." Fuck, we do " You tell them and Mrs. Kelly. I should pack." I know we have two weeks but I need to talk to Natalie. She'll be devastated if I die or anything happens to me. I let a single tear fall down my face as I walk up the creaky stairs. I have to be strong for her and prove that I'm better than most think I am. I have to prove them wrong. The two weeks pass quickly, Joy and Sara are going to let Mrs. Kelly live with them and pay for her house so she can go back there at any given time. Annie and I say our goodbyes before leaving. This is the second house I've left in what could be the last time. We make it to the shuttle and I place my bags in a separate one. We fly up to the academy to start a new adventure in our lives.

Do you Trust me? Pt.3

It was 2259, outside the small town of Lohrville, Iowa. This was where I used to live. Emphasis on the used. It was a charming place, we owned a farm. The house was creepy looking and sometimes it seemed like it would fall over but, it was home. " Why can't you be better you brat!" " Just do what you're told for once and don't ask questions!" " You're a disappointment to this family!" " If I'm such a disappointment l then I'll leave!" That was all that was heard throughout the house. It was October 2nd, my birthday. I ran upstairs to pack my bags. I was leaving for college anyways, most of my stuff was already packed. As I ran back downstairs, my "family" watched me. My little sister was crying because she didn't want to see me leave but, it was all I could do. I mean, Mo- Ranee thinks I'm the spawn of Satan himself and D- Ryan didn't care. I sighed before storming out and slamming the door to my old home for the last time. I got into my black truck and threw my bag into the passenger seat. All my other stuff was in the bed and backseat. Backing out of the driveway, I look at the house one last time before heading off to restart my life. It had been a few weeks, I was in Georgia. A town named Toccoa. It was a nice place. I was neighbors with a man named DeForest Kelly, he was rather nice and we played chess, cards, and checkers together. After I graduated I called some friends from High School. Annabelle, she answered right away, something she never does, and asked so many questions I couldn't understand what she was talking about. We met up and bought a house together outside of Toccoa, De and I still talked. That is, until he died. I lost one of my greatest friends, we were so close he was like a father to me. Goes to show how unlucky I am. Can't have anything nice. Joy found out about the house Annie and I bought, we hadn't moved in yet. Sara found out soon after. This leads us to where we are unpacking our things. Funny, I go into my past and how I got where I am but never explain who my husband was. He was a man by the name of Jake, Jake Bond. I would jokingly call him Mr. Bond as a joke. We married while I was in college, my second year to be exact. We go drunk one night and, well, that's where Natalie came from. When we found that I was pregnant he left me. I raised Natalie on my own. De helped me with her, being the grandpa she needed. She doesn't remember him much, thankfully. She would be devastated if she did. She's so brilliant and sharp. She's definitely my daughter. With the sass and sarcasm, it isn't hard to tell, that and she's a nerd like me. It was the day before I moved out that I got the letter. The letter from Starfleet.

“Please don’t mistake my measured professional tone for calmness, as I am filled with waters of rage.”

@fasciinating

Jaylah from Star trek beyond :)

Created in medibang for Android with S-pen

I love Jaylah so much 🥲 I need to do a meet & greet one shot with her.

Should she meet Seven of Nine or Jett Reno...?

Jaylah & Chekov STAR TREK BEYOND (2016)