Jump to content
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

Poll of the Month: For Science!


Jona ch'Ranni

Poll of the Month: For Science!  

29 members have voted

  1. 1. In the real world, what field of science or technology do you believe has benefited most from Star Trek?

    • Astronomy and Space Exploration
      6
    • Computers, A.I. and Robotics
      21
    • Environmental Sciences
      1
    • Something Else (Tell us more in the comments!)
      1


Recommended Posts

Few would argue that Star Trek is just a TV show or movie franchise. The far-reaching effects of our favorite science fiction universe have been felt within the very fabric of society. It has touched the minds of young and old and inspired pioneers in all fields of human endeavor.

October 10th - 16th marks Earth Science Week, an international event organized by the American Geosciences Institute which helps the public gain an appreciation for Earth sciences and encourages responsible stewardship of the planet. It builds understand of fields such as climate change, impact from agriculture and industry, and highlights our responsibility in maintaining the delicate balances of Earth's natural systems. To coincide with this event, let's examine the impact of science fiction on science and technology fact.

The most direct influence Star Trek has had would likely be upon the field of astronomy and space exploration. In the 1970s this was felt when NASA received thousands of write-in requests by Star Trek fans to have the prototype space shuttle be christened Enterprise. The campaign eventually succeeded and many of the main cast of The Original Series were even on hand for the unveiling. Many astronauts have credited Star Trek with kindling a desire within them to explore the stars. This week William Shatner, Captain James T. Kirk himself, flew aboard Blue Origen's rocket and became the eldest man to travel to space.

Computers, robotics, and artificial intelligence have also benefited from the universe of Trek. From the interactive computer aboard Starfleet vessels to Lieutenant Commander Data - a cybernetic lifeform, we have witnessed advanced intelligences that blur the lines of what life is and how it's defined. Questions about artificial sentience are already being asked in the real world now as well. No one can deny the similarities between the Enterprise computer and the likes of Siri, Alexa, and Cortana.

Many individual episodes feature plotlines that deal with real-world environmental issues. It might be something as varied as planet-wide weather control equipment on Risa going on the fritz or a meteor set to impact a planet and the need to disrupt its path. Even Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was a commentary on the effects of mismanagement of Earth's species and resources. Science fiction has provided a medium to explore some of these "what ifs" even before they've happened to shed light on our response as a species.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite it's impact on astronomy and sciences in general. I think there's two that have benefited greatly. Computer tech, like listed. We have PADD's now with a world of information at our literal fingertips. But I feel like medical science has had some major benefits including non-invasive diagnostics.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Def want to tack on to what Sher has said about technology. We've had tech that was DIRECTLY INSPIRED by Trek. Remember flip phones? The design was directly lifted from Trek. People (and designers) really liked the old flip communicator and well, that's how we got the ol' flip design. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I voted other. I think that Trek's impact on the Social Sciences has been even greater than any of the hard sciences.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.