55 Years Ago: Star Trek Final Episode Airs, Relationship with NASA Endures

NASA ^ | June 5, 2024 | John Url

[Macho MAGA Man]

The voyages of the Starship Enterprise came to a sudden and premature end on June 3, 1969, with the airing of the final episode of the Star Trek original television series. Ironically, the show’s cancellation came just six weeks before humanity embarked on its first voyage to land on another celestial body. Although the show ran for only three seasons, it generated a devoted fan base disappointed by the cancellation despite their write-in campaign to keep it on the air. But as things turned out, over the decades Star Trek evolved into a global phenomenon, first with the original episodes replayed in syndication, followed by a series of full-length motion pictures, and eventually a multitude of spin-off series. With its primary focus on space exploration, along with themes of diversity, inclusion, and innovation, the Star Trek fictional universe formed a natural association with NASA’s real life activities.

Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry first had the idea for a science fiction television series in 1964. He presented his idea, a show set in the 23rd century aboard a starship with a crew dedicated to exploring the galaxy, to Desilu Productions, an independent television production company headed by Lucille Ball. They produced a pilot titled “The Cage,” selling it to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) network that then bought a second pilot titled “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” NBC introduced the show to its fall 1966 lineup, with the first episode “The Man Trap” airing on Sep. 8. To put that date in perspective, NASA launched Gemini XI four days later, one of the missions that helped the agency achieve the Moon landing nearly three years later.

[Macho MAGA Man]

Hard to believe its been 55 years. Nevertheless, this is a great article with pictures of the cast at NASA inside the shuttle and with Neil Armstrong.

[Dr. Sivana]

That last episode featured a woman who wanted to "live in" Kirk's body . . . NOT because she thought she was really a man, but because she really though she was a Star Ship Captain.

[BigFreakinToad]

Trek Rules, Star Wars drools.

[Zuriel]

Uh uh, nope. The last episode (and most realistic) was on 5-29-76....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx0xOgFDXFg&pp=ygUac25sIHN0YXIgdHJlayBsYXN0IHZveWFnZSA%3D

[Magnum44]

So I can identify as a star ship captain now? Cool!

[MeganC]

Sandra Smith is one of the five actors who have portrayed Captain Kirk.

[cowboyusa]

Sandra Smith was GREAT as Kirk traded as Captian Kirk.

[cowboyusa]

Sorry, Kirk in Lester’s body.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

NASA still hoping to find an alien somewhere.

[Dr. Sivana]

The last words spoken on Star Trek (TOS):

KIRK: Her life could have been as rich as any woman’s, if only. If only.

[DallasBiff]

Well wasn't the episode Kirk and the woman exchanged their minds in their bodies?

Shatner has a bad cold during filming.

[Son-Joshua]

William Shatner was excellent as captain kirk. But I can’t help but think that Jeffrey Hunter as captain pike was even better as captain of the Enterprise.

[DFG]

80 years ago today, 24 year old Canadian Lt James Doohan landed on Juno Beach. "The Canadians crossed a minefield laid for tanks; the soldiers weren't heavy enough to detonate the bombs, the AP story continued. At 11:30 that night, Doohan — a pilot and captain in the Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment — was machine-gunned, taking six hits. One bullet blew off his middle right finger, four struck his leg and one hit him in the chest. A silver cigarette case stopped the bullet to the chest." :Throughout his acting career Doohan took measures to hide the missing finger, but it was occasionally visible to the camera, including in certain shots from Star Trek. He made no effort, however, to hide the missing finger during his decades of autograph signings and convention appearances." https://www.startrek.com/news/memorial-day-james-doohan-world-war-two

[Macho MAGA Man]

Anson Mount plays a good Captain Pike, if not better than Hunter.

[Macho MAGA Man]

She’s still living. She was married to Steve Reeves who played Hercules in the 50s and 60s.

[Tell It Right]

Thanks for the reminder of Doohan’s Canadian military service. I don’t think I ever knew about him being in the Normandy invasion.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

LOL

[DoodleBob]

Trek Rules, Star Wars drools.

If we’re talking about entertainment or writing, it’s debatable.

However, Star Trek is a fantasy about a World Government delivering peace and prosperity (as if..), and unifying with other Planetary One World Governments to suppress individuality. The ‘good guys” are the elites in a Klaus Schwab-like Forum.

Star Wars is about a ragtag, scruffy, collections of volunteers fighting for their lives and freedom and liberty against a despotic and murderous autocratic Galactic Empire. The “heros” are the militia members.

Sorry, this American votes for Star Wars.