September 8, 1966 marked a day when the world would be forever thrown into the wonders of what was possible beyond the stars. The debut of Star Trek would influence the world for generations to come, and would introduce innovative and alien concepts to the planet. Space shuttles, hand-held communication, and touch screens amazed viewers of the era with their novelty, and the fantastical world crafted by creator Gene Roddenberry would leave a profound legacy in TV and in society. Now, premiering on Sunday, September 4 at 8 p.m., Smithsonian Channel will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek with a two-hour special entitled Building Star Trek that will delve into lasting influence the original series has had on the world.
Building Star Trek will follow the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s conservation team as they attempt to restore and conserve the original 11-foot, 250-pound model of the U.S.S. Enterprise used in the original series. A model of the original U.S.S. Enterprise bridge will also be rebuilt using authentic set pieces and props from the series. The special will profile a new generation of scientists and engineers who are making the dreams of Star Trek’s technology a reality. Concepts such as tractor beams, warp drives, and cloaking devices will be dissected, discussed, and attempted in ways thought impossible to the world before. Building Star Trek will present clips from the original series and highlight how these clips have influenced and inspired the new technology of this generation.
Smithsonian will also launch a Building Star Trek Sweepstakes which will provide fans with the opportunity to win a trip to Star Trek: Mission New York. The three-day event will provide fans with the ultimate Star Trek experience, including interactive exhibits, panels, celebrity guests, and exclusive merchandise.
Building Star Trek will be a special that no fan of the series or fan of technology and space will want to miss. The allure of what lies not only beyond but in the future should make for a special that will bring the wonder and amazement the original series was able to provide. If you feel the need to rekindle your love of Star trek, or feel the desire to love it for the first time, the original series is available for streaming on Netflix. For those interested in a new take on the series and are excited to see what technology can do with Star Trek now, Star Trek Beyond is set to premiere in theaters July 22, 2016.