Inspired Enterprise: How NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Aerospace Community Helped Launch Star Trek

(Hardback)

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Description

Boldly discover how NASA, the Smithsonian, and the aerospace community helped craft, legitimize, and popularize the beloved television show Star Trek. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry sought to create a work of science fiction that would immerse viewers not only through clever storylines and modern visual effects, but also by presenting the story in a scientific and technological context that felt believable. To this end, Roddenberry, a former WWII combat pilot, used his connections in the aerospace industry to seek out the latest and greatest technology. This book, authored by Glen E. Swanson, former chief historian at the NASA Johnson Space Center, uncovers the story of how NASA, the Smithsonian, and the aerospace industry helped craft, legitimize, and popularize the beloved television show Star Trek. Further context is provided through the discussion of additional factors behind the success of the show, including merchandising and syndication. AUTHOR: Glen Swanson discovered the connection between NASA and Star Trek during his time as chief historian at the Johnson Space Center, a position he held from 1998 to 2002. He is also the founder of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly, the world's only peer-reviewed journal focusing on the history of spaceflight, which is now entering its 30th year of continuous publication. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 135 colour and b/w photographs

Reviews

Inspired Enterprise is an amazing book. It helps us understand what gave Star Trek its ability to miraculously convince. You wouldn't believe how many astronauts, scientists, engineers, and Hollywood designers told me that while growing up, Star Trek got them to thinking. This was the lynchpin.
-- Doug Drexler, Oscar winning visual effects artist
A deep dive into the development of my favorite television show AND my favorite starship. Glen Swansons detailed research sheds new light onto numerous hitherto-unsung contributions large and small to Star Treks early development. In the process, he provides fascinating details and explodes a few myths.
-- Michael Okuda, Lead graphic designer, Star Trek
Required reading for any serious Original Trek fan. It illuminates what we learned from the original Making of Star Trek book, and dives deeper into the hows and whys that went into the creation of our favorite Starship with new stories and participants. It boldly goes there, thankfully.
-- Daren R. Dochterman, Inglorious Treksperts podcast

Author Bio

Glen Swanson discovered the connection between NASA and Star Trek during his time as chief historian at the Johnson Space Center, a position he held from 1998 to 2002. He is also the founder of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly, the worlds only peer-reviewed journal focusing on the history of spaceflight, which has been in continuous publication for more than 30 years. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.