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When you think about space exploration today, one of the names that would instantly crop up in your mind is Elon Musk. The billionaire businessman is known for his many innovations through companies such as SpaceX, Tesla and X. Musk has shown great interest in building a Starfleet Academy, inspired by Star Trek. But his conservative political stance is a far cry from Star Trek’s ideology of inclusiveness and diversity.
During a fireside chat at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in 2020, Musk shared,
“I'm pretty confident that the public does want this, is Starfleet Academy… How do we make Star Trek real? That'd be pretty amazing. I'd love that... I think the fastest we can make Starfleet real, then we should try to do that.”
He goes on to add,
"Warp drive and teleportation, probably not.. But big spaceships that can go far places? Definitely. That can be done."
From the inception of The Original Series in 1966, Star Trek has aimed at promoting diversity and equality through its many movies and shows. As a matter of fact, the creator of the series, Gene Roddenberry was famously known for his vision of equality in the future. As per StarTrek.com, Roddenberry said,
“Star Trek was an attempt to say humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate, but take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in lifeforms.”
What is Starfleet Academy in Star Trek?
The Academy is a part of the Starfleet, where the students are trained for the service of space exploration. The Academy is often mentioned in the Star Trek franchise with famous alumni including Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock.
A new series titled Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is currently in the making at Paramount+. The show from the CBS Studios, will be set in the 32nd century and will follow a new class of Starfleet cadets. The show is expected to premiere in the 2025 – 2026 window.
As per StarTrek.com the show's synopsis says,
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”
Elon Musk’s push for Starfleet Academy
Musk’s spaceflight company called SpaceX has been leading the charge on reusable rockets, making space exploration a sustainable option. The company’s many innovations have helped reduce costs to launch a rocket and create a pathway for the future. Musk has been advocating to establish a Starfleet Academy to build on his dreams of exploring space.
On X, Elon Musk had posted,
‘Let’s make Starfleet Academy real!’
However, not everyone is openly embracing Musk’s love for the celebrated franchise because of his conservative political views. Actor Robert Picardo, who plays the role of the ‘Doctor’ on Star Trek: Voyager, responded to Musk on X. He said,
“First step: Support a leader that embodies Starfleet values like diversity, inclusion and ethical behavior.”
Elon Musk’s vision for a Starfleet Academy may be one of the closest things we will get to the futuristic world of Star Trek. Whether he can make it a reality, remains to be seen.
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