Ep 1. Building Star Trek

Building Star Trek is a documentary series that delves into the making of one of the most beloved pop culture franchises of all time. In episode 1, aptly titled "Building Star Trek," viewers are introduced to the team of experts and enthusiasts tasked with restoring and preserving the iconic USS Enterprise model used in the original 1960s series.

The episode begins with a brief history of Star Trek and its impact on popular culture. We then meet Adam Nimoy, the son of the late Leonard Nimoy who played Spock on the original series. Adam serves as our guide through the episode, providing commentary and insights as he explores the world of Star Trek.

We are then introduced to a team of experts at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. who have been tasked with preserving the original USS Enterprise model used in the series. The model, which was donated to the museum in the 1970s, has suffered significant damage over the years and is in dire need of restoration.

The restoration team includes Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, the museum's curator of Space History; Dr. David G. Hunt, a restoration specialist; and Peter Merlin, an expert in aerospace technology. The team takes us through the painstaking process of restoring the model, piece by piece.

We are also introduced to a team at the University of California, Riverside who are working to develop a 3D replica of the original Enterprise bridge. The team, led by Professor Andrew Leonard, is using virtual reality technology to create an exact replica of the set that was used in the original series.

The episode also explores the science behind the Star Trek universe and its impact on real-world technology. We learn about the tricorder, a handheld device that was used on the show to scan for medical and scientific data. While the device was once purely fictional, real-world scientists are now working on developing similar technology.

The episode concludes with the unveiling of the restored USS Enterprise model at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The model is presented to the public with great fanfare, and we see fans of the series eagerly snapping photos and taking in the beauty of the iconic ship.

Overall, "Building Star Trek" is a fascinating look at how a beloved science fiction franchise has impacted our world, both in terms of popular culture and scientific advancement. The series combines history, science, and fandom to create a compelling and entertaining viewing experience.