TWiS 187: An Inspired Enterprise - A History of Star Trek with Glen Swanson

7 snips

Nov 21, 2025

Glen Swanson, former chief historian at Johnson Space Center and author of Inspired Enterprise, dives into the fascinating connections between Star Trek and real-world aerospace. He discusses Gene Roddenberry's inspirations—from his Texas roots to his time with the Air Force and LAPD. Swanson reveals NASA's pivotal role in shaping the series and the influence of the aerospace industry. He also shares insights on how AMT's model kits stoked fan passion and the political saga behind the Smithsonian's Enterprise model. Prepare for a journey through time and space!

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INSIGHT

Science Credibility Drove Star Trek's Vision

Gene Roddenberry deliberately blended authentic science with drama to set Star Trek apart from other 1960s TV.
He used RAND reports and aerospace credibility to pitch a believable, serious space series.

ANECDOTE

Cast Visit To NASA Sparked Authenticity

Glen Swanson discovered a 1967 photo of the Star Trek cast touring Dryden showing them with real lifting bodies and the NASA meatball logo.
That visit likely inspired design and authenticity choices in the show’s look and tone.

INSIGHT

Hollywood's Aerospace Neighbor Boosted Realism

Proximity of Hollywood to Southern California's aerospace industry gave Star Trek direct access to experts and resources.
NASA set up a west-coast office and provided correspondence and technical help to the show.

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Were you inspired by "Star Trek" (or one of its innumerable spinoffs) as a young person? We know we were, so it was a pleasure to invite Glen Swanson, author of the new Star Trek history book "Inspired Enterprise" onto the show. We've all heard lore about the original series, but Swanson, who was previously the Chief Historian at the Johnson Space Center, used his prodigious skills to perform a deep dive into the topic. From Gene Roddenberry's original inspiration to working with Caltech, the RAND Corporation, and NASA; and on to the design of the good ship Enterprise itself (and the very popular AMT models that followed), this book provides everything you need to know to be a certified Trekker.

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Main Topic: The Real Inspirations Behind Star Trek

Glenn Swanson shares career highlights as a NASA historian and magazine founder
How Gene Roddenberry's background and influences shaped Star Trek
NASA's direct involvement and technical guidance for Star Trek's creators
The significant role of the aerospace industry, Rand Corporation, and real-world science in Star Trek's development
The story behind NASA and the Smithsonian Enterprise shooting model connections
AMT's plastic model kits fueled fan obsession and supported the show's visuals
Influences from movies like Robinson Crusoe on Mars and Forbidden Planet
Space Station K7 design's origins traced to NASA and Douglas Aircraft concepts
Star Trek's impact on inspiring real-life astronauts and the space community
Glenn Swanson's book, "Inspired Enterprise," and how you can get a signed copy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Glen Swanson

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