The European Space Agency set a course for the Science Museum in London last week to join thousands of Star Trek fans at an event celebrating six decades of the iconic sci-fi franchise.
ESA dispatched a hand-picked crew of avid Trekkies to tell the story of how their love for the show launched their careers on an out-of-this-world trajectory. In doing so, they drew parallels between the fictional aims of Starfleet and the real-world ambitions of ESA – which are both on a mission to push the boundaries of groundbreaking science and peaceful exploration.
The group was composed of young professionals from across ESA, including Christopher Ogunlesi, an Internal Research Fellow investigating additive manufacturing for exploration; Danielle Vosper, a Graduate Trainee attempting to recreate the surface properties of extraterrestrial bodies; Ora Buch Kornreich, a Graduate Trainee specialising in law and working in cybersecurity; and Lasse Fredagsvik, a digital communications expert focusing on ESA’s technology development activities.
A panel led by Lasse and featuring Christopher, Danielle and Ora revealed a shared enthusiasm for the Star Trek universe, but very distinct academic and professional journeys.
Following the session Lasse commented: “Our conversation showed just how different each of our career paths are. In fact, in my unusual case, some audience members probably found it highly illogical that I now work at ESA.
“But we got here because ESA is open to people with all sorts of skills and experiences, from law experts and communications professionals – to those wanting to go boldly and explore strange new worlds!”
As well as participating in the panel session, the team crewed an ESA stand where they showcased innovative real-world technologies designed to tackle challenges familiar to any Trekkie, such as deep space communications and the production of food and fuel to sustain long-term missions.
On display at the stand were several rock samples from ESA’s Vulcan facility which, despite its name, has no relation to the warp-capable humanoid species featured in Star Trek. The facility – located at ESA’s site in the UK – is home to a collection of terrestrial materials that simulate rocks found on other planets. Visitors inspected bricks made from Martian and Lunar simulants, analogue rocks used to recreate off-world environments, and part of a metal meteorite polished to show its internal crystal pattern.
Alongside ESA, dozens of other organisations had a presence at the Science Museum’s Star Trek event, which took place on the evening of 26 March.
ESA’s participation in the Star Trek celebrations is one of many collaborations between the agency and museums across London. During the past year, ESA representatives have contributed to outreach and careers events at the Natural History Museum and the Greenwich Maritime Museum designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. More activities are planned for 2026 and beyond.