Sarah Wilkens

This conversational thread is quite possibly one of the most common in the science fiction community, I simply can’t resist the opportunity to continue the dialogue.

In 1966 Star Trek’s first episode, “The Cage,” aired on NBC. Viewers watched breathless; anticipation tingled on their skin as the opening credits dissolved and the viewers were taken inside a ship, a ship travelling through space. This was only the first of many wonders’ viewers would experience in the fantastical world created by Gene Roddenberry.

The world of science fiction has served as inspiration for modern day tech, tech that we take for granted. Things like cell phones, Bluetooth technology, video calling, even more recently, virtual doctors’ visits (yes, I am referring to the classic cartoon, “The Jetsons.”)

Who would have thought, 58 years ago, when Captain Pike (played by Jeffrey Hunter) picked up his bulky communicator a whole new type of communication would be inspired. Just seven years after “The Cage” aired, the first successful cell phone call was made by Marty Cooper outside a Manhattan hotel. I am not saying that the communicator is the father of the cell phone. According to the Smithsonian, the cell phone originated during WWII from battlefield communications. From there, the transistor radio, and the monstrous first car phone appeared on the scene.

While the cell phone has more mundane origins, it doesn’t stop people from making connections, real or not. Though the design of the communicator is seen frequently in cell phones.

Inspiration for modern tech can be found throughout the science fiction genre, not just Star Trek; though I will confess, I am a huge Trek fan. Of all of it, not just the original series.

This brings me to the writing prompt of the week:

What piece of technology from the world of science fiction would you like to see become a reality? *For me, I would love to see the holodecks become a reality. *

Delgado, Michelle. “From ‘the brick’ to the iphone, the cellphone celebrates 50 years.” 3 4 2023. Smithsonian. 13 5 2024.

Roddenberry, Gene. “The Cage.” NBC, 8 September 1966. Television Series.