Sep 11th 2026
This Week in Space 227
TrekMania
Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation
Hold onto your phasers, but it's been 60 years since Star Trek's debut, and the franchise is still going strong. For 40 of those years, Mike Okuda, working with a gifted team that included his wife Denise, has been central to the look, feel, and substance of the Star Trek universe. From the LCARS computer graphical system to alien languages to the designs and color schemes, and even the digital effects remastering of the original series, Mike has been the Cardinal of Canon when it comes to all things Trek. He has also been involved with many more space-related shows, books, and NASA projects. Join us for this very special episode.
Headlines:
- China Announces 2028 Mars Sample Return Mission
- U.S. Space Command Conducts First Orbital Dogfighting Test
- Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 from Space
Main Topic: Star Trek at 60—Legacy, Design, and Influence with Mike Okuda
- Mike Okuda’s Entry into Star Trek and Early Influences
- Defining Star Trek’s Visual Identity Across Series
- Designing Control Panels and the Origin of LCARS
- Maintaining Continuity and Hidden Easter Eggs in Star Trek Sets
- Expanding the Design Language for Alien Cultures
- Collaboration on For All Mankind and Space/NASA Projects
- Challenges and Philosophy Behind Remastering The Original Series
- Favorite Episodes, Iconic Sets, and Preserving Star Trek Props
- The Enduring Core Message and Legacy of the Star Trek Franchise
Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.
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Links
- China on track to launch Mars sample-return mission in 2028: 'If accurate, this represents a Sputnik moment'
- US military practices orbital dogfighting in 1st-ever 'live fly' exercise in space
- 25 years ago, a NASA astronaut witnessed the tragic 9/11 attacks from space. Here's what he saw.
- Michael Okuda on X
- The Roddenberry Archive