Quick Summary of the Core Content
The recent resurgence of the classic science fiction IP “Star Trek” around its 60th anniversary is not just a small-scale event driven by fans reminiscing about its past glory. It reflects a broader issue in both science fiction creation and the real-world space industry: a misconception that emphasizes technology and survival at the expense of humanistic values. There is an assumption that the universe is a harsh place where the fittest survive, and that space exploration is merely about creating a backup for human civilization, forgetting the original purpose of our quest for the stars. However, “Star Trek,” which originated 60 years ago, filled this gap by proposing for the first time in popular culture that space should not be seen as a new battlefield but as a common playground for all of humanity. It has even played a role in establishing real-world international space regulations and provides an important reference for China’s rapidly developing space program in establishing its own unique set of ethical guidelines for space exploration.
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Detailed Analysis
1. This resurgence is not about reviving an old story; it’s a result of global audiences’ fatigue with the same old themes of space exploration
The mainstream space science fiction we see today follows a predictable pattern: the universe is full of civilizations that are stronger than us, and humanity is always on the run, with the ultimate goal of survival. Stories like “The Three-Body Problem” and “The Wandering Earth” have left people with a sense of anxiety about the cosmos, viewing the stars not as a source of romance but as a potential threat. Similarly, real-world space initiatives often follow a competitive and aggressive trajectory, with countries competing for lunar resources and Mars bases, reminiscent of the Cold War era’s great power rivalry. In this context, the return of “Star Trek” is like a breath of fresh air—something that offers a different perspective, suggesting that space exploration should be about cooperation and exploration rather than territorial disputes.
2. The “anti-pattern” of “Star Trek” was born out of the creator’s unique experiences
“Star Trek” was created in 1966, during the height of the US-Soviet space race, a time when most science fiction focused on interstellar wars and alien invasions, and even space professionals viewed space as a new frontier for colonization. However, its creator, Gene Roddenberry, had a different perspective. Having experienced World War II and seen the destructiveness of war firsthand, he became a civil aviation pilot and witnessed racial discrimination and ideological conflicts from thousands of meters above the earth. He was determined not to create a space story that reflected the prevailing attitudes. Instead, he emphasized that even if humanity’s technology far surpassed that of alien civilizations, we should not bring Earth’s selfish and discriminatory practices into space. His core principle—“even if we are more advanced, we should not interfere with other civilizations’ development or exploit their resources”—is still highly relevant today.
3. “Star Trek” changed the way humanity approaches space exploration
When “Star Trek” premiered in 1966, there were no established space regulations, and countries believed that whoever landed on the moon first would claim it as their territory. The show challenged this mindset, leading to the United Nations’ adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, which prohibits the privatization of celestial bodies and promotes shared access to space exploration. The international space station, open astronomical data, and joint deep-space missions we take for granted today all have their roots in “Star Trek.” Even Elon Musk has stated that his goal with SpaceX is to realize the future envisioned in “Star Trek.”
4. As China’s space program accelerates, it needs its own set of space values
China’s rapid progress in space technology, such as the construction of the FAST telescope and the establishment of an academy for interstellar travel, marks a new era of systematic deep-space exploration. However, our understanding of space has traditionally been influenced by Western themes of survival and competition. As a civilization with a history of harmony, we should pursue a different approach to space exploration—one that emphasizes cooperation and dialogue rather than domination. This set of values will not only enhance China’s status as a space power but also provide a solid foundation for our future deep-space endeavors.
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In summary, the resurgence of “Star Trek” is not just a nostalgic moment but a reflection of a broader cultural shift in how we perceive and engage with space. Its innovative and humanistic approach has influenced real-world space policies and has provided a valuable reference for China’s space program as it seeks to establish its own unique path in the cosmos.