The character of the engineer in the Star Trek television series
El personaje del ingeniero en las series televisivas de Star Trek
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nº 42, pp. 255-305
| 255
January-June of 2026
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
How to cite this article:
Villen, M. (2026). e character of the engineer in the Star Trek television series.
Doxa Comunicación
, 42, pp. 255-305.
https://doi.org/10.31921/doxacom.n42a2767
Monique Villen.
After studying Modern Literature and Hispanic Philology at La Sorbonne (Paris), Monique Villen studied
a degree in Education and Development from Universidad Anáhuac (Mexico City) and in Religious Studies from the Ateneo
Regina Apostolorum (Rome). She earned a Master’s in Humanities from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid) and
a PhD, for which she received the Extraordinary Award, with a dissertation on Marie-Laure Ryan’s literary theory applied
to science ction. She currently teaches Humanities (Anthropology, Social Responsibility, Science Fiction Literature) and
is a member of the research group “Imagination and Possible Worlds” (UFV) and the “Association for Studies in Fiction
and Fictionality” (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle; University of Chicago; Kwansei Gakuin University), where she pursues
various lines of research focused on the speculative and practical analysis of ction, with a particular emphasis on science
ction literature. Her published articles include:
“
I Saw a New World Coming Fast”: A Study of Uchronia in Kazuo Ishiguro’s
Never Let Me Go,
Castilla. Estudios de Literatura
, (10), 195-222 and “e Story A Grain of Truth by Andrzej Sapkowski in the
Light of Marie-Laure Ryan’s Literary eory of Possible Worlds”,
Fabula
, 63(3-4), 280-308.
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Spain
[email protected]
ORCID:
0000-0002-5316-3466
is content is published under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License. International License CC BY-NC 4.0
Recibido: 30/08/2024 - Aceptado: 28/11/2024 - En edición: 22/01/2025 - Publicado: 01/01/2026
Resumen:
Este artículo explora el personaje del ingeniero en Star Trek, centrándo
-
se en cuatro series: e Original Series (1966-69), e Next Generation
(1987-94), Voyager (1995-2001) y Enterprise (2001-05). La investigación
se organiza en dos fases principales: (1) un análisis de los episodios de
las series mencionadas utilizando una red narrativa (Ryan, 2016 y 2019:
35-36); y (2) la interpretación de los datos a través de la teoría del per
-
sonaje inspirada en la teoría literaria de los mundos posibles (Margolin
1990 y 2007; Ryan, 1985; 1991; 2006; Ryan y Bell, 2019). Los resultados
destacan el grado de protagonismo de los personajes ingenieros Scotty,
Geordi, B’Elanna y Trip en cada episodio (ausente, terciario, secundario
o principal), los marcos espaciales más relevantes (el espacio, la nave
y la ingeniería), las acciones signicativas del ingeniero dentro de los
diferentes contextos narrativos, así como sus distintas versiones o inter
-
pretaciones (los dominios de los personajes).
Palabras clave:
Star Trek; ciencia cción; roles de ingeniero; análisis narrativo; teoría del
personaje; teoría literaria de los mundos posibles; Marie-Laure Ryan.
Received: 30/08/2024 - Accepted: 28/11/2024 - Early access: 22/01/2025 - Published: 01/01/2026
Abstract:
is article explores the character of the engineer in Star Trek,
focusing on four series:
e Original Series
(1966-69),
e Next
Generation
(1987-94),
Voyager
(1995-2001), and
Enterprise
(2001-
05). e research is organized into two main phases: (1) an analysis
of the episodes from these series using a narrative network (Ryan,
2016 and 2019: 35-36); and (2) the interpretation of the data through
character theory, inspired by the literary theory of Possible Worlds
(Margolin 1990 y 2007; Ryan, 1985; 1991; 2006; Ryan y Bell, 2019). e
results highlight the degree of prominence of the engineer characters
Scotty, Geordi, B’Elanna and Trip in each episode (absent, tertiary,
secondary or main), the most relevant spatial frames (space, ship
and engineering), the signicant actions of the engineer within the
dierent narrative contexts, as well as their dierent versions or
interpretations (the characters’ domains).
Keywords:
Star Trek; science ction; engineer roles; narrative analysis; character
theory; possible worlds literary theory; Marie-Laure Ryan.
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1. Introduction
Since its creation in 1966,
“Star Trek technologies have red the imaginations of physicists, engineers, and roboticists,”
as noted
by Perkowitz, professor of Physics at Emory University, Atlanta (2016: 65). is is largely due to the series being developed
with a profound respect for real science (Noragueda, 2016; Corbella, 2016; Cohnen, 1997). It is therefore unsurprising that the
technologies depicted in
Star Trek
imaginatively anticipated devices and scientic advances that have progressively become
part of everyday life: the “communicators” used for long-distance communication foreshadow modern mobile phones (Strauss,
2012); the communications ocer’s earpiece pregures Bluetooth wireless headsets and instant mobile communication
platforms like FaceTime and other video call systems (Mortillaro, 2013); the Personal Access Display Device mirrors modern
tablets such as the iPad; advanced monitors and screens anticipate high-denition displays (Ornes, 2016); the Enterprise’s
voice-activated computer is a precursor to systems like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant (Jordan et al., 2018); and memory
tapes predict oppy disks, CDs, and other modern digital storage technologies (Briggs, 2023). Additionally, the “Tricorder”
anticipates the MinION, a portable DNA sequencer capable of rapidly diagnosing diseases (Plazas et al., 2023), and the GPS-
based crew tracking system for teleportation to the spacecraft. Later
Star Trek
series continue to introduce technological
predictions that inspire scientists and engineers, such as the holodeck in
e Next Generation
, an immersive virtual reality
room (Villen & Abellán-García, 2022), which has inuenced developments in VR (Gent, 2016; Lubas, 2020; Hsu, 2024), and
the replicator, which anticipates 3D printing (Rodríguez, 2016). In
Voyager
, the character of the Doctor, an emergency medical
hologram, pregures the development of automated medical assistants and telemedicine.
Within this context, where technology is ubiquitous, and knowledge and innovation form the cornerstones of civilization
(Brake, 2022: 131), the question arises: is it possible to narrate, summarize, evaluate, comment on, or recall the story of
Star
Trek
without the presence of engineers? To address this question, an analysis was conducted on the engineer characters
featured in the following series:
e Original Series
(1966-69),
e Next Generation
(1987-94),
Voyager
(1995-2001), and
Enterprise
(2001-05).
1
1
Despite the proliferation of writings published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the original
Star Trek
series in 2016, including scientic articles such
as “
Building Star Tre
k” by B. Jasny in
Science
and “
Beyond the Realms of Fiction: Star Trek Gadgets
” by R. Northeld in
Engineering & Technology
, none directly
address the role of the engineer in the various
Star Trek
series. e article “He’s dierent, he’s got ‘
Star Trek
’ vision”: Supporting the Expertise of Conceptual
Design Engineers (Carkett, 2004) examines the creative behaviors of engineers in the conceptual design department of an international aerospace company, but
does not analyze the character of the
Star Trek
engineer.
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Figure 1. e Four Engineers of
Star Trek
Source: screenshots from the series
e Original Series, e Next Generation, Voyager,
and
Enterprise
To systematically analyze the characters and validate claims about them, various modes of existence can be conceived: as
mere illusions of language, other signs, mental representations, or abstract objects (Eder, 2010: 17; Jannidis, 2009). is study
applies the theory of functions or roles as proposed by Encinas Cantalapiedra et al. (2024), departing from formalist models of
character (Greimas, 1971; Propp, 2009; Polti, 1924, Todorov, 1969 and Barthes, 1970).
We admit that within a poetic work there are actants which can full more or less standard functions, although our interest [in our
case, the character of the engineer in Star Trek] is not to nd functions predetermined by a particular model of analysis. [...] To clarify
the functions or roles, and following the principles of hermeneutics, it is the narrative itself that suggests the type of functions which
are most appropriate to explain its own ctional world (Encinas Cantalapiedra et al., 2025: 155).
Encinas Cantalapiedra et al. primarily draw on the theory of poetic possible worlds (Abellán-García Barrio, 2023), whereas
this study applies Marie-Laure Ryan’s literary theory of possible worlds. Both theories explore characters not only as textual
entities but as ctional beings, delving into their traits and relationships as inhabitants of a possible ctional world, thereby
enhancing the depth of analysis. e world approach
“theorizes characters from an internal point of view, the point of view of
the storyworld. It is argued that once one adopts an internal point of view, characters are not imagined as incomplete creatures
made of language, but as possible persons sharing the ontological completeness of the inhabitants of the real world”
(Ryan, 2018:
415). is perspective transcends the consideration of the
Star Trek
engineer as a mere narrative element, understanding them
instead as fully realized individuals within their ctional universe.
To delve deeper into ctional characters, this study took an approach inspired by Marie-Laure Ryan’s works, derived from
modal logic and possible worlds theory (Ryan, 1992: 545-547). Although this literary theory originates in analytical philosophy,
it does not focus on the linguistic aspects of literary works but rather on their cognitive dimension. is perspective enables
an understanding of both the construction and expression of ctional worlds as well as the reader’s imaginative experience.
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is method contributes to the comprehension of literary texts by describing them as possible, counterfactual, or alternative
worlds –an approach particularly suited to the study of science ction, which immerses the reader in the worlds it evokes.
Ryan’s theory, by departing from structuralism (2018: 416), facilitates a holistic understanding of the text, a process which
involves
“nding stable structures, experiencing the text as a welcoming space and a habitable environment, feeling capable of
orienting oneself within its landscape, being transported to the setting of the narrated events, and achieving intimacy with its
inhabitants”
(1998: 138). is approach has signicantly advanced research on ction and contributed to renewed interest in
characters as a subject of study as both social realities and phenomenological constructs (Lavocat, 2022).
Based on a logical distinction, Ryan divides ctional universes into two categories: the textual actual world of the narrative
universe, which corresponds to the singular world projected by the text (Ryan, 1991: 109-124; Ryan & Bell, 2019: 1-47), and
relative worlds, or the domains of the characters, which encompass their mental acts (Ryan, 1985: 717-755).
2
A distinction is
made between statements presented as facts within the ctional world (the textual actual world) and those existing solely in
the characters’ minds (the relative worlds). is dierentiation enables a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner lives,
revealing their motivations, aspirations, and conicts, which may not be evident through their actions within the main plot.
Furthermore, this analytical framework is instrumental in evaluating whether the engineers in
Star Trek
are at characters,
primarily dened by one or two traits and fullling specic functions within the plot, or complex characters essential to the
narrative and thematic development and capable of growth and change (Forster, 1927; Chatman, 1978).
To investigate the inner worlds of the characters, the analysis was structured into two phases: rst, delineating their domains
across three narrative modalities inspired by interpretations of the M-Model in logic (Vaina, 1977; Ryan, 1991; Doležel, 1998);
and second, identifying and highlighting episodes where these domains are clearly manifested in the engineers’ experiences.
e three narrative modalities are as follows: (1) the deontic system (
O-World
), which refers to the world of obligations and
governed by a set of rules encompassing what is forbidden, permitted, obligatory and actions that are rewarded or punished;
(2) the axiological system (
W-World
), which pertains to the world of moral values, evaluating goodness, evil or indierence
towards members of a specic group; and (3) the epistemic system (
K-World
), which focuses on the world of knowledge,
including the propositions a character considers true or false within the ctional universe.
Finally, for a more nuanced understanding of the engineers in
Star Trek
, an analysis was conducted of the presence or absence
of elements of private life narrated by the characters themselves (autobiography). ese elements were categorized into
two variables:
“Childhood and/or family,”
which includes any mention of origins, family relationships and early childhood
experiences; and
“Personal and/or romantic life,”
encompassing aspects related to emotional bonds, feelings and adult
experiences. e inclusion of these biographical elements enriches character construction and fosters greater empathy and
emotional connection from the audience (Mar et al., 2006), enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their decisions
and behaviors.
2
M.-L. Ryan conceptualizes the semantic domain of the narrative text as a modal universe (inuenced by Kripke), consisting of a central planet –a realm of
actualized physical events– surrounded by the satellites of the characters’ private worlds (or character domains): worlds of desires, worlds of obligations, worlds
of beliefs, worlds of intentions (goals and plans), pretended worlds (false representations used to deceive), and fantasy worlds (dreams or ctional stories told
within the story).
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2. Methodology
e study set out to achieve the following research objectives:
OBJ 1: To analyze the importance and essential function of the spacecraft engineer in the dierent
Star Trek
series, assessing
to what extent this character is fundamental to the narrative.
OBJ 2: To compare the characteristics and roles of the engineers across the various versions and narrative contexts,
identifying analogies and parallels among them.
OBJ 3: To examine the particularities of each engineer, highlighting the properties that distinguish them.
OBJ 4: To identify the presence of additional traits, beyond purely technical skills, that are essential for fullling their roles
aboard the ship.
Given space limitations, a selection was made from a classication of dramatic importance/relevance. is approach
prioritized the parameters most directly addressing the research questions about the engineer character, guided by Marie-
Laure Ryan’s theoretical framework. A hero-centered narrative network, described by Ryan (2019: 35), was adapted and its
elements are detailed below.
Figure 2. Narrative Network
Source: the author based on Ryan (2019)
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2.1. In the Actual Textual World of the Fictional Universe
Characters are, to a large extent, responsible for ensuring a series remains memorable (Cotte, 2022), and their signicance can
even be assessed through the eects caused by their absence (Reuter, 1988: 3). To measure the prominence of engineers in each
episode, four variables were employed: (1) Main character (P). Identied as the central gure of the plot, carrying the weight
of the story, driving the action, or serving as the emotional core of the narrative; (2) Secondary character (S). Plays a signicant
role in supporting and enriching the plot without being the primary focus; (3) Tertiary character (T). Not necessarily directly
involved in plot development, with appearances ranging from a silent presence that contributes to the setting’s credibility and
the ctional universe’s believability to brief sequences fullling various functions, such as providing clues to the protagonist;
(4) Absent character (A). Does not appear in the episode.
e plot and character development occur within a narrative space (Ryan et al., 2016), which, thanks to scientic
advancements, extends beyond the solar system (Stoppe, 2022: 42). For this analysis, two levels were considered: (1) Spatial
frames, encompassing the characters’ immediate surroundings and are hierarchically organized (e.g., engineering as a sub-
space within the ship); (2) Story space, including the space relevant to the plot, dened by the characters’ actions (e.g., the
space outside the ship).
To be considered legitimate, a character must have a justied existence within the story, meaning they must be present for
a specic reason which contributes to the plot’s development. e legitimacy or justication of the engineer character was
examined by reviewing the activities of Montgomery Scott in
e Original Series
(TOS) and highlighting the daily routine of the
rst chief engineer. Scotty frequently provides technical advice to Captain Kirk and other senior ocers, oering solutions and
strategies to address technological and tactical challenges. He also ensures that all ship systems, from engines to life-support
systems, operate optimally. Regular preventive maintenance is performed to avoid failures and ensure the ship is always ready
for any situation. In crisis scenarios, he resolves issues under extreme pressure and devises improvised solutions when the
ship encounters unexpected damage or system anomalies. From this initial series, the most signicant actions of the
Star Trek
engineer have been identied and analyzed.
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Figure 3. Most Signicant Actions of the Engineer in
TOS
Source: prepared by the author
2.2. e Domains of the Characters
e study of the deontic system highlights conicts that arise between the group’s deontic world and the character’s intentional
world. ese occur when the obligations or prohibitions imposed by the group clash with the character’s personal goals;
that is, when the character seeks to achieve their objectives by following a dierent path (rule/disagreement). A signicant
example can be found in episode 1x24 of
e Original Series
, where Scotty assumes command of the ship in the absence of
the captain, who has been captured on a planet in conict. e ambassador, on a diplomatic peace mission, orders Scotty to
deactivate the ship’s security measures as a gesture of goodwill (obligation). However, Scotty refuses to obey this order (threat
of punishment), as it conicts with his intention to protect the crew from potential destruction.
e examination of the axiological system reveals conicts that arise when a character’s personal desires, which dene what
they consider good or bad, clash with the moral values of the group. An example of this type of conict is presented in episode
5x23 of
e Next Generation
, where Geordi defends an injured Borg (goodness) in opposition to the captain’s plan to use it as a
subject for experimentation in order to protect humanity from a possible invasion. Ultimately, Geordi succeeds in convincing
the captain to pursue an alternative option, thus aligning the group’s values with his own desires.
Conict in the epistemic system arises when the beliefs and knowledge that a character considers true or false come into
tension with objective reality (ignorance) or with the perceptions and beliefs of other characters in the group. For example, in
episode 1x10 of
Enterprise
, Trip provides an expert explanation to a group of visitors about the operation of the warp engine,
demonstrating his extensive knowledge in the eld. However, he is completely outmatched when confronted with the advanced
technology of a visitor from the future, which reveals his limitations and lack of understanding.
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Autobiographical narratives oer a unique perspective on how characters perceive themselves and attempt to make sense of
their experiences, which is fundamental to the construction of their identity (Bruner, 1991).
e research was conducted in two fundamental phases. First, each episode of the four series was analyzed, with particular
attention paid to the parameters of the narrative network (Fig. 1). is constituted the data collection phase, details of which
are presented in the supplementary materials (appendix). Second, these data were interpreted in light of M.-L. Ryan’s literary
theory of possible worlds.
3. Results
3.1. Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott, Lieutenant Commander of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701
In the rst season, Scotty does not appear in fteen episodes, representing an absence rate of 46.43%, which suggests that
he was not initially considered a central character.
3
However, over time, his role as chief engineer begins to gain recognition,
although his presence is not always crucial to the main narrative. is is evidenced by his high percentage of appearances as a
tertiary character: 32.14% in the rst season, 31.82% in the second, and 42.86% in the third. Despite this, there is a progressive
development of his role as a secondary character, with a signicant increase in his presence: 21.43% in the rst season,
40.91% in the second, and 47.62% in the third. is growth solidies his position as an essential gure in many of the plots
and challenges faced by the Enterprise crew, even becoming the main focus in two episodes. By the end of the series and in
subsequent lms, Scotty becomes fully integrated into the group of four main characters, alongside Captain Jim Kirk, Science
Ocer Spock, and Dr. Leonard McCoy.
e character’s presence on the ship, totaling 55.77%, and his growing participation in the engineering room, with 14.29% in
the rst season, 21.05% in the second, and 36.84% in the third, reect the series’ increasing reliance on the role of the chief
engineer. is not only adds realism but also heightens the intrigue of space missions. Furthermore, in episodes where he
participates in missions outside the ship (19.23% in total), greater emphasis is placed on his personality and leadership skills,
underscoring his importance within the crew.
An expert in all propulsion and power systems controlled from the engineering section (Johnson, 1989), as well as in life-
support systems and gravity control, Scotty dedicates 33.03% of his time to repairs and maintenance. However, his contribution
to innovation is limited, at only 4.79%. Nevertheless, the narrative structure of
e Original Series
evolves to include more
storylines that require complex technical solutions, making Scotty’s expertise and creativity indispensable. is is reected
in the increase in the percentage of crisis resolutions, which rises from 22.22% in the rst season to 26.32% in the second and
30.77% in the third. As his presence in episodes grows, so does his interaction and collaboration with other main characters,
highlighting his importance not only for his technical skills but also as an integral part of teamwork and problem-solving
3
Gene Roddenberry, the creator of
Star Trek
, initially conceived the series as a kind of space western where the role of the engineer seemed unnecessary. In fact,
the character was nearly excluded from
e Original Series
after Roddenberry sent a letter to actor James Doohan, stating:
“We don’t think we need an engineer in
the series”
(Solow & Justman, 1996: 152-153).
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aboard the ship. His high percentage of leadership roles, 35.74%, is also attributed to his mentoring the engineering team,
where he guides and supports younger members.
e character’s inner world is sparsely developed. e deontic system suggests that Scotty must balance obedience to orders
with the need to challenge restrictions in an environment where following rules is fundamental (Okuda, 1999: 467-68). On the
other hand, the axiological system reveals that Scotty faces decisions that test his moral integrity, highlighting his inclination
toward goodness and his positive impact on the storylines. Although knowledge and ignorance are mentioned in two episodes,
implying that the character embarks on a journey of learning and discovery, his biography remains largely unknown. Apart
from his Scottish nationality –deduced from his accent, occasional use of a kilt, and fondness for whisky– nothing else about
his personal life is revealed. Scotty never speaks about himself or condes in other characters.
3.2. e Engineer Geordi La Forge, Lieutenant Commander of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D
In
e Original Series
(TOS), the main plot is clearly dominant, with a limited number of main characters (four, including the
engineer), which simplies the evaluation of each one’s prominence. In
e Next Generation
(TNG), however, the number
of potential protagonists expands signicantly, typically involving seven main characters along with several additional
ones, which explains Geordi´s absence in 10.37% of the episodes. Furthermore, the main plot is complemented by multiple
subplots involving dierent characters. When analyzing Geordi´s role, tertiary roles generally correspond to his participation
in a subplot, which occurs in 57.93% of the cases. In contrast, his secondary roles (25%) and main roles (6.71%) reect his
involvement in the central storyline. Nevertheless, even when participating in subplots, Geordi’s contributions are often
essential to the mission’s success or the survival of the ship.
As the youngest ocer, Geordi evolves from a competent helmsman to an indispensable chief engineer, a transition
symbolized by the change in his uniform color at the beginning of the second season. From that point onward, the engineering
room becomes a central narrative space, with a prominent presence of 44.61%, sharing focus with the bridge and the sickbay.
Additionally, Geordi participates in several o-ship missions (19.12%), underscoring his versatility in performing multiple
roles and his growth as a leader in critical situations.
Geordi inherits Scotty’s legacy and takes Stareet engineering to a new level, tackling and solving ever more complex challenges,
including computer systems, robotics, and articial intelligence. His involvement in repairs and maintenance, at 42.73%,
often centers on narrative subplots, focusing on diagnosing and resolving technical issues. In contrast, his intervention in the
repair of critical systems, which reaches 27.85%, typically occurs in the main plot. Geordi’s ability to innovate under pressure,
combined with his passion for continuous learning and research –reected in 9.73% of improvements and innovations– makes
him an indispensable member of the USS Enterprise. His strong appreciation for teamwork creates an environment in which
each team member feels heard and valued. Moreover, he regularly participates in Council meetings, contributing signicantly
to the success of missions. With a leadership rate of 19.69%, his role tends to focus on support and collaboration, particularly
in main plots, partly due to his youth.
e “Goodness” variable in the axiological system frequently appears in many episodes, indicating that Geordi is consistently
involved in situations that highlight his inclination toward doing good. He approaches technical challenges with a
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compassionate mindset, always considering the impact of his decisions on the crew and the entities he interacts with, whether
they are humans, aliens, articial life forms or even dangerous enemies like a Borg:
“He’s not what I expected, Captain. He’s
got feelings. He’s homesick. I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right using him this way”
(TNG-05x23). e epistemic system
reveals that, although Geordi is an expert in many elds and possesses solid principles, he continues to undergo a process of
learning and confronting the unknown. On the other hand, the deontic system, while less frequent, has a signicant presence,
highlighting episodes in which he faces ethical decisions related to established rules and norms.
roughout the series, Geordi’s personal life is explored in greater depth, adding complexity to his character. More intimate
aspects of his life are revealed, particularly through his close friendship with Data, to whom he condes his thoughts and
experiences. His autobiography, which focuses on his childhood and family, gains particular signicance due to his disability:
Geordi was born blind and uses a VISOR to see. is personal experience shapes his perspective on life, as evidenced by his
statement:
“Children are a lot stronger than you think. As long as they know you love them, they can handle just about anything
life throws at ‘em, you know”
(TNG-05x22).
3.3. B’Elanna Torres, Lieutenant of the USS Voyager NCC-74656
e episodes in the
Voyager
series (VOY) feature fewer narrative subplots compared to
e Next Generation
(TNG), but they
distribute the focus among a larger number of main characters (ten in total, excluding guest characters). Within this context,
B’Elanna’s consistent presence suggests that, although she is not always at the center of the plot, her role is irreplaceable, as
evidenced by the balance between her secondary and tertiary roles, both at 36.81%. Notably, the number of episodes where
she takes on a main role increases from 6.67% in the rst season to 16.67% in the seventh. is progression allows for a richer
and more nuanced portrayal of the engineers role, solidifying B’Elanna as one of the most complete and valuable characters
in the series.
Much of B’Elanna’s appearances take place in the engineering room, at 47.38%, underscoring her central role as chief engineer
and suggesting that many of the plots in which she participates are directly tied to technical matters and technological
challenges. However, her signicant presence in other areas of the ship, at 32.72%, demonstrates her involvement in a variety
of situations on board, which is further reinforced by the substantial development of her personal life. Additionally, B’Elanna
participates in o-engineering missions at a rate of 19.9%, highlighting her crucial role in scenarios requiring her expertise
beyond the engineering room.
As a member of the Maquis crew who joins the USS Voyager in the rst episode (01x01), B’Elanna quickly proves her technical
skills, which lead to her being recognized within the engineering team and ocially appointed chief engineer in the second
episode (01x02). She possesses a strong foundation, reected in spending 39.39% of her time on repairs and maintenance,
though she is often forced to learn on the y and adapt to alien technologies due to the extreme circumstances of Voyager’s
journey, with 8.24% dedicated to improvements and innovation. Her involvement in a broad spectrum of activities underscores
the depth of her character and demonstrates that her inuence extends beyond the realm of engineering. She makes signicant
contributions to team dynamics and strategic decisions on board, making her an integral character capable of adapting
to diverse situations. Her role in crisis resolution, at 30.27%, highlights her centrality in plots requiring both technological
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solutions and leadership. Her leadership ability, reected in a rate of 22.11%, could be even higher if not for the relational
challenges B’Elanna faces.
B’Elanna frequently struggles with internal dilemmas, constantly ghting to balance her aggressive and emotional nature,
inherent to her Klingon heritage, with the responsibilities and duties she takes on as a member of Voyager’s crew. Despite
her impulsive character, she demonstrates a clear inclination toward doing good, prioritizing the crew’s well-being over her
personal conicts. is internal struggle, derived from her dual human and Klingon heritage, provides her with opportunities
to grow and become more understanding of others’ dierences. B’Elanna’s evolution in her values and personal convictions is
signicant. She transforms from a rebel into a respected leader, as reected in her statement:
“It may be the warriors who get
the glory, but it’s the engineers who build societies”
(VOY-07x09). Furthermore, she successfully assumes the roles of wife and
mother, solidifying her growth as a complex and multifaceted character.
Episodes exploring B’Elanna’s personal life are recurring throughout the seasons, emphasizing that her development is
not limited to her technical skills as an engineer but is also deeply tied to her personal growth. From season three onward,
her relationship with Tom Paris becomes a central focus that helps her connect with her human side and temper her more
aggressive traits. anks to this evolution, B’Elanna emerges as a strong and positive gure within the crew.
3.4. Charles Tucker III (Trip), Commander of the USS Enterprise NX-01
e cast of
Enterprise
(ENT) bears a notable similarity to that of
e Original Series
(TOS): a captain, a Vulcan science ocer,
a doctor, a communications ocer, and an engineer, with the addition of a security ocer. Among them, Trip stands out from
the beginning as an essential and irreplaceable character. His close relationship with the captain grants him a position of
great trust and responsibility within the crew. His constant and prominent presence in the series, with a secondary role rate of
79.17% (the highest among the four series), along with episodes where he assumes a leading role at 13.54%, underscores his
importance in both the narrative and the missions of the
Enterprise
. is demonstrates that his inuence extends beyond his
function as chief engineer, solidifying him as a key gure in the series’ development and success.
Trip appears in a variety of settings throughout the series. His participation in o-ship missions and eld operations is
signicant, at 30.41%, embodying the fundamental qualities of an explorer: curiosity, creativity and an unceasing pursuit of
the unknown. His presence in the engineering room, at 34.14%, reinforces his role as chief engineer and demonstrates that
many of the plots in which he participates are directly tied to the maintenance, repair, and operation of the ship.
Trip frequently engages in maintenance and repair tasks, at 23.59%, which is logical given his role as chief engineer. Over the
course of the series, he also contributes to system innovation and improvement at 9.62%, as he humorously remarks:
“I don’t
think I’ll be taking home the Nobel Prize any time soon”
(ENT-03x02). As one of the rst Stareet engineers to participate in
the Warp 5 program (2150s), Trip does not have access to all the advanced technology available in later series, which forces
him to face unprecedented challenges and adapt on the y:
“I feel like a chef who’s just made a meal with ingredients he’s never
tasted”
(ENT-01x25). His ability to resolve crises, at 25.14%, and lead teams, at 41.66% (the highest percentage among the four
series), reinforces his role as a key crew member, someone trusted to handle high-stakes situations and guide others in dicult
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moments. In fact, he takes command on several occasions in the absence of the captain and T’Pol, demonstrating his strength
of character and leadership ability.
Despite the challenges he faces, Trip’s actions are deeply guided by principles of goodness, though he often must balance
his desire to do good with the constraints of his position and circumstances. His empathy and openness make him a bridge
between dierent species and cultures, promoting mutual understanding and respect:
“ey have the same neural pathways
as you and me. ey’re not pets. ey’re just as smart as the rest of you”
(ENT-02x22). Driven by a strong sense of duty and his
friendship with the captain, Trip exemplies how human bonds and the desire to serve a greater purpose can lead to acts of
heroism and selessness, as seen in his decision to sacrice himself to save Archer’s life. is act underscores both his bravery
and humanity (Langley, 2016). Trip also demonstrates the exibility needed to make decisions that transcend established
norms.
Episodes exploring his childhood and family provide valuable context for the character, while an even greater number of
episodes focus on Trip’s personal and romantic life, revealing signicant moments that address internal conicts, important
relationships, and his character’s evolution. His relationship with T’Pol, the Vulcan science ocer, adds an emotional
dimension to his character, exploring the dynamic between Vulcan logic and human emotions. As the series progresses, Trip
faces increasingly serious and tragic situations, which add depth and complexity to his personality. is shift toward a more
dramatic tone allows for the exploration of more challenging themes, showing how the character copes with grief, loss, and
growing responsibilities. Zaki Hasan aptly describes this by stating:
“e nal resolution is both incredibly moving and entirely
consistent with Star Trek’s ethos of treating complicated issues with complexity”
(2022: 171).
e following tables present a comparison of the results obtained for the four engineers, calculating the average of all data
collected throughout the seasons.
Table 1. Percentages of the Engineer Character’s Protagonism in
Star Trek
Variables
Main Secondary Tertiary
Absent
Scotty2.8235.2135.2126.76
Geordi6.712557.9310.37
B’Elanna16.5636.8136.819.82
Trip13.5479.177.290
Source: prepared by the author
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Table 2. Percentages of the Engineer’s Narrative Space in
Star Trek
Variables
Outside the ShipOn the ShipIn Engineering
Scotty19.2355.7725
Geordi19.1236.2744.61
B’Elanna19.9032.7247.38
Trip30.4135.4534.14
Source: prepared by the author
Table 3. Percentages of the Engineer Character’s Most Signicant Actions in
Star Trek
Variables
Repair and
Maintenance
Improvements
and Innovation
Crisis Resolution
Leadership and
Collaboration
Scotty33.034.7926.4435.74
Geordi42.739.7327.8519.69
B’Elanna39.398.2430.2722.11
Trip23.599.6225.1441.66
Source: prepared by the author
4. Discussion
e paradoxical union of the terms “science” and “ction” gives this literary genre a special appeal while complicating its
denition. Some emphasize its scientic and rational aspect, while others highlight its imaginative side, removed from reality
(Baudou, 2003: 4). From a scientic perspective, several studies have shown how science ction, while not science itself, employs
scientic elements in various ways: as background, context, form, or simply as the central theme of its stories. Furthermore, it
has been emphasized how science ction works portray elements that are presented and perceived as scientically possible or
plausible, while also questioning science itself.
4
4
Among many others, works such as
e Physics and Astronomy of Science Fiction
by Steven Bloom (2016),
Exploring Science rough Science Fiction
by Barry
Luokkala (2019),
Innovation, Between Science and Science Fiction
by omas Michaud (2017), and
Time Machines: Time Travel in Physics, Metaphysics, and
Science Fiction
by Paul Nahin (2001) delve deeply into the interrelation between science and science ction. In the specic context of
Star Trek
, J. Allgaier’s article,
“Ready To Beam Up”: Star Trek and its Interactions with Science
(2018), provides a relevant analysis of how the series not only reects scientic concepts but also
challenges and expands them.
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Other studies have pointed out that the evolution of this genre provides fertile ground for exploring potential scientic
paradigms and the role of scientists in society. For example,
Fotocinema
devoted a monograph to the representation of
scientists in audiovisual productions (2023). One of its articles, focusing on the animated science ction series
Futurama
and
Rick and Morty
, provides a particularly enlightening table on “the main characters who hold the role of scientists” (Vidal-
Mestre & Freire-Sánchez, 2023: 169-192). In the case of
Star Trek
, however, the focus shifts away from scientists developing
theories to engineers enabling space travel, solving problems, and tackling technical challenges that make exploration and
adventure possible.
Science ction worlds oer a space to imagine and question alternative realities, projecting situations and conicts that reveal
profound aspects of the human condition in unusual or speculative contexts. Space travel, one of the genre’s most recurrent
themes, represents not only the exploration of the unknown but also the technical and moral challenge of expanding human
boundaries. As Stoppe notes,
“visions of journeys to other star systems have shaped this genre from its beginnings”
(2017: 33).
Within this context, the engineering room in
Star Trek
, along with other technological stations aboard the ship, is interpreted
as an environment where engineers Scotty, Geordi, B’Elanna, and Trip make this exploration possible. eir knowledge,
creativity and ethics are tested under extreme conditions, allowing viewers to better understand the complexity of their role.
is engineering space can also be understood as a domain for reecting on the limits and human impact of technology,
particularly in the context of cosmic expansion. us, engineering in
Star Trek
is not merely a functional space but also a site
of introspection, where ethical dilemmas are intensied and the relationship between reality and ction is explored. rough
their interactions in this setting, the engineers embody the ambivalence of technological advancement: on the one hand,
the promise of a better future driven by technology and space travel; on the other, the challenges and complex decisions
accompanying that progress.
is analysis helps conceptualize the engineering room as a space where fundamental meanings and values are negotiated.
However, unlike a narrative heterotopia –which congures an alternative reality and questions the values of dominant
culture– engineering in
Star Trek
does not subvert these values but exposes and rearms them.
5
Rather than oering a
break from reality, it brings to light the ideals and conicts present in our own society, showcasing both the potential and
the limitations of technology in constructing possible futures. is perspective enriches the semantic analysis of the engineer
character, portraying them not only as a professional but also as a symbol of the debates and tensions associated with scientic
development.
From the perspective of M.-L. Ryan’s literary theory of possible worlds, the semantic analysis highlights the evolution
and complexity of the engineer in science ction, positioning
Star Trek
as a pioneering case that reveals the richness and
versatility of this character as a narrative and cultural element. is framework allows for understanding the engineer not
just as a technical gure but as a fully realized ctional being with their own narrative universe. ey are presented in all their
complexity, as individuals facing challenging situations, with an internal world reecting their desires, beliefs, values and
5
As Susan Sackett explains, Gene Roddenberry not only received technical advice from NASA and other scientists but also established the rule that nothing in the
series would be shown without being based on some scientic fact or theory (2013: Log Entry 5).
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goals. From this perspective, the engineer in
Star Trek
transcends the function of solving technological problems; they are
characters with ethical dilemmas, personal growth, and a rich inner world, contributing to a broader exploration of what it
means to be human in a high-tech context.
5. Conclusion
In line with the stated objectives, the results conrm that a comprehensive understanding of the role and signicance of the
engineer in the various
Star Trek
series has been achieved.
OBJ.1: By analyzing the importance and essential function of the ship’s engineer in the dierent
Star Trek
series, several
conclusions have been reached. e increasing presence and interaction of engineers in the engineering room –from Scotty’s
improvisations to Geordi and B’Elanna’s innovations, as well as the pioneering challenges faced by Trip– highlight the crucial
role of technology in the survival and success of space ights. On board the Enterprise, any technical failure can result in
the immediate death of the entire crew, underscoring the critical need for reliable technology and, consequently, competent
engineers.
It is important to note that technology in
Star Trek
is presented realistically and is intrinsically tied to the gure of the engineer.
Unlike other science ction works, where spacecraft can be operated by autonomous articial intelligence without human
intervention, in
Star Trek
, technology relies on the skill and knowledge of the engineer. Moreover, this character plays a
decisive role in explaining to both the crew and the audience how the technology works, emphasizing that in the
Star Trek
universe, technology is not a mysterious or magical force but something that requires human intervention and ingenuity to be
eective and safe.
It is therefore unsurprising that the analysis reveals that the engineer, with increasing prominence, is an indispensable character
in all four
Star Trek
series. While in the early episodes of
e Original Series
(TOS) the engineer’s role is less prominent, this
trend is gradually reversed as the series progresses and the engineer takes on a more central role in later episodes. Although
their role as a “main character” grows more moderately, this is not due to a lack of importance but because protagonism must
be shared with other key characters, such as the ship’s captain.
OBJ 2: By comparing the characteristics and roles of engineers across the various versions and narrative contexts of
Star Trek
, it
is concluded that while there are some dierences, these characters share similar roles, embodying a consistent model reected
in the notable similarity of their most signicant actions (see Table 3). For example, Geordi and Trip excel in technological
innovations, B’Elanna stands out in crisis resolution, and both Trip and Scotty shine in leadership.
e analysis also reveals common characteristics among these characters: (1) Engineers frequently face conicts arising
from the strict rules and military hierarchies of Stareet; (2) ey often have to make ethical decisions, balancing the crew’s
well-being with technical demands, considering the impact of their projects, and ensuring that advancements are inclusive
and respectful of all living beings; (3) roughout the series, they demonstrate unwavering commitment to values such as
responsibility, integrity, and compassion; (4) Finally,
Star Trek
engineers share a positive vision of the future, where humanity
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overcomes its dierences to work collaboratively in exploring the universe, striving to unite all humans (and non-humans)
peacefully and treating them equally.
OBJ 3: Examining the particularities of each engineer –Scotty, Geordi, B’Elanna, and Trip– reveals that although they share
similar responsibilities in their engineering roles, there are notable dierences reecting how each series has adapted the
engineer’s role to its specic narrative context. Scotty, with his Scottish humor, is a passionate, reliable, and experienced
character, known for his dedication and improvisational skills. Geordi, enthusiastic and warm, excels in inclusivity,
adaptability, and a focus on technological innovation. B’Elanna, intense and emotionally complex, balances her Klingon
and human heritage, standing out for her resilience and inventiveness. Trip, friendly and pragmatic, is a brave and dynamic
pioneer who faces the unknown with curiosity, bringing creativity and originality during a period of technological change. e
Enterprise
(ENT) series introduces a slight variation by prioritizing the engineer’s o-ship missions, which can be attributed to
the circumstances of the rst deep-space journey and perhaps to Trip’s adventurous spirit.
OBJ 4: To identify additional traits in the engineers beyond their technical skills, analyzing the relative worlds or domains of
the characters proved fundamental. roughout the series,
Star Trek
evolved to explore and develop the inner worlds of its
characters more deeply, something nearly nonexistent in TOS. us,
Star Trek
not only portrays engineers solving complex
technical problems but also delves into their personal challenges, interpersonal relationships, and emotional growth. An
eloquent example of this evolution is Geordi’s reection:
“You know, I’ve always thought that technology could solve almost
any problem. It enhances the quality of our lives, lets us travel across the galaxy - even gave me my vision. But sometimes, you
just have to turn it all o”
(TNG-03x06). is dialogue underscores that technology is not the sole solution to problems or the
only aspect to consider. Similarly, Chakotay explains to B’Elanna:
“I accept there are things in the universe that can’t be scanned
with a tricorder”
(VOY-06x03). ese moments reveal that engineers in
Star Trek
are much more than mere technicians; they
are complex characters who play a crucial role in both the technical narrative and the human and ethical development of the
series.
Star Trek
constructs a lived reality for viewers, who emotionally experience the risks, challenges, and achievements of the
engineer, indirectly participating in the complex decisions and moral responsibilities the engineer faces. is is achieved
through immersion in the science-ctional world and the empathy the audience develops for the character (Schaeer,
1999: 27). Future research could expand this analysis through reception studies. Although the documented impact of these
characters on audiences is signicant (Teena, 2020; Deepy, 2021; Callaghan & Sullivan, 2005), no systematic studies have yet
examined the direct eect of
Star Trek
as a source of inspiration in the scientic eld.
e representation of engineers in the series can also be explored from various theoretical frameworks. For example, a feminist
approach could analyze how B’Elanna Torres challenges gender roles in engineering, while disability representation could be
studied through Geordi La Forge, who serves as a model of inclusion thanks to his advanced technology.
e series also serves as a valuable educational tool, as highlighted during the 2023 Science Week organized by CSIC under
the theme
“e Universe of Star Trek and its Relationship with Modern Science”
. Additionally, the
Star Trek
narrative oers a
space where engineering students could delve into the diverse roles an engineer can play, reecting not only the technical
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knowledge required but also the human aspects of the profession that are essential in a high-tech environment with constant
social interaction.
Furthermore, the
Star Trek
series could be examined from scientic and technological perspectives, exploring how the
incorporation of futuristic advancements reects contemporary anxieties and aspirations about progress in these areas.
Finally, it would be relevant to analyze the aesthetic design of engineering spaces and the visual representation of problem-
solving processes, which signicantly contribute to the series’ impact, highlighting the importance and complexity of
engineering work.
6. Acknowledgments
is article has been translated into English by Charles Bretherton whose work is greatly appreciated.
is work is part of the research group “Imagination and Possible Worlds” at the Faculty of Communication, Universidad
Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid).
is study lays the groundwork for the development of educational activities at the UFV School of Engineering, exploring the
relevance of these characters today in inspiring or inuencing current and future engineers.
7. Conict of Interest
e author declares no conict of interest.
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| 275
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9. Appendix
In the context of the
Star Trek
television series, where technology is omnipresent, this document presents data collected
from the analysis of engineers in
e Original Series
(1966–69),
e Next Generation
(1987–94),
Voyager
(1995–2001), and
Enterprise
(2001–05). A detailed examination of each episode in these series has been conducted using a narrative network
whose parameters, chosen for their importance and dramatic relevance, most directly address the research questions about
the engineer character in light of M.-L. Ryan’s theory. is appendix includes 31 tables and 3 gures, which reveal the degree
of prominence of the four engineers (see g. 1), the most signicant spatial frameworks –space, the ship, and engineering (see
g. 2)– the engineer’s meaningful actions in various narrative contexts, as well as their distinct interpretations and versions
(the characters’ domains).
9.1. e Prominence of the
Engineers
e prominence of the engineer character in the
Star Trek
series has been evaluated based on four variables: (
P
) principal,
where the character plays the main role in the episode, carrying the weight of the story; (
S
) secondary, where the character
plays an important role in the plot, although not being the central focus; (
T
) tertiary, where the character makes a shorter
appearance, ranging from a sequence in a narrative subplot to a brief presence without dialogue; and (
A
) absent, where the
character does not appear in the episode.
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Table 1. Scotty’s Prominence (TOS)
1x011x021x031x041x051x061x071x081x091x101x111x121x131x141x15
AAATSTTAAATTAAA
1x161x171x181x191x201x211x221x231x241x251x261x271x281x291x30
ASTTTATTSAAAATT
2x012x022x032x042x052x062x072x082x092x102x112x122x132x142x15
ASSSSSTSSASTTPS
2x162x172x182x192x202x212x222x232x242x252x26----
TSSTTTSATAT----
3x013x023x033x043x053x063x073x083x093x103x113x123x133x143x15
SSTTTSSTSTTTSTT
3x163x173x183x193x203x213x223x233x24------
TSPTSTSAS------
Source: own elaboration
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Table 2. Percentages of Scotty’s Prominence (TOS)
VariablesPSTA
1x021.4332.1446.43
2x4.5540.9131.8222.73
3x4.7647.6242.864.76
Global2.8235.2135.2126.76
Source: own elaboration
Table 3. Geordi’s Prominence (TNG)
1x011x021x031x041x051x061x071x081x091x101x111x121x13
TSSSTSTSSTTTT
1x141x151x161x171x181x191x201x211x221x231x241x25-
TTTSTSSTSTTT-
2x012x022x032x042x052x062x072x082x092x102x112x122x13
TTPTTTAATTSSS
2x142x152x162x172x182x192x202x212x22----
TASPSATSS----
3x013x023x033x043x053x063x073x083x093x103x113x123x13
TTTTTPTTTTSTS
3x143x153x163x173x183x193x203x213x223x233x243x253x26
TSTTTATPSSTSS
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4x014x024x034x044x054x064x074x084x094x104x114x124x13
TTTTSTATTSTAT
4x144x154x164x174x184x194x204x214x224x234x244x254x26
TAPTPSTTTAPTA
5x015x025x035x045x055x065x075x085x095x105x115x125x13
TTATSSTTSSSSS
5x145x155x165x175x185x195x205x215x225x235x245x255x26
SSTTSTSTTPPTT
6x016x026x036x046x056x066x076x086x096x106x116x126x13
SSTPSTTSSTSSP
6x146x156x166x176x186x196x206x216x226x236x246x256x26
AASATTTATATSS
7x017x027x037x047x057x067x077x087x097x107x117x127x13
STPSASTAPSTTT
7x147x157x167x177x187x197x207x217x227x237x247x25-
SSTSTTTTTSTS-
Source: own elaboration
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Table 4. Percentages of Geordi’s Prominence (TNG)
VariablesPSTA
1x020.879.10
2x5304520
3x8.332562.504.17
4x11.5411.5461.5415.38
5x7.6934.6253.853.85
6x7.6926.9242.3123.08
7x5.5627.7861.115.56
Global6.712557.9310.37
Source: own elaboration
Table 5. B’Elanna’s Prominence (VOY)
1x011x021x031x041x051x061x071x081x091x101x111x121x13
SSSTSSTTSSSTP
1x141x15-----------
AS-----------
2x012x022x032x042x052x062x072x082x092x102x112x122x13
TTSAASTSSASSP
2x142x152x162x172x182x192x202x212x222x232x242x252x26
SSTPATTSTSTTT
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3x013x023x033x043x053x063x073x083x093x103x113x123x13
TAAPSPTTSTTTT
3x143x153x163x173x183x193x203x213x223x233x243x253x26
STPTSATSSTSSS
4x014x024x034x044x054x064x074x084x094x104x114x124x13
TTPAPTSSTPTAS
4x144x154x164x174x184x194x204x214x224x234x244x254x26
SSTTTTSTAATTT
5x015x025x035x045x055x065x075x085x095x105x115x125x13
TSPTTTSPTTTTT
5x145x155x165x175x185x195x205x215x225x235x245x255x26
TTTPATPTTTSS-
6x016x026x036x046x056x066x076x086x096x106x116x126x13
TAPTSATSTTATS
6x146x156x166x176x186x196x206x216x226x236x246x256x26
SSTSTTTTPTTTS
7x017x027x037x047x057x067x077x087x097x107x117x127x13
TTPSTTASSTPTP
7x147x157x167x177x187x197x207x217x227x237x24--
SSPTTSTTASS--
Source: own elaboration
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Table 6. Percentages of B’Elanna’s Prominence (VOY)
VariablesPSTA
1x6.6753.3333.336.67
2x7.6934.6238.4619.23
3x15.3838.4638.467.69
4x11.5423.0846.1519.23
5x11.5415.3865.387.69
6x023.5358.8217.65
7x16.6733.3341.678.33
Global16.5636.8136.819.82
Source: own elaboration
Table 7. Trip’s Prominence (ENT)
1x011x021x031x041x051x061x071x081x091x101x111x121x13
SSPPSSSSSSSTT
1x141x151x161x171x181x191x201x211x221x231x241x25-
SPSSPPTSSPSS-
2x012x022x032x042x052x062x072x082x092x102x112x122x13
STSSTSSSSSPSP
2x142x152x162x172x182x192x202x212x222x232x242x252x26
SSSSSTSSPSSSS
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doxa.comunicación
3x013x023x033x043x053x063x073x083x093x103x113x123x13
SSSSSSSSSPTTT
3x143x153x163x173x183x193x203x213x223x233x24--
SSTSSSPSSSS--
4x014x024x034x044x054x064x074x084x094x104x114x124x13
SSSSSSSSSSPSS
4x144x154x164x174x184x194x204x214x22----
SSSSSSSPP----
Source: own elaboration
Table 8. Percentages of Trip’s Prominence (ENT)
VariablesPSTA
1x2068120
2x7.6980.7711.540
3x8.3383.338.330
4x6.2593.7500
Global13.5479.177.290
Source: own elaboration
9.2. e Narrative
Setting
e key parameters of the narrative setting related to the engineer, focusing on their location and activities within the ctional
space, are detailed below. ree parameters have been measured: (
F
) outside the spaceship, (
N
) inside the spaceship, and (
I
)
inside the engineering room. e images in Figure 2 show the four models of
Star Trek
spaceships, along with their respective
engineering rooms, reecting the technological and aesthetic evolution of the series over several decades. e USS Enterprise
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NCC-1701, featured in
e Original Series
, set the visual identity of the franchise. e engineering room of this ship is simple,
with an aesthetic that reects the technological and production limitations of the 1960s, yet remains functional within the
ctional universe. e USS Enterprise NCC- 1701-D, from
e Next Generation
, is a more advanced version with a sleeker
and more modern design. e engineering room is signicantly more sophisticated, featuring more complex control panels
and a design that suggests a major technological leap for Stareet. e USS Voyager NCC- 74656, from
Voyager
, combines
iconic elements from earlier designs with a futuristic vision. Its engineering room is the most advanced, emphasizing both
technology and aesthetics, creating an environment where advanced technology is seamlessly integrated. e USS Enterprise
NX-01, from the
Enterprise
series, is chronologically earlier than the others but was produced much later. Its design is more
industrial and less rened, indicating an era where space technology was still in an experimental phase. e engineering room
is more compact and utilitarian, highlighting the atmosphere of pioneering exploration
Figure 1. Spaceships and eir Respective Engineering Rooms
USS Enterprise NCC-1701 and Engineering in
TOS
(1966–69). Fictional Time: 2265–2269