The teleporter in Star Trek was conceived because budget limitations prevented expensive shots of spaceships landing on planets

In the pilot, the first officer was a woman played by Majel Barrett. Barrett later married Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry

Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura faced so much discrimination due to her role that she considered leaving the show. Martin Luther King Jr convinced her to stay

The first Space Shuttle was originally named the "Constitution", but was renamed "Enterprise" after a letter writing campaign by Star Trek fans

Deforest Kelley, who played Dr. McCoy was considered for the role of Spock

James Doohan, who played Scotty, was a war hero who stormed Juno beaches during WWII. He lost the middle finger on his right hand during his service