“Star Trek” has long been heralded as the quintessential nerdy science fiction franchise, primarily due to its commitment to realism. While its technology is undeniably imaginative, it remains grounded in actual scientific theory. This tradition continues in its latest series, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” However, the show’s accuracy isn’t solely reliant on textbooks — instead, it leverages expert input from consultants like astrophysicist and aerospace engineer Erin MacDonald.

“When I join a project as a science advisor, my initial task is to determine the balance between science and fiction that the story aims to achieve,” MacDonald shared with Nerdist. “I’m involved from the plot’s conception through to post-production, ensuring graphics and details like equations and star maps are accurate.”

MacDonald also clarifies the scientific basis of fictional technology like the transporter. She notes how certain “Star Trek” inventions have inspired real-world counterparts, citing how e-readers like the Kindle resemble Starfleet’s PADD devices. “That’s intentional. Many engineers and inventors draw inspiration from ‘Star Trek.'”

Earlier “Trek” series have also used scientific consultants to ensure realism. In the 1990s, series like “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” “Voyager,” and “Enterprise” enlisted advisors, prominently André Bormanis, who holds a physics degree from the University of Arizona and consulted on several series before becoming a writer. David Krieger, though he served briefly on “TNG,” inspired the Krieger Wave presented in an episode.

Dating back to 1966, “Star Trek” utilized expertise from advisors like RAND Corporation physicist Harvey P. Lynn during its inaugural pilot, “The Cage.” Not only scientists but renowned science fiction authors with strong scientific credentials have contributed, such as Isaac Asimov, who consulted on “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” and Gregory Benford, who assisted during the early days of “The Next Generation” after Asimov’s passing.