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Published Jul 6, 2020

My Most Disappointing Haircut

A Star Trek-Inspired Trip to the Barber Shop

StarTrek.com

I have had more than my fair share of bad haircuts. One of my school pictures is legendary in my family. I’m sitting with my arms crossed, in front of a very obviously fake bookshelf background. I’m trying to smile, but it looks more like I just lost a fight — almost all of my teeth are missing, and my expression is more of a grimace than a grin. It’s a wonderful, terrible picture even before you get to the haircut.

But, oh man, the hair. It definitely wasn’t intentional either on my part or the barber’s, but my hair looks a little like Spock’s. I won’t ever say that Spock isn’t cool, but I don’t think his hairstyle was in fashion at the time. The real problem, though, is my bangs. They are almost a perfect diagonal from one side of my forehead to the other. You could launch into space off the ramp in my hair.

I’m sure that was my worst haircut, but my most disappointing haircut is a whole other story. It’s a story I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for Star Trek .

This disappointing, Star Trek -inspired haircut that caused me all of this confusion and sadness at the barbershop happened when I was pretty young. I wouldn’t have even been in school yet, but I was already no fan of having my hair cut. I didn’t like having to talk to the barber, and sitting still wasn’t any fun. Even so, this time, I asked my mom to take me. Because this time, I knew what I wanted: I wanted to be bald.

My poor mother.

We got to the hair salon, and if the stylist found my request unusual, she didn’t show it. She just got to work. I was too little to realize this was the first sign that my wishes were about to be misinterpreted. Remember that Next Generation episode where Scotty drinks a glass of Scotch from Ten Forward, and he almost spits it out because they served him synthehol instead of real alcohol? That’s the level of misunderstanding and disappointment I’m trying to prepare you for. The barber cut off what sure felt like all of my hair, but, when she turned me around and let me see my reflection, I saw that something had gone terribly wrong.

I was not bald. I had a buzzcut.

Even today, one of my biggest problems with getting a haircut is that I never feel like I have the words to explain what I want. This very young, not-quite-bald version of me got to experience a high-stakes moment of what would become a dull problem I’d deal with my whole life. This is probably the only time I have ever handled this problem well.

“I want to be shiny bald!” I said, and I honestly think I did a good job getting my vision across.

The barber seemed to understand. She looked skeptically at my mom, as if to say “I mean, I could,” but my mom swiftly (and, I now admit, correctly) shot it down. I remember feeling my bumpy buzzcut with my hands and being so upset that it wasn’t the smooth, sleek baldness I’d wanted.

Memory is a funny thing. I never forgot this story. You just don’t forget “shiny bald.” For years, though, I forgot the punchline. I forgot why I needed to be shiny bald. I really did forget about Star Trek .

My first Trek memories come much later, when The Next Generation started coming out on DVD. I was nine. My dad bought all of the box sets, and I asked him what was on the TV when he started watching them.

“You loved this show,” he said. “You used to watch it all the time.”

I have to admit that not much about TNG jogged my memory. It made a ton of sense to me that I would have loved it as a kid. The uniforms and the ships looked so cool; characters like Worf and Data were so different and interesting. I didn’t remember liking Star Trek so much before, but it didn’t take very much to lure me back. We got to an episode with a Klingon Bird of Prey, and my dad pointed out that a toy version of that ship had been on the dresser in my bedroom for years. We saw “Elementary Dear Data,” an episode where Data and Geordi recreate a Sherlock Holmes mystery in the holodeck, and my dad remembered that it was one of the episodes he had on a VHS tape, and I would watch it over and over when I was little. I was seeing so many classic characters and episodes, but it was like I was seeing it all for the first time. Almost none of it felt familiar.

Of course, there was one exception: the Enterprise-D ’s beautiful, bald captain. I saw Jean-Luc Picard, and a story that had lived in the back of my brain for my whole life suddenly made sense. It was Picard, with his cool voice and smooth confidence, who inspired me to attempt pediatric baldness. Without Star Trek , even Star Trek that I forgot for years, I would never have thought to try.

A few weeks ago, while they were going through old pictures, my parents discovered another Star Trek memory that I’d forgotten: a photo of me in a Starfleet uniform — command red, just like Picard’s. I’ve even got my own tricorder. My hair in the photo is pretty long, so my sad buzzcut must have grown out. Like most things Star Trek from before the DVD era, I don’t really remember dressing up in uniform. But I think it must mean I got a happy ending.

I got to be Captain Picard, and my full head of hair couldn’t stop me.

Kyle Tresnan (he/him) lives with his wife, parrot, and miniature poodle in his old Pennsylvania college town. He’s been using all of his time at home this year to finally watch Deep Space Nine.

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• Humans (22nd century)
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Tom (barber)

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Tom was the ship's barber on the Enterprise -NX until his death in the Expanse in 2153 .

Biography [ ]

Soon before his death, he was teaching his friend, Jimmy , how to cut hair as a second skill. ( ENT short story : " Hero ")

• 1 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-B)
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• Episode aired Oct 5, 1991

Captain Picard foils a plot against the Bajorans with his new Bajoran officer, Ensign Ro. Captain Picard foils a plot against the Bajorans with his new Bajoran officer, Ensign Ro. Captain Picard foils a plot against the Bajorans with his new Bajoran officer, Ensign Ro.

• Gene Roddenberry
• Michael Piller
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• Patrick Stewart
• Jonathan Frakes
• LeVar Burton
• 15 User reviews
• 10 Critic reviews

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard

• Commander William Thomas 'Will' Riker

• Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

• Lieutenant Worf

• Dr. Beverly Crusher

• Counselor Deanna Troi

• Lieutenant Commander Data

• Ensign Ro Laren

• Keeve Falor

• (as Jeffrey Hayenga)
• Ensign Collins

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• (uncredited)
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Did you know

• Trivia The first appearance of the Bajorans, prominent race in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) . Their planet Bajora was called Bajor in later shows. Also the first appearance of Ro Laren, set to become a semi-regular for the remainder of TNG. The producers added her character to create some conflict among the friendly atmosphere of the Enterprise crew. "A Starfleet officer with a troubled past. An edge."
• Goofs The top of Ensign Ro's uniform that she gives to the little girl turns from a pullover-type garment to a jacket. Also, Ro's com-badge goes from the jacket to her shirt without her moving it.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I understand you've been discussing alternative adversarial engagement strategy with Mr. Mot.

Commander William T. Riker : It'd be more accurate to say he was discussing them with me. He's the best barber in Starfleet. What can you do?

• Connections Referenced in Inglorious Treksperts: The Essential Picard (2019)
• Soundtracks Star Trek: The Next Generation Main Title Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage

User reviews 15

• Jun 1, 2020
• October 5, 1991 (United States)
• United States
• Official site
• Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA (Bajorian refugee camp)
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• Runtime 46 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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I'm Really Into

Finding your place in the galaxy with the help of star trek.

Regina G. Barber

LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images hide caption

LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

One experience that I hope never fades from my memory is the day I found myself on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

OK, it wasn't the "real" TV set — it was even better!

At the turn of the century, Las Vegas had an attraction called the Star Trek Experience that sadly didn't make enough money to survive. It had actors dressed up like Klingons and other aliens.

There were Starfleet officers doing their jobs, and you felt like you were in an actual episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation . The premise of the ride was that Klingons went back in time to abduct Captain Jean-Luc Picard's ancestor. My sister raised her hand and said loudly: "It's me!" and then promptly pushed a button on one of the consoles. It beeped! The actor playing a space lieutenant looked at her with frustration and said, "Don't do that!" Later that day my dad snapped this picture:

Regina (the author) shortly after she got a bachelor's degree in physics. Regina, her sister Maili, and Maili's future husband Max are standing next to a Klingon to the right and a Ferengi the left. Courtesy of Maili Barber hide caption

I honestly don't remember a time when I didn't love Star Trek . I do remember when I started to realize that this show, and my father who introduced me to it, built the foundation for my sense of social justice as an astrophysicist of color. The show helped me, and my father, find a place within our culture.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

When I was a tween I lived in a small rural town where I stuck out like a piñata in a park. TV was my escape! It was my first friend. This was before streaming and YouTube, so you had to race home to be in front of that TV to watch multiple Simpsons reruns or the latest episode of In Living Color , the sketch show that I thought I could relate to more than SNL.

What I really related to — the show that I anticipated each week and bawled when it ended — was Star Trek: The Next Generation . This was a sequel to the original series that aired in the '60s, a show that Martin Luther King Jr. loved!

In honor of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 2, a tour of the physics

The Next Generation had the young LeVar Burton as the chief engineer Geordi La Forge. He was famous as the lead in the TV cultural phenomena Roots and would later make everyone smile with Reading Rainbow . This new version of Star Trek also had the Shakespearean-trained actor Patrick Stewart playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard, which was the antithesis of the original Captain James T. Kirk. This new crew was more interested in science and tackled issues related to race more head-on! The technical jargon I heard coming from Geordi and others on the ship fueled my love for science.

The phrase "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" comes from Star Trek . In this future there is no money on Earth; humanity is part of a federation of planets where all members, human and alien, work together to explore the galaxy. There are wars, but the Federation's Prime directive is to not interfere with other cultures, to not assert their culture on anyone else.

The future I saw on the screen was so full of possibilities for me, and it was only in my adulthood, as an astrophysicist with over a decade of equity work, that I realized the impact this show had on me. There were lessons about true inclusion hidden in sci-fi that this show and my father imparted on me.

The Trekkie and the Advocate

When you love Star Trek , you are called a Trekkie. My father was a Trekkie, and he knew I would love the show! My sister, dad and I would watch together during our summer visits and talk about what characters we loved, what technology we wished was real, but also what the stories were trying to say.

Anime can invite you into worlds you didn't know before

My dad would point out the morals in each episode. He didn't think we were too young to understand heartbreaking topics like slavery, torture or generational persecution. It was important to him for us to see all kinds of people working together, to see people of color in positions of power. My father first taught me how to respect and value diversity while finding a place within your own culture. When my sister and I would visit him each summer he would take us to pow wows, to the Pride events near his neighborhood and to the picket line when his union went on strike.

I don't even remember when my father first introduced the concept of race to me — it was just always there. I knew I was Chinese from my mother and Mexican from him. I also knew I didn't speak any language other than English but that everyone would assume I did, that the foreignness would be projected onto me. Like me, he felt out of place. He grew up in East Los Angeles, where he was Mexican American but didn't speak Spanish.

My father and I have a favorite episode, "Darmok." In the Star Trek world, there are universal translators. Technology that is available to almost everyone in the galaxy that would translate between people so that everyone could communicate and cooperate. But what happens when the way we compose language is not the same in all cultures?

In this episode, the Tamarians seem to not be able to communicate with those on the Enterprise. It turns out that they speak in metaphor and unless you know how they are referencing events in their history, communication becomes almost impossible. The ending always makes me cry: The Tamarian captain gives his life so that his people can communicate with the Federation. It stuck with me, the importance of understanding one another, how language is so deeply connected to culture.

Decades later, I would work to make sure that science wouldn't feel like an unintelligible language, but a community where anyone could join. At Short Wave , NPR's science podcast where I now work, we make sure to show our audience scientists who sound, look and whose paths into their field are different .

"The Least Dangerous Game" from Star Trek: Lower Decks. Paramount Pictures hide caption

"The Least Dangerous Game" from Star Trek: Lower Decks.

There has been a resurgence of Star Trek. There are two live-action series that started in the past few years that haven't broken the successful formula, diverse casts and narratives that tackle hard topics in our society. Even Captain Picard is back with a new series where old friends come back to say hi. There's a successful cartoon series, Lower Decks , that's a love letter to Star Trek: The Next Generation and all the other spin-offs around the same time. I love that feeling of accomplishment when I get all the obscure references.

Now, I'm sharing the Star Trek universe with my daughter and partner, seeing them experience these stories for the first time. Trekkies make a community, and that community now spans generations.

What are you really into? Fill out this form or leave us a voice note at 800-329-4273, and part of your submission may be featured online or on the radio.

Star Trek: Who Are The Bolians?

Beyond their iconic blue skin, delve into the unique qualities that truly set Bolians apart in the Star Trek universe.

The vast, wondrous universe of Star Trek features an array of captivating alien species. Among them, the Bolians stand out as a unique and intriguing race. These beings hail from the farthest reaches of space, delighting fans with their rich history and distinct characteristics.

Throughout the various Star Trek series, the Bolians have played significant roles, often occupying high-ranking positions within the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet. Notably, in 2372, a Bolian held the prestigious role of Academy commandant, overseeing the training of the next generation of Starfleet officers. By 2369, another Bolian had taken on the vital role of an active Federation ambassador, representing their people in important diplomatic endeavors.

These accomplishments reflect the deep respect and trust placed in Bolians by the interstellar community. However, Bolians are not just limited to their roles in the Federation. Their presence extends beyond, with some members of their species choosing to reside on Earth alongside hundreds of other humanoid species in the 2370s.

The Rubber-Forehead Aliens Trope In Sci-Fi, Explained

What truly distinguishes Bolians from other alien races is their distinctive appearance. The first thing that captures the eye is their striking blue skin, which sets them apart in a diverse galaxy. Bolians also possess a unique cranial structure, which forms an iconic crest on their heads. This crest is not only a physical feature, but also a symbol of their identity and culture.

While their blue skin and cranial crest make Bolians easily recognizable, there's a deeper, more intricate story to uncover about these fascinating beings. The Bolians' rich history, values, and contributions to the Star Trek universe make them a compelling and integral part of the tapestry of interstellar life.

Origin and History

Bolians, who were first introduced in The Next Generation , are native to the planet Bolarus IX. Their unique culture and identity were introduced in Season 1, Episode 10, "Haven." Bolians quickly became a staple in the series, their presence stretching across multiple Star Trek incarnations.

Bolarus IX, the Bolians' homeworld, is a member of the United Federation of Planets , emphasizing their commitment to interstellar cooperation and peace. Their journey to becoming a part of the Federation was marked by their devotion to diplomacy, where they showcased their exceptional talents in mediation and conflict resolution. Bolians played a pivotal role in various peace negotiations, contributing to the harmony of the Star Trek universe.

Physiology and Abilities

The most distinctive feature of Bolians is their unique appearance, characterized by a cerulean-blue complexion and a noticeable dorsal ridge running along the center of their heads. These ridges are a significant part of Bolian physiology, and each pattern is as unique as a human fingerprint. Bolians tend to be quite talkative, even when no one has asked for their opinion.

Bolians possess a keen intellect and a knack for administration, which makes them ideally suited for diplomatic roles. Their empathetic and understanding nature further supports their proficiency in negotiations. Additionally, Bolians exhibit enhanced durability, which can be attributed to their unique biological makeup.

Popular Bolian Characters and Appearances

Throughout the various Star Trek series, several Bolian characters have made a lasting impact on fans.

Captain Rixx

Captain Rixx, played by Michael Berryman, was a male Bolian Starfleet officer in The Next Generation . He was the first Bolian audiences saw on screen, and had a different look compared to the Bolians in later episodes of the show.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable Bolian characters, Mot was portrayed by actor Ken Thorley. He was the ship's barber aboard the USS Enterprise-D in The Next Generation . While not a central character, his distinctive appearance and charming personality left a lasting impression on fans.

Mot owns Mr. Mot's Hair Emporium, located in Stardust City. It was later revealed that the barbershop was located on the same street as the club where Cristóbal Rios went to locate Bruce Maddox in 2399. It was also next door to Quark's Bar in Picard .

The Bolian crewmember Chell appeared in the Voyager series. Played by Derek McGrath, Chell was a versatile character who provided a unique perspective on life in the Delta Quadrant .

Ensign Zier

Portrayed by Torri Webster in Strange New Worlds , Zier is a female Bolian Starfleet officer. Her narrative unfolds in the 23rd century, where she serves in the esteemed science division aboard the iconic starship, the USS Enterprise.

Bolians are an integral part of the Star Trek universe. Their history, physiology, and diplomatic abilities make them a compelling species that has left an indelible mark on the series. Whether as diplomatic envoys, skilled negotiators, or endearing characters in the shows, Bolians continue to captivate fans with their distinctive presence and unique culture . As sci-fi fans explore the depths of space in the Star Trek universe, we can always count on the Bolians to be there, contributing to the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the franchise.

MORE: Star Trek: The Tellarite Race, Explained

William Shatner coming to Syracuse for autograph signing on an unlikely date

May the Force be with you, Captain Kirk.

Iconic “Star Trek” actor William Shatner is boldly coming to Syracuse for an autograph signing event at Destiny USA on Saturday, May 4. The event, presented by Cooperstown Connection and Gentlemen’s Corner Barber Shop, will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Cooperstown Connection on the mall’s second level.

Fans can get Shatner to sign flats (up to 16″x20″) for $159 each; oversized toys, pops and premium items for $179 each; inscriptions (limited to three words or less) for $49 each; and a photo with Shatner (up to 2 people taken with a cell phone) for $149 each.

VIP admission with early entry at 12:30 p.m. is also available for $499; the package includes an autograph, inscription and photo op with Shatner, plus a free 8″x10″ image of the actor.

May 4th is an unlikely date to meet Shatner, best known for playing Capt. James T. Kirk in the “Star Trek” TV series and movies. May 4 is popularly known as “Star Wars Day,” because “May the 4th be with you.”

Fans of both sci-fi franchises have long debated which is better, “Star Trek” or “ Star Wars .” Shatner famously weighed in on the debate in 2011, conceding that “Star Wars” had better special effects while insisting that “Star Trek” was better overall.

“‘Star Trek’ had relationships, conflict among the relationships, stories that involved humanity and philosophical questions... the stories were better,” Shatner said . “‘Star Wars’ was special effects. It was ILM at its best. First of all, ‘Star Wars’ is derivative of ‘Star Trek,’ by what 10, 15, 20 years, something like that?”

“It’s true, ‘Star Wars’ did have the best special effects. In fact, everything about ‘Star Wars’ was special effects. I envy the special effects. The only thing is you guys forgot about story and character and plot development — those kind of basic things.”

Shatner, 93, is an Emmy-winning actor with more than 250 TV and film credits, including “T.J. Hooker,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Miss Congeniality,″ “Boston Legal,” the 2023 documentary “You Can Call Me Bill,” and Syracuse author Bruce Coville’s “ Aliens Ate My Homework .” He’s also poked fun at his “Star Trek” legacy in movies like “Free Enterprise” and “Fanboys,” and appeared frequently at fan events including at Upstate New York’s replica of the Starship Enterprise set in Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y.

Shatner, who last visited Syracuse for a screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in early 2020, joked that his favorite part of meeting fans is “their sweaty little hands on your face.”

“Meeting a fan,” he told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard more seriously. “I never forget that there’s a moment of awe, but it’s also gratitude that they are there. I never forget what an honor it is for someone to say they’re a fan and they like what we do. And liking what I do is always in jeopardy and I’m very grateful.”

For more info and Shatner autograph purchase options, visit https://seventh-inning-stretch.com/products/william-shatner-in-person-signing-ticket .

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Star Trek vs. Transformers Paperback – June 11, 2019

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ IDW Publishing; Illustrated edition (June 11, 2019)
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Take 5 with mitzi adams, steven wofford named manager of sls stages office at marshall, marshall’s women of excellence host author for women’s history month event, mission success is in our hands: amit patel, panelists highlight centennial challenges at south by southwest conference, shuttle, family inspire nasa’s cryogenic technology manager, nasa continues artemis moon rocket engine tests, chandra identifies an underachieving black hole, osiris-rex mission awarded robert goddard memorial trophy, key test drive of orion on nasa’s artemis ii to aid future missions.

By Celine Smith

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center hosted its 37 th Small Business Alliance meeting March 21 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration. The event brought together hundreds of attendees from 39 states and 21 countries to network and learn about opportunities to do business with NASA.

“Today is about bringing the NASA marketplace directly to small businesses so they cannot only learn about how to get involved at NASA, but specifically in Huntsville and at Marshall,” said David Brock, small business specialist in Marshall’s Office of Procurement.

The mayors of Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur gave a series of welcome remarks and thanked small businesses for their positive impact on their communities and the local economy.

Lisa Bates, deputy director of Marshall’s Engineering Directorate, emphasized the importance of small businesses to Marshall. “We have had so many tremendous accomplishments and so much of that is due to partnerships with small businesses,” Bates said. “We’ve done this together as a team.”

Bates said that small businesses make up more than half of NASA’s suppliers and 32 of the 45 SLS (Space Launch System) suppliers in Alabama.

“I truly believe that teamwork and partnership is at the heart of every great achievement, and I look forward to being successful and exceptional with each of you,” said Bates.

Smith, a Media Fusion employee, supports the Marshall Office of Communications.

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By Wayne Smith

Mitzi Adams watched several astronauts walk on the Moon when she was a teenager during NASA’s Apollo missions. That’s when Adams realized she wanted to be a NASA scientist. She also envisioned having an office on the lunar surface by 2000.

Today, Adams is a NASA scientist at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center. She is the assistant manager of the Heliophysics and Planetary Science branch of the Science and Technology Office. And while she doesn’t have an office on the Moon, she does see a path for future scientists and explorers to reach that destination.

“We are on the cusp of landing another human on the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years,” said Adams, who has worked at NASA for 35 years. “This time, however, there is a desire for a sustained presence, as well as a renewed interest in scientific research and discovery. If I were a high school student today, I feel that there would be a high probability that at least one of my offices would be located on the Moon in the not-too-distant future. There are many possibilities for this generation of students to be heavily involved in human space exploration. This is truly exciting.”

Heliophysics encompasses the study of the Sun and its effects on Earth, the solar system, and space itself. With the focus on the upcoming total solar eclipse April 8 , Adams said participating and organizing NASA outreach events for the 2017 eclipse is one of the proudest moments of her career.

“We partnered with the city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Austin Peay State University, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and The INSPIRE Project to involve high school students and the public in observations and science experiments surrounding the 2017 solar eclipse,” said Adams, who is from Atlanta, Georgia. “We presented science topics to the students and allowed them to choose their observation site, based on their interests. In the intervening years since the eclipse, those INSPIRE Project students have been extremely successful, both in academics and in the business world. One of those students graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2022. That student is currently in flight school and expects to earn her wings in the next couple of months. We like to think that we were a positive influence on her and that the eclipse inspired her to obtain a STEM degree.”         

Question: What excites you most about the future of human space exploration, or your NASA work, and your team’s role it?

Adams: For the safety of astronauts who will remain on the surface of a world devoid of a protective atmosphere, as well as when traveling between the Earth and the Moon (or Mars), it is imperative that we understand better the Sun and space weather. To date, through a fleet of spacecraft studying the Sun, we have made great strides in nowcasting solar events, such as flares and coronal-mass ejections. In addition, through a sounding-rocket program, our scientists have contributed to basic knowledge of solar physics and are beginning to unravel the puzzle surrounding magnetic-reconnection events in the solar atmosphere that may be causing flares and coronal-mass ejections.

Question: Who or what drives/motivates you?

Adams: Many things. As a teenager, I was inspired by Edgar Mitchell, lunar-module pilot on Apollo 14, whom I met and pestered throughout his life. He never discouraged me from my goals and always encouraged. I have always been a science fiction fan. I think my first science fiction book as a third-grade student was “Have Space Suit – Will Travel,” by Robert Heinlein. So, it was only natural that I became a Star Trek fan. From Star Trek, I was inspired by Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura, and Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock, a science officer. 

When I speak to students, I ask what they think is the most important attribute of a scientist. The answer I seek from them is curiosity – puzzles and mysteries drive and motivate me. Observing the Sun, I have seen eruptions and phenomena that I want to understand, which drives me to access those data and do the analysis! 

Question: Who or what inspired you to pursue an education/career that led you to NASA and Marshall?

Adams: I’ve always wanted to be a scientist and I could have studied geology or astronomy. Since becoming an astronaut also was a goal, I decided that astronomy would be the best path. Specifically, as I was about to obtain my undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, I thought I needed internship experience. Since one of my caving friends, Joe Dabbs, worked at Marshall, I asked if he knew anyone who might need a summer student. Joe put me in touch with Ron Moore with NASA and Gordon Emslie of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), who hired me for the summer. They apparently were pleased with my work because they suggested I apply to UAH for graduate school and to the graduate co-op program. I was accepted by both and earned a master’s degree in physics from UAH, after which I was hired by Marshall as a research scientist in solar physics.  

Question: What advice do you have for employees early in their NASA career or those in new leadership roles?

Adams: Networking is important. Engage with colleagues at meetings and seek out collaborations. Read research papers and contact those scientists who are included in the references list. Don’t be intimidated by scientists who have a lot of experience. If a problem/question in your research world is appealing, find ways you can contribute to finding solutions and ask the first or second author scientist if you can help.      

Question: What do you enjoy doing with your time while away from work?

Adams: Believe it or not, I enjoy reading Latin in small doses and have read two of the Harry Potter books in Latin, with help from two friends. I also enjoy hiking on trails, playing with my 3-year-old white Shepherd named Albus, which means white in Latin, and reading and watching science fiction.

Smith, a Media Fusion employee and the Marshall Star editor, supports the Marshall Office of Communications.

Steven J. (Steve) Wofford has been named to the Senior Executive Service position of manager of the SLS (Space Launch System) Stages Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

In his new role, he will lead activities and operations associated with the core stage, associated main propulsion systems, and integration of the vehicle avionics system. Wofford also will be responsible for support equipment and facilities used in the design, development, test, and transfer of SLS core stages. He previously was appointed as manager of the Block 1B/Exploration Upper Stage Development Office at Marshall in 2020.

From 2014 to 2020, Wofford was manager of the SLS Program’s Liquid Engines Office at Marshall. From 2012 to 2014, he was deputy director of Marshall’s Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, where he was responsible for overseeing safe execution of all center programs, projects, and institutional services. He was business manager for the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate from 2011 to 2012.

From 2009 to 2011, Wofford was deputy manager of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Project Office at Marshall, helping to see the shuttle program to its successful conclusion in 2011. He was Shuttle Propulsion chief safety officer for the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate from 2006 to 2009, formulating and communicating flight safety guidance and serving as Marshall’s safety technical authority on a wide gamut of propulsion technical issues.

In 2005 and 2006, he led engine component design and development for engine technologies supporting the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles, next-generation rocket development programs that helped inform work resulting in the design, delivery, and manufacture of SLS engine systems.

Wofford began his NASA career in 2000 as a subsystem manager in Marshall’s Space Shuttle Main Engine Project Office. Before that, he supported the agency for more than 13 years as a contractor engineer, conducting assessment engineering and project integration engineering duties in support of the space shuttle main engine.

A Huntsville native, Wofford earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1986 from the University of Alabama, and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering in 1991 from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

His numerous career honors include a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2009 for his leadership in defining, implementing, and executing safety and mission assurance technical authority for the Space Shuttle Program. He also received a NASA Silver Snoopy Award in 1998, presented to team members who have made significant contributions to the human spaceflight program; and a Spaceflight Awareness Award in 1992 for his contributions as a contractor to the space shuttle main engine. In 2018, he was named a distinguished fellow of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa’s College of Engineering.

Wofford and his wife, Marisa, reside in Huntsville and have two sons.

The Women of Excellence employee resource group at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center hosted an event March 18 in association with Women’s History Month.

The event, titled “Self-Ignite into Destiny: A Pivot from Stressful Environments,” was part of NASA’s agencywide table-talk series.

Shehnaz Soni, a NASA senior systems engineer, author, and speaker, discussed her story, methodologies to reduce stress, and the importance of self-care in a unique way, reiterating that “We Are the Quantum Being.”

Women of Excellence, or WE, is co-chaired by LaBreesha Batey and Denise Smithers. The group’s aim is to help Marshall women reach their full potential and have access to equal opportunities at NASA. Team members can visit Inside Marshall to learn more about WE and other employee resource groups.

Mission Success is in Our Hands is a safety initiative collaboration between NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Jacobs. As part of the initiative, eight Marshall team members are featured in testimonial banners placed around the center. This is the fifth in a Marshall Star series profiling team members featured in the testimonial banners. The Mission Success team also awards the Golden Eagle Award on a quarterly basis to Marshall and contractor personnel who are nominated by their peers or management. Candidates for this award have made significant, identifiable contributions that exceed normal job expectations to advance flight safety and mission assurance. Nominations are open now to team members online at Inside Marshall.

Amit Patel is a Jacobs Space Exploration Group solid rocket motor design engineer supporting Marshall, where he has produced multiple iterations for solid rocket motors on NASA’s Mars Ascent Vehicle and performed motor internal ballistics analysis on Space Launch System boosters and other programs. His key responsibilities include designing solid rocket motor grains, ensuring launch vehicles can meet mission requirements through ballistics performance analysis, manufacturing process flow, and testing.

Patel has worked at Marshall for three years. He previously was a research engineer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Propulsion Research Center, where he worked on design and hot-fire testing of solid, liquid, and hybrids motors and developed a testbed for electric propulsion thrusters for small satellites. A North Alabama native, Patel earned his doctorate in aerospace systems engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, along with a Master of Business Administration.

Question: How does your work support the safety and success of NASA and Marshall missions?

Patel: My work directly contributes to the success of NASA and Marshall missions by ensuring that solid rocket motors are designed to meet the stringent performance and reliability requirements necessary for achieving target orbital insertions. Through careful motor optimization, requirements management, and post-test data analysis I can help maximize the probability of mission success.

Question: What does the Mission Success is in Our Hands initiative mean to you?

Patel: Overall, the Mission Success is in Our Hands initiative reminds us that whatever role we play, we all are an integral part in the technical excellence and unwavering dedication to safety in the pursuit of NASA’s mission objectives. It serves as a reminder that the success of every mission is contingent upon the collective efforts and commitment of every individual involved, from engineers and scientists to administrators and support staff.

Question: How can we work together better to achieve mission success?

Patel: By prioritizing relationship-building within the team, we can harness the collective talents, creativity, and resilience of individuals to overcome engineering obstacles and contribute to the success of complex missions. We can build this synergy through enhanced communication, mutual respect and trust in one another, a shared understanding of goals and vision, and effective problem-solving when faced with challenges.

Question: Do you have anything else you’d like to share?

Patel: The work we do in the aerospace industry has far-reaching implications that extend beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere. By pushing the boundaries of exploration, innovation, and collaboration, we strive to leave a lasting legacy of progress and discovery that will benefit future generations and inspire them to reach even greater heights.

South by Southwest chose to feature a panel discussion on NASA’s Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program at this year’s conference and festival in Austin, Texas, on March 10.

Panelists from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the agency’s Johnson Space Center, and ICON Technology Inc. gave a presentation titled, “How NASA Supports Startups and Individuals to Collaborate on its Mission.” The panel touched on several notable success stories from Centennial Challenges, the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, and NASA Tournament Lab, including ICON’s journey from competing in NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge to securing multiple contracts and partnerships.

Centennial Challenges are part of the  Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program  within NASA’s  Space Technology Mission Directorate  and are managed at Marshall.

Centennial Challenges were initiated in 2005 to directly engage the public in the process of advanced technology development. The program offers incentive prizes to generate revolutionary solutions to problems of interest to NASA and the nation. The program seeks innovations from diverse and non-traditional sources. Competitors are not supported by government funding and awards are only made to successful teams when the challenges are met.

The annual South by Southwest Conference celebrates the convergence of technology, film and television, music, education, and culture.

By Daniel Boyette

Jeremy Kenny squinted his eyes as he looked toward the brilliant light. Then came the deafening sound waves that vibrated his body. This was the moment he’d dreamed about since childhood.

It was Nov. 16, 2009, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and Kenny and his wife were watching space shuttle Atlantis embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Kenny, who was less than two years into his NASA career, had the opportunity to see the liftoff from Launch Pad 39A as part of receiving the Space Flight Awareness Award for supporting the Space Shuttle Program’s solid rocket booster flight program.

“That was the first launch I ever witnessed in person,” said Kenny, whose inspiration for working at NASA came from watching televised shuttle launches as a youth. “It was amazing and made me appreciate how such a powerful system could be designed and flown so successfully.”

With the final shuttle mission two years later, NASA set its sights on designing and building its future Artemis rocket: SLS (Space Launch System). Kenny was selected to lead the SLS  Modal Acoustic Test program , which helped engineers understand how loud the rocket would be during liftoff. He later joined another key Artemis effort, the  human landing system program , as a technical manager, overseeing the development of lander systems that will transport astronauts to the Moon’s surface.

“Artemis is an inspiring campaign for future human spaceflight exploration,” Kenny said. “I worked with SLS, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems, and it was very fulfilling to see all the pieces come together for the successful Artemis I launch.”

In January, Kenny was named manager of NASA’s  Cryogenic Fluid Management  (CFM) Portfolio project, where he oversees a cross-agency team based at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center. The CFM portfolio includes innovative technologies to store, transfer, and measure ultra-cold fluids – such as liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and liquid methane. These cryogens are the most common propellants in space exploration, making CFM integral to NASA’s future exploration and science efforts.

“We must mature CFM technologies to support future flight mission architectures,” said Kenny. “The strong partnership between Marshall and Glenn in CFM maturation continues to produce excellent results, enabling in-space cryogenic systems vital to NASA’s Moon to Mars vision.”

Kenny’s choice of profession comes as little surprise, given his family background. He had a grandfather and an uncle who worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the family’s hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi. From them, Kenny learned how math and physics could be implemented in real-world applications. He earned three degrees in mechanical engineering: a bachelor’s from Mississippi State University in Starkville, a master’s from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, and a doctorate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“My grandfather showed me various engineering software programs he worked on to simulate ground terrains for military transportation systems,” Kenny said. “My uncle worked on engineering developments for various military systems; he was a key influence for me to pursue graduate degrees in mechanical engineering.”

When Kenny’s not working to evolve technology for NASA’s future deep space exploration missions, he’s spending time with his wife and their two daughters, who are involved in choir and dance.

“Watching them practice and perform inspires me,” Kenny said with a smile. “My biggest challenge is balancing my professional work, which I love, and spending time with my family, who I love. With work comes many exciting opportunities, and solving hard problems is fun. But that excitement should not detract from keeping your personal relationships healthy. One day, I’ll retire and spend all my free time with family.”

The CFM Portfolio Project’s work is under NASA’s  Technology Demonstration Missions  Program, part of NASA’s  Space Technology Mission Directorate , which oversees a broad portfolio of technology development and demonstration projects across NASA centers and American industry partners.

Read more about Cryogenic Fluid Management.

Boyette, a Media Fusion employee, supports the Cryogenic Fluid Management Portfolio Project and Marshall’s Office of Strategic Analysis & Communications.

NASA continued a key RS-25 engine test series for future Artemis flights of the agency’s powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket March 22 and March 27 with hot fires on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

The tests marked the 10th and 11th hot fire in a 12-test series to certify production of new  RS-25  engines by lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3 Harris Technologies company.

On March 22, the Stennis test team fired the certification engine for 500 seconds, or the same amount of time engines must fire to help launch the SLS rocket to space with astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft. Operators powered the engine up to a level of 113%, which is beyond the 111% power level new RS-25 engines use to provide additional thrust. Testing up to the 113% power level provides a margin of operational safety.

Newly produced engines will power NASA’s  SLS  rocket on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond, beginning with Artemis V. For Artemis missions I-IV, NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne modified 16 former space shuttle engines for use on the SLS rocket. Four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously to help launch each SLS rocket, producing up to 2 million pounds of combined thrust.

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the SLS Program.

Through  Artemis , NASA will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all. RS-25 tests at NASA Stennis are conducted by a diverse team of operators from NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services, prime contractor for site facilities and operations.

A test article of the  SLS (Space Launch System ) rocket’s payload adapter is ready for evaluation, marking a critical milestone on the journey to the hardware’s debut on NASA’s Artemis IV mission.

Comprised of two metal rings and eight composite panels, the cone-shaped payload adapter will be part of the SLS  Block 1B configuration  and housed inside the  universal stage adapter  atop the rocket’s more powerful in-space stage, called the exploration upper stage. The payload adapter is an evolution from the Orion stage adapter used in the Block 1 configuration of the first three Artemis missions that sits at the topmost portion of the rocket and helps connect the rocket and spacecraft.

“Like the  Orion stage adapter  and the launch vehicle stage adapter used for the first three SLS flights, the payload adapter for the evolved SLS Block 1B configuration is fully manufactured and tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center,” said Casey Wolfe, assistant branch chief for the advanced manufacturing branch at Marshall. “Marshall’s automated fiber placement and large-scale integration facilities provide our teams the ability to build composite hardware elements for multiple Artemis missions in parallel, allowing for cost and schedule savings.”

At about 8.5 feet tall, the payload adapter’s eight composite sandwich panels, which measure about 12 feet each in length, contain a metallic honeycomb-style structure at their thickest point but taper to a single carbon fiber layer at each end. The panels are pieced together using a high-precision process called determinant assembly, in which each component is designed to fit securely in a specific place, like puzzle pieces.

After manufacturing, the payload adapter will also be structurally tested at Marshall, which manages the SLS Program. The first structural test series begins this spring. Test teams will use the engineering development unit – an exact replica of the flight version of the hardware – to check the structure’s strength and durability by twisting, shaking, and applying extreme pressure.

While every  Block 1B configuration  of the SLS rocket will use a payload adapter, each will be customized to fit the mission’s needs. The determinant assembly method and digital tooling ensure a more efficient and uniform manufacturing process, regardless of the mission profile, to ensure hardware remains on schedule. Data from this test series will further inform design and manufacturing processes as teams begin manufacturing the qualification and flight hardware for Artemis IV.

NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft and Gateway in orbit around the Moon and commercial human landing systems, next-generational spacesuits, and rovers on the lunar surface. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

A new image shows a quasar, a rapidly growing supermassive black hole, which is not achieving what astronomers would expect from it, as reported in a press release . Data from  NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory  (blue) and radio data from the NSF’s Karl G. Jansky’s Very Large Array (red) reveal some of the evidence for this quasar’s disappointing impact on its host galaxy.

Known as H1821+643, this quasar is about 3.4 billion light-years from Earth. Quasars are a rare and extreme class of supermassive black holes that are furiously pulling material inwards, producing intense radiation and sometimes powerful jets. H1821+643 is the closest quasar to Earth in a cluster of galaxies.

Quasars are different than other supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxy clusters in that they are pulling in more material at a higher rate. Astronomers have found that non-quasar black holes growing at moderate rates influence their surroundings by preventing the intergalactic hot gas from cooling down too much. This regulates the growth of stars around the black hole.

The influence of quasars, however, is not as well known. This new study of H1821+643 that quasars – despite being so active – may be less important in driving the fate of their host galaxy and cluster than some scientists might expect.

To reach this conclusion the team used Chandra to study the hot gas that H1821+643 and its host galaxy are shrouded in. The bright  X-rays  from the quasar, however, made it difficult to study the weaker X-rays from the hot gas. The researchers carefully removed the X-ray glare to reveal what the black hole’s influence is, which is reflected in the new composite image showing X-rays from hot gas in the cluster surrounding the quasar. This allowed them to see that the quasar is actually having little effect on its surroundings.

Using Chandra, the team found that the density of gas near the black hole in the center of the galaxy is much higher, and the gas temperatures much lower, than in regions farther away. Scientists expect the hot gas to behave like this when there is little or no energy input (which would typically come from outbursts from a black hole) to prevent the hot gas from cooling down and flowing towards the center of the cluster.

A paper describing these results has been accepted into the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and is available online. The authors are Helen Russell (University of Nottingham, UK), Paul Nulsen (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian), Andy Fabian (University of Cambridge, UK), Thomas Braben (University of Nottingham), Niel Brandt (Penn State University), Lucy Clews (University of Nottingham), Michael McDonald (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Christopher Reynolds (University of Maryland), Jeremy Saunders (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Research), and Sylvain Veilleux (University of Maryland).

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science from Cambridge Massachusetts and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx team was selected as the winner of the National Space Club and Foundation’s 2024 Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy for their tremendous work on the first U.S. mission to bring an asteroid sample to Earth. The winning team received the award at the 67th Annual Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel on March 22.

The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Regolith Explorer) team includes NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland; Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado; University of Arizona, Tucson and KinetX in Tempe, Arizona.

The trophy is National Space Club’s highest honor and presented annually to the individual or group who has made a substantial contribution to U.S. leadership in astronautics or rocketry.

“The OSIRIS-REx team’s successful delivery of the asteroid Bennu sample to Earth will enable important scientific discoveries for generations to come,” said Lori Glaze, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters. “I’m so pleased to see the mission team recognized with the Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy for their accomplishments.”

Following its launch in 2016, the OSIRIS-REx mission made U.S. space history when it became the first U.S. spacecraft to touch an asteroid and  capture a sample on Oct. 20 , 2020, and again when it successfully  returned with the sample to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023 .

The sample, which is the largest asteroid sample ever delivered to Earth, is from the ancient asteroid Bennu and will give researchers worldwide a glimpse into the earliest days of our solar system, offering insights into planet formation and the origin of organics that led to life on Earth. Data collected by the spacecraft combined with future analysis of the Bennu sample will also aid our understanding of asteroids that can impact Earth.

The OSIRIS-REx mission conducted unprecedented centimeter-scale mapping of Bennu, surpassing precision levels achieved for any other planetary body and setting three Guinness World Records for: smallest object orbited by a spacecraft, closest orbit of an asteroid and highest resolution satellite map of any planetary body.

“The OSIRIS-REx mission rewrote U.S. space exploration history,” said Joe Vealencis, president, NSCF. “The data the spacecraft collected, plus all that we have yet to uncover from the sample it brought back, means scientists and engineers will be reaping the benefits of this mission for years to come.”

Following its successful sample return, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was  renamed OSIRIS-APEX  and will now enter an extended mission to visit and study near-Earth asteroid Apophis in 2029.

OSIRIS-REx’s success was made possible by the unique contributions of over 1,000 individuals from government and mission partners like the science lead at the University of Arizona, the project team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the curation team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, spacecraft design, operations, and recovery by Lockheed Martin, guidance and navigation at KinetX, and the launch provider at United Launch Alliance.

OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers Program, managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

Read more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.

Astronauts will test drive NASA’s Orion spacecraft for the first time during the agency’s  Artemis II  test flight next year. While many of the spacecraft’s maneuvers like big propulsive burns are automated, a key test called the proximity operations demonstration will evaluate the manual handling qualities of Orion.

During the approximately 70-minute demonstration set to begin about three hours into the mission, the crew will command  Orion  through a series of moves using the detached upper stage of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket as a mark. The in-space propulsion stage, called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), includes an approximately two-foot target that will be used to evaluate how Orion flies with astronauts at the controls.

“There are always differences between a ground simulation and what an actual spacecraft will fly like in space,” said Brian Anderson, Orion rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking manager within the Orion Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “The demonstration is a flight test objective that helps us reduce risk for future missions that involve rendezvous and docking with other spacecraft.”

After NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen are safely in space, the Moon rocket’s upper stage will fire twice to put Orion on a high Earth orbit trajectory. Then, the spacecraft will automatically separate from the rocket stage, firing several separation bolts before springs push Orion a safe distance away.

As the spacecraft and its crew move away, Orion will perform an automated backflip to turn around and face the stage. At approximately 300 feet away, Orion will stop its relative motion. The crew will take control and use the translational and rotational hand controllers and display system to make very small movements to ensure Orion is responding as expected.

Next, the crew will very slowly pilot Orion to within approximately 30 feet of the stage. A two-foot auxiliary target mounted inside the top of the stage, similar to the docking target used by spacecraft visiting the International Space Station, will guide their aim.

“The crew will view the target by using a docking camera mounted inside the docking hatch window on the top of the crew module to see how well aligned they are with the docking target mounted to the ICPS,” Anderson said.

“It’s a good stand in for what crews will see when they dock with Starship on Artemis III and to the Gateway on future missions.”

About 30 feet from the stage, Orion will stop and the crew will checkout the spacecraft’s fine handling qualities to evaluate how it performs in close proximity to another spacecraft. Small maneuvers performed very close to the ICPS will be done using the reaction control system thrusters on Orion’s European Service Module.

Orion will then back away and allow the stage to turn to protect its thermal properties. The crew will follow the stage, initiate a second round of manual maneuvers using another target mounted on the side of the stage, approach within approximately 30 feet, perform another fine handling quality check out, then back away.

At the end of the demonstration, Orion will perform an automated departure burn to move away from the ICPS before the stage then fires to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere over a remote location in the Pacific Ocean. During Orion’s departure burn, engineers will use the spacecraft’s docking camera to gather precise positioning measurements, which will help inform navigation during rendezvous activities on future missions in the lunar environment, where there is no GPS system. 

Because the Artemis II Orion is not docking with another spacecraft, it is not equipped with a docking module containing lights and therefore is reliant on the ICPS to be lit enough by the Sun to allow the crew to see the targets.

“As with many of our tests, it’s possible the proximity operations demonstration won’t go exactly as expected,” said Anderson. “Even if we don’t accomplish every part of the demonstration, we’ll continue on with the test flight as planned to accomplish our primary objectives, including evaluating Orion’s systems with crew aboard in the deep space environment and keeping the crew safe during the mission.”

The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions, including landing the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut on the Moon.

Ensign Ro (episode)

• View history

The Enterprise takes on Ensign Ro Laren to help track down Bajoran terrorists who attacked a Federation colony.

• 1.2 Act One
• 1.3 Act Two
• 1.4 Act Three
• 1.5 Act Four
• 1.6 Act Five
• 1.7 Log entries
• 2 Memorable quotes
• 3.1 Production history
• 3.2 Story and script
• 3.3 Production
• 3.4 Cast and characters
• 3.5 Continuity
• 3.6 Reception
• 3.7 Video and DVD releases
• 3.8 Apocrypha
• 4.1 Starring
• 4.2 Also starring
• 4.3 Guest stars
• 4.4 Special guest star
• 4.5 Co-star
• 4.6 Uncredited co-stars
• 4.7 Stand-ins
• 4.8 References
• 4.9 External links

Summary [ ]

It is a typical day as Mot trims Captain Picard 's hair in the barbershop while dispensing advice on strategy while in adversarial situations with the Romulans . The conversation is interrupted by a call from Commander Riker , who reports that the USS Enterprise -D has just received a distress call from a colony on Solarion IV . As Picard leaves, Mot observes how close Solarion is to the Cardassian border and points out that he told them not to colonize it. When Picard arrives on the bridge , there is an audio-only communication from a Bajoran man claiming responsibility for destroying the colony and threatening more violence if their homeland is still kept from them.

Act One [ ]

Picard is holding a private meeting in the observation lounge with Admiral Kennelly , who is ill with a Cardassian virus he received while meeting with a Cardassian liaison last weekend. Picard replicates him ginger tea with honey , his Aunt Adele 's cure for the common cold . They move on to discussing the Bajoran terrorism issue. It seems the Cardassian Empire annexed Bajor forty years ago and the Bajoran people were subsequently driven from their own land and left to wander the galaxy, looking for a planet to settle on. While the Cardassians have had problems with terrorism ever since the annexation , this is the first time the Bajorans have attacked the Federation . Kennelly wants Picard to stop Orta , the Bajoran terrorist leader, at all costs. While the two discuss the issue, Riker learns that Ensign Ro Laren is waiting to beam aboard the Enterprise . The ensign has come at Kennelly's request, for he thinks she will be useful on the mission even though she was imprisoned previously. Picard recognizes the name and protests due to an incident on Garon II while she was on the USS Wellington , but the admiral is insistent she is right for the job. Picard tells Riker to proceed. Riker is unclear why Ro is to be allowed to beam aboard and Picard tells him he will fill him in later.

When Ro Laren arrives aboard the Enterprise , there is visible anger on the part of Riker, as he tells her to respect uniform code. She takes off her earrings and follows Riker out of the transporter room .

Act Two [ ]

" Better than prison? There are officers who wait years to serve on this ship! "

Riker expresses his concerns with Picard in his ready room . He says many officers won't want to serve with Ro. Picard assures him it will be temporary. Ro enters and Picard calls her "Ensign Laren". Ro interrupts Picard to tell him that Bajoran surnames come first, and thus Ro Laren is Ensign Ro, with a casual disregard for respect and procedure. Riker is insulted by Ro's apparent lack of respect for what he considers the honor of being stationed on the Enterprise ; in her words, it is "better than prison". Picard tells her they will all have to serve together for the time being. Ro interrupts him again, saying that she knows the routine and wants this mission to be over with as quickly as possible so they can go their separate ways. Without being dismissed by Picard, Ro rises and promptly exits the ready room.

At a staff meeting, Picard and the crew discuss how to get in contact with the Bajoran people. Data suggests that a man known as Jas Holza might be the best choice, and that he may be found on Valo III . Dr. Crusher is familiar with the man, as she met him at a medical symposium and adds that he is quite charming, as well as a good dancer. However, Ro points out that Jas holds no real sway over the Bajoran people. She does, however, know a man named Keeve Falor who lives on Valo II . They decide to go there instead.

On the surface of Valo II, Picard meets with Keeve, who does not condone the terrorist attack against the Federation. However, at the same time he refuses to help Picard or the Federation, as he feels betrayed by the way they sat idly by while Bajor and its people were ravaged by the Cardassians. Picard determines to help the people of the planet using the Enterprise 's replicators to produce blankets for every man, woman and child in the settlement, which makes Keeve much more cooperative. Ro tells Picard she ran away because she could not live as the Bajorans do and would not be lost nor defeated.

Act Three [ ]

Ro sits alone at a table in Ten Forward , sipping her beverage and turning Troi and Crusher away when they offer to sit with her. As Geordi La Forge sits at the bar nearby and expresses his displeasure at Ro's presence to Guinan , she decides that Ro sounds like someone she would like to get to know, based on La Forge's description of her. During their conversation, it is revealed that Ro was court martialed because she disobeyed a direct order, resulting in the death of eight fellow officers. Guinan persists despite Ro's efforts to push her away, intent on making a new friend.

In her quarters, Ro receives a transmission from Kennelly and tells him that all is going according to plan. When it comes time to beam to the surface, Picard finds Ro had left the Enterprise six hours prior and the terrorists never showed up at the designated meeting location. He beams down anyway with an away team , where they find themselves surrounded by armed Bajorans.

Act Four [ ]

Orta emerges with Ro to face the Enterprise crew, his face mutilated and vocal cords cut by the Cardassians. He tells them that the Bajorans did not attack Solarion IV and lets them go.

Back on the Enterprise 's bridge , Ro discusses the issue of who attacked Solarion IV with the other officers until Picard asks her into his ready room. There he angrily says she is not to beam down without authorization and confines her to her quarters for the duration of the mission.

That night, Guinan visits Ro to talk about what has happened. She observes that Ro seems to trust no one, least of all herself. After a brief conversation, Guinan recalls a time in her life when she got herself into a bad situation and that she would probably still be there if she had not put her trust in one man.

Despite Ro being confined to her quarters, Guinan takes her to Picard's ready room, telling the captain that she considers Ro a friend, convincing him to hear her out. Guinan leaves the two of them to talk, Picard noting that Guinan is very selective on who she calls a friend. Ro reveals a secret about her purpose aboard the Enterprise . As she reveals, Admiral Kennelly wanted her to make a secret deal with Orta, in direct violation of the Prime Directive : so long as Orta stopped attacking the Federation, Kennelly would supply him and his fellows with weapons and ships. However, when she learned Orta was not responsible, she never made the offer (something Picard notes almost certainly saved her from another court martial) and did not know what to do next. Ro shares a story about how her father was tortured to death in front of her at the hands of the Cardassians, explaining that she felt ashamed to be Bajoran. She and Picard decide to find a way for Orta to help them expose the ones who really attacked the Federation colony.

Act Five [ ]

As the Enterprise prepares to escort a Bajoran transport with Orta and his compatriots aboard, they find the ship can only travel at half impulse and match speeds accordingly. Picard tells Data to monitor the Cardassian border, and as they travel, two top of the line Galor -class Cardassian warships seem to take up a parallel course. Upon reaching the point along their path closest to the Cardassian border (they are in neutral, unclaimed space at this point), the warships cross the border and move to intercept the transport. When the Cardassians order Picard to let them destroy the transport, Picard contacts Kennelly, who first appears to leave the decision on how to act in Picard's hands, but when Picard decides not to withdraw, states that the Enterprise should retreat in the interest of protecting the peace treaty with the Cardassians. Picard argues with Kennelly that the Cardassians may be using Starfleet to flush out the Bajorans, but Kennelly isn't interested and gives him a direct order to withdraw. Apparently forced into a corner, Picard has the Enterprise leave the transport unprotected and it is promptly destroyed by Gul Dolak 's warship . However, when Kennelly hails the Enterprise seconds later, it is revealed – in a conversation Picard makes a point of having on the bridge rather than in the privacy of his ready room – that no one was aboard the transport.

It turns out that, just as Picard suspected, the Cardassians were the ones who attacked the colony in an attempt to bring the Federation onto their side. They were hoping to find someone – like Kennelly – who was gullible enough to do so. Kennelly, Picard tells Ro later, will likely be called to a hearing and will probably be court martialed .

Back on the surface of Valo II, Picard sees in Ro some of the qualities shared by the finest Starfleet officers he has ever known. While she has not yet become one of those officers, he believes she can be in time. He asks her to stay, and at this point it is clear that the two of them have taken a liking to one another. The one provision is that, despite Starfleet uniform code , she must be allowed to wear her Bajoran earring. Picard smiles and agrees, beaming them back on board the Enterprise .

Log entries [ ]

• Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2368

Memorable quotes [ ]

" I understand you've been discussing alternative adversarial engagement strategy with Mr. Mot. " " It'd be more accurate to say he was discussing them with me… He's the best barber in Starfleet – what can you do? "

" This is the Bajora. We claim responsibility for the destruction of the Federation colony on Solarion IV. As long as we are without our homeland, no one will be safe in this sector. "

" There are other Bajorans in Starfleet. Assign one of them! "

" It was not necessary to abduct us. " " I am sorry, but after speaking with Ro Laren, I decided that it was. "

" Yes, Ensign Laren, please sit down. " " Ensign Ro, sir. " " I beg your pardon? " " The Bajoran custom has the family name first, the individual name second – I am properly addressed as Ensign Ro. " " I'm sorry, I didn't know… " " No, there's no reason you should. It's an old custom – most Bajora today accept the distortion of their names in order to assimilate… I do not. "

" They're lost, defeated. I will never be. "

" You are innocent bystanders, and I cannot condone violence against those who are not our enemies. " " Then I don't understand why you're unwilling to help us. " " Because… you're innocent bystanders. You were innocent bystanders for decades as the Cardassians took our homes. As they violated and tortured our people in the most hideous ways imaginable. As we were forced to flee. " " We were saddened by those events, but they occurred within the borders of the Cardassian Empire. " " And the Federation is pledged not to interfere with the internal affairs of others. How convenient that must be for you. To turn a deaf ear to those who suffer behind a line on a map. "

" Mind if we join you? " " Yes. "

" Am I disturbing you? " " Yes. " " Good. You look like someone who wants to be disturbed. "

" And so now, you're sitting in crowded rooms just staring at your drink. I think you enjoy it." " I enjoy it? " " Well, you're working so hard at torturing yourself. I can only think that you enjoy it. "

" You're not like any bartender I've met before. " " And you're not like any Starfleet officer I've met before. And that sounds like the beginning of a very interesting friendship. " " I'm not interested in making friends. " " Too late. You just did. "

" All is not what it seems to be, Captain. Perhaps someone is using you to get to me. Perhaps you are a victim of this deception as well; I do not know. " " Deception?! " " Your mission was to seek out the Bajoran terrorists who destroyed the Federation settlement on Solarion IV. " " Yes. " " As I have informed Ro Laren, it was not the Bajora. "

" Subspace signal, coming in from Starfleet, sir – Admiral Kennelly. " " On screen. " " It is on a secure channel, sir… in your ready room? " " No, here… on screen. "

" The Cardassians have destroyed the Bajoran ship, Admiral. " " All hands lost? " " No, sir. " " Survivors? " " No, sir – no one was on board. "

" What're you talking about?! " " The ship was controlled from the ground… " " This was your idea, Picard? " " Actually, no… it was Ensign Ro's idea, but I fully endorsed it – I suspected something like this might occur. "

" Do you know how many people they killed on Solarion IV?! " " The Bajorans did not attack Solarion IV! " " Who told you that? Orta? " " Yes. " " And you believed him?! " " Admiral, Orta's ships are old and obsolete. They don't even have warp capabilities – they couldn't have reached another star system, let alone attacked one. " " Then who's responsible?! " " I suggest you ask your friend, the Cardassian liaison, Admiral – the only explanation I can think of is that the Cardassians staged it. " " The Cardassians?! Why? " " Perhaps they were hoping to find someone in Starfleet – like you , Admiral – naive enough to solve their Bajoran problem for them. "

Background information [ ]

Production history [ ].

• Final draft script: 18 July 1991 [1]
• Filmed: 29 July 1991 – 6 August 1991
• Insert scene filmed: 16 September 1991
• Premiere airdate: 7 October 1991
• First UK airdate: 4 January 1995

Story and script [ ]

• This episode features the first appearance of the Bajorans , who went on to be a focal point of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . In the original story, it was the Romulans who were occupying Bajor, but Rick Berman felt the Romulans had been seen too much and, remembering " The Wounded ", had the occupiers changed to the Cardassians. ( Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Official Poster Magazine , issue 4) Even though this episode proved an inspiration on the creation of the DS9 TV series, it was written at a time before that series was envisioned. ( Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Official Poster Magazine , issue 0)
• Berman emphasized the Bajorans were not modeled on any one real-life group. " The Kurds, the Palestinians, the Jews in the 1940s, the boat people from Haiti – unfortunately, the homeless and terrorism are problems [in every age]. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 178))

Production [ ]

Les Landau giving advice to Michelle Forbes

• The scene where Ro took off her uniform jacket to comfort the young girl required close consultation between costume designer Robert Blackman and director Les Landau , as the uniforms were designed without obvious closures at the front. Modifications were made to the costume off-camera to achieve the effect. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission , p. 148)
• "Ensign Ro" was filmed between Monday 29 July 1991 and Tuesday 6 August 1991 on Paramount Stage 8 , 9 , and 16 . On Monday 5 August 1991 , the production moved outside for a location shooting at Bronson Canyon near the area where the previous episode, " Darmok ", was filmed. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 178))
• An insert scene of a monitor in Picard's ready room was filmed on Monday 16 September 1991 , during the production of " Unification II ".
• On Friday 2 August 1991 , Paramount Stage 8 and 9 were visited by the Executives of Paramount Pictures . The call sheet featured a note that the two sets must be clean and lighted.
• Birds & Animals Unlimited worked again on The Next Generation following the fourth season episode " In Theory ". For this episode, two animal handlers and twelve Guinea fowls were on set.
• On Tuesday 6 August 1991 , the publicity photos of the main cast and guest actress Whoopi Goldberg for the fifth season were shot at the main bridge and Paramount Stage 8.

Cast and characters [ ]

Forbes and Stewart filming on location

• This episode was created to introduce the new recurring character of Ro Laren . The producers hoped to add another character who could create some conflict, and preferably a woman. Berman explained, " The other characters in the cast are relatively homogeneous; some might even say bland. So we wanted a character with the strength and dignity of a Starfleet officer but with a troubled past, an edge. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 177))
• Michelle Forbes was offered the part of Ro Laren because the producers were impressed by her performance as Dara in " Half a Life ". ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 178))
• This episode features the first appearance of Mot , the Bolian barber . He next appeared in " Schisms ".

Continuity [ ]

• Commander Riker orders Ro to comply with Starfleet uniform regulations when she beams aboard the Enterprise -D by making her remove her traditional Bajoran earring . This seems like a strange request as Worf is allowed to wear his Klingon baldric and Deanna Troi is allowed to not wear a standard uniform at all. However, given Riker's clear misgivings in regards to Ensign Ro serving on the Enterprise and his statement that "I intend to demand the highest level of performance from her", it would seem that adherence to the Starfleet uniform code is somewhat at the discretion of one's commanding officer and Riker simply chose to give her no leeway in the matter. Nevertheless, enforcement of the uniform regulation is paralleled in the Star Trek: Voyager episode " Learning Curve ", when Tuvok orders Gerron to remove his earring.
• The name "Bajora" – at times used here to indicate both the Bajoran race and their terrorist group – is not heard after this episode in TNG, DS9, or VOY, but it is visible on a computer readout in " Conundrum ". Later episodes of DS9 established named terrorist groups on Bajor, including the Kohn-Ma and the Circle .
• Kennelly states that the Occupation of Bajor has lasted forty years. Later references conflict with one another and Kennelly's claim. See the Inconsistencies section of the Occupation page for more information.
• The appearance of the Bajorans in this episode is slightly different; over each eye, there is a subtle ridge. These were dropped later and Ro Laren no longer has them in her final appearance in TNG : " Preemptive Strike ".
• Stock footage of Starbase 74 from " 11001001 " was re-used in this episode to represent Lya Station Alpha where the Enterprise meets Kennelly and picks up Ensign Ro. The footage is a modified version of spacedock shots from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock .
• During the explanation of the Bajoran naming convention (that the family name goes first while the given name is second), Ro mentions that many Bajorans accept their names being distorted in order to assimilate better. Despite this, all further Bajorans seen in the franchise (with the exception of Tal Celes ) would go by the naming order that is established in this episode.
• This marks the second and final appearance of the type of Cardassian uniform first seen in " The Wounded ".

Reception [ ]

• Michael Piller felt that the introduction of Ro was a success. " It's one of the season's greatest accomplishments. Not just by Rick and I, but by the acting of Michelle, who is just a wonderful performer. You don't just throw in new people because this audience is really particular about who they're going to make part of the family, but I've heard almost no resistance to Ensign Ro. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 229)
• Piller credited this success as due to the use of Guinan . " I think Guinan embraces Ro in a very personal way. She basically took Ro by the hand and said she deserves your attention and deserves to be embraced by you. When she took Ro to Picard for that very reason, in essence, she was doing that to our audience. It was not a very easy show to write; it was not until we found that relationship between Ro and Guinan that I was personally satisfied that we really had done something magnificent. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 229)
• A mission report for this episode, by John Sayers, was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine  issue 18 , p. 17–20.

Video and DVD releases [ ]

• Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video ): Volume 52, September 1992
• UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment ): Volume 5.1, 24 June 2002
• As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection

Apocrypha [ ]

• Guinan tells Ro that " a very long time ago, I got into some serious trouble too, and I mean serious, and I'd probably still be there, if I hadn't trusted one man. " The Star Trek: Stargazer novel Oblivion shows the backstory for the friendship of Picard and Guinan, including how Picard helped save Guinan. However, Guinan may have been referring to the events of " Time's Arrow, Part II ".
• The story behind the actions that led to Ro's demotion are featured in the DC Comics TNG Special 2 story "The Choice".

Links and references [ ]

Starring [ ].

• Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
• Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring [ ]

• LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
• Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
• Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
• Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Guest stars [ ]

• Michelle Forbes as Ro Laren
• Scott Marlowe as Keeve Falor
• Frank Collison as Dolak
• Jeffrey Hayenga as Orta
• Harley Venton as Collins
• Ken Thorley as Mot
• Cliff Potts as Admiral Kennelly

Special guest star [ ]

• Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan

Co-star [ ]

• Majel Barrett as Computer Voice

Uncredited co-stars [ ]

• K.C. Amos as operations officer
• Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
• Thomas J. Booth as civilian
• Boyen as Bajoran settler
• B.K. Byron as Vulcan patron
• Cameron as Kellogg
• Clark as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Cook as Bajoran settler
• John Copage as sciences officer
• Denise Deuschle as sciences officer
• Inez Edwards as sciences officer
• Factor as Bajoran settler
• Falerne as Bajoran settler
• E. Falerne as Bajoran settler
• Garverick as Bajoran settler
• Michele Gerren as sciences officer
• Gonzalez as Bajoran settler
• Whitney Hall as Bajoran settler
• Melanie Hathorn as sciences officer
• Houy as Bajoran settler
• Hwang as operations officer
• Joly as Bajoran settler
• Kinsel as Bajoran settler
• Alex Landi as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Debbie Marsh as civilian
• McGhee as Bajoran settler
• Melton as Bajoran girl
• Menning as Bajoran settler
• Jay Montalvo as operations officer
• Kevin Pentalow as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Polito as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Keith Rayve as command ensign
• Reynolds as Bajoran girl
• Denise Lynne Roberts as Patti
• Rose as Bajoran settler
• Santo as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Silver as Bajoran settler
• Simen as Bajoran girl
• Leatrim Stang as Bajoran settler
• Noriko Suzuki as operations ensign
• Talbot as Ten Forward waitress
• Matt Tufo as barber
• Uchizono as civilian
• Guy Vardaman as Darien Wallace
• Vassili as Bajoran boy
• Anne Woodberry as Bajoran settler
• Michael Zurich as Bajoran freedom fighter
• Female Bajoran contact (voice)
• Female bridge officer (voice)
• Ten Forward waiter
• Ten Forward waitress

Stand-ins [ ]

• David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
• Candace Crump – stand-in for Whoopi Goldberg
• Franky – stand-in for Ken Thorley
• Krista – stand-in for Michelle Forbes
• Nora Leonhardt – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
• Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner , Cliff Potts , Harley Venton , and Frank Collison
• Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden and Michelle Forbes
• Renna Bogdanowicz – stand-in for Michelle Forbes
• Richard Sarstedt – stand-in for Jonathan Frakes , Scott Marlowe , and Jeffrey Hayenga
• Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
• Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Brent Spiner
• James Washington – stand-in for Michael Dorn

References [ ]

2310s ; 2328 ; 2347 ; " a great deal "; " a lot "; abduction ; achievement ; " ad hoc "; Adele ; admiral ; adversarial engagement strategy ; afternoon ; " all hands "; " all's well that ends well "; Alpha Quadrant ; alternative ; amnesty ; annexation ; Antares -class ( Bajoran carrier ); appearance ; architect ; argument ; artist ; " as well "; assignment ; " at all times "; " at least "; attack ; attention ; attitude ; audio channel ; aunt ; authorization ; away team ; Bajor ; Bajorans ; Bajoran language ; bar ; bartender ; barber ; barbershop ; base of operations ; bearing ; beauty ; " behind the scenes "; blanket ; bluff ; border ; builder ; Cardassians ; Cardassian Empire ; Cardassian liaison ; Cardassian Militia 41 ; Cardassian space ( Cardassian territory ); Cardassian warship ; carrier vessel ; Celsius ; civilization ; class M ; " come on "; common cold ; complaint ; composition ; computer ; confined to quarters ; conspiracy ; coordinates ; course ; crime ; crust ; court martial ; cure ; custom ; " damn it "; dance ; dancer ; decade ; deception ; degree ; destination ; destruction ; diplomacy ( negotiation ); diplomatic channels ; diplomatic soirée ; discussion ; Dolak's warship ; Dolak's sister ship ; dozen ; east ; emergency distress signal ; enemy ; energy fluctuation ; ETA ; event ; " excuse me "; eye ; " eye of the beholder "; face ; fact ; family name ; fear ; Federation ; Federation-Cardassian border ; feeling ; fifth grade ; " fill in "; flagship ; frequency ; friendship ; Galor -class ; Garon II ; generation ; ginger tea ; " go ahead "; ground ; gul ; guest ; hail ; " have a seat "; hearing ; heritage ; history ; " hold it "; " hold on "; homeland ; honey ; honor ; hour ; Human ; hundred ; " I beg your pardon "; " I do not know "; " I don't think so "; " I see "; idea ; " in exchange "; " in fact "; " in order to "; " in your shoes "; individual ; information ; integrity ; internal affairs ; Jaros II ; Jas Holza ; job ; judgment ; jurisdiction ; kilometer ; Latin language ; leader ; liaison officer ; location ; Lya Station Alpha ; Lya Station Alpha planet ; Lya Station Alpha planet's moon ; meeting ; mercy ; Midsummer Night's Dream, A ; Milky Way Galaxy ; minute ; mission ; mistake ; molecular displacement trace ; monitor ; motive ; mutilate ; name ; neighbor ; night ; neutral space ; Occupation of Bajor ; offer ; " on board "; " on your mind "; " one way or the other "; opportunity ; order ; parallel course ; pariah ; passion ; peace ; percent ; place ; plan ; pole ; policy ; politics ; power ; prison ; problem ; promise ; quality ; question ; raid ; reader ; reason ; reception ; red alert ; refugee ; replicator ; " rest assured "; Ro Gale ; Ro Gale's torturer ; Romulans ; room ; " same old story "; search pattern ; Sector 21305 ; secure channel ; settlement camp ; settler ; ship class ; sideburns ; " sit down "; sitting ; splinter group ; Solarion IV ; Solarion IV attacker ; Solarion IV colony ; Solarion system ; Solarion system sector ; Solarion system sector settlements ; southern continent of Valo II ; speed ; splinter group ; spokesman ; " stand by "; Starfleet ; Starfleet record ; Starfleet uniform code ; star system ; stockade ; story ; strategy ; subspace ; subspace channel ; subspace communication ; subspace log ; subspace relay ; subspace signal ; subspace transmission ; sugar candy ; suggestion ; surface ; survey ; survivor ; sympathy ; symposium ; " take up arms "; terrorism ; terrorist ; terrorist attack ; " that's all "; " the big picture "; thing ; third moon of Valo I ; thousand ; threat ; timetable ; " top of the line "; torture ; transport log ; treaty ; tricorder ; tricorder security link ; truth ; " turn a deaf ear "; Valo I ; Valo II ; Valo III ; Valo system ; " very well "; victim ; violation ; violence ; virus ; visual range ; vocal cords ; weapon grid ; week ; weekend ; " well done "; Wellington , USS ; Wellington away team ; west ; " what the hell "; wing ; year ; yellow alert ; " you know "; year

External links [ ]

• " Ensign Ro " at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• " Ensign Ro " at Wikipedia
• "Ensign Ro" at StarTrek.com
• " "Ensign Ro" " at MissionLogPodcast.com , a Roddenberry Star Trek podcast
• 2 USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-G)
• 3 Star Trek: The Next Generation