The most celebrated ship in science fiction, the original U.S.S. Enterprise, is currently being restored to her 1967 'The Trouble with Tribbles' configuration and condition.

The work is being undertaken by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Enterprise's home since it was donated back in 1974 and seeks to painstakingly restore the almost 50 year old starship to it's condition back from 1967, the time of it's last known modification during the filming of The Original Series.

The same model was used during the filming of every one of the original 79 episodes of Star Trek which took place between 1967 and 1969.

As part of the work the model is being taken apart and each individual component is being subjected to numerous tests such as microscopic analysis and X-ray scans. So far this analysis has helped the restoration team understand a great deal about the life of the model and incredibly only one exterior spot, located on the top of the saucer section, still features the original paint. If all goes to plan then in April samples from this paint are being used to ensure that when the model is repainted the colour matches exactly with that used during the late 60s.

To ensure the work is done to the very highest standard the museum has been working with the Conservation department at SUNY (University at Buffalo, the State University of New York) and has added Academy Award-winner Bill George (Industrial Light & Magic) and Kim Smith (Creature Art & Mechanics Digital) to its advisory committee.

If you would like to know more about the work being completed to restore the Enterprise check out the Smithsonian's Airspace Blog HERE.

How do you think the Enterprise has held up? Is she still the most iconic vessel in science fiction or is she showing her age?

Writer Bio Christopher is on an ongoing mission to seek out new life in the hopes it is less annoying than most of Earth's population. It isn't going well.

Written by Chris Halsey
Edited By Chris Halsey - chris.halsey@ufplanets.com