Forty-five years ago, a five year mission stretched into a legendary journey

September 8, 1966, a science fiction series called Star Trek premiered on CBS. While lasting only three seasons, it would utterly change not only nerdom, but the world. It would spawn eleven films, five sequels, numerous novels, comics, games, and other merchandise. It would also inspire Martin Cooper to develop a handheld, wireless phone based on the communicators from the show - the mobile phone. It would also inspire people to become engineers, doctors, scientists and more. Star Trek has left an indelible mark not only on science fiction and popular culture, but on society. It had the first interracial kiss on television and boldly addressed racism and discrimination.

Not bad for one little scifi show that lasted all of three seasons. Well done, Mr. Roddenberry.