In 1957, Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. In 1966, Star Trek aired its first episode. Tonight, for Yuri’s Night, we’re taking a look at how both have changed the way the world sees itself by looking to the stars.

In 1966, space travel may have been a dream, but Star Trek was already lightyears ahead of reality. Lt. Uhura was one of the earliest black women on TV NOT in a servant role - MLK himself thought it was so important, he asked her to stay on the show instead of going to broadway.

In 1968 Lt. Uhura & Capt. Kirk shared the first interracial kiss broadcasted on television. The actors were directed to film non non-kiss options by the network, but they deliberately messed up each time, forcing the network to air the kiss, making history.

Not to mention Hikaru Sulu, who was one of the first Asian American characters NOT to play a “bad guy” in media. Star Trek pushed the envelope, creating a utopia where people of all races and genders could work together in harmony.

As the world continued to shift, NASA also shifted, recruiting Lt. Uhrua AKA Nichelle Nichols in 1977 to create their recruitment videos with the hope that it would make more women and minorities apply. It worked.

By 1988, Star Trek continued to evolve, The Next Generation becoming the most-watched scripted series in first-run syndication, and the first hour-long drama to begin life in syndication, defying conventional wisdom that only half-hour sitcoms and game shows could do that.

Yuri’s accomplishment spearheaded a worldwide race to expand humanity’s reach in space, and in media, shows like Star Trek helped reinforce a deep love for space travel. Trekkies changed the world too, generations of them investing careers into the development of space travel.

This influenced some of history’s groundbreaking astronauts, including Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She also appeared as Lt. Palmer in Star Trek: The Next Generation, S6 E24 "Second Chances".

NASA has also been naming asteroids after many in the franchise, speaking to the deep love that so many have for Star Trek that spans generations including 2309 Mr. Spock (1971 QX1), 4659 Roddenberry (1981 EP20), 7307 Takei (1994 GT9), and more.

And for the ultimate collaboration between Trekkies and space travel - In 1976, after thousands of Trekkies sent letters to the White House, NASA named their first orbiter shuttle the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Technically Trekkies got the Enterprise to space.

How has Star Trek impacted you personally? Let us know which moments mean the most to you and on this night, Yuri’s Night, remember to go boldly in all you do.