"A new world was open to me": When Star Trek star Kate Mulgrew broke silence on her fascination about space

Kate Mulgrew, famous for her role as Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, had a surprising experience which piqued her interest and love for space.

In a 2020 online interview with The Planetary Society, which was later shared on YouTube, she shared how her role sparked her interest in the cosmos:

"A new world was open to me, a new understanding of the vicissitudes of space and the vagaries therein."

Space science wasn't originally Kate Mulgrew's thing. But playing Janeway in Star Trek changed that. To get into character, she had to look into astrophysics and space travel. In the interview, Mulgrew talked about how Janeway opened her eyes to real-world space exploration.

Before, she knew space from sci-fi. Now, she looks at it with a scientific view.

"I was compelled to read about it," she explained.

After speaking with scientists and researching, she accepted the real-life aspects of space, which she found just as fascinating as the fictional ones.

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Star Trek changed Kate Mulgrew’s perspective on space

Before playing Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, Kate Mulgrew was mainly known for her work in TV dramas. When she took on this role, it changed her view of science and exploration. Before being cast, she had only a "vague" understanding of it, but grew to appreciate the vastness of space.

To be a good captain, Kate Mulgrew studied a lot of science and read about space. This led her to talk with real scientists and learn from them.

In an interview with The Planetary Society, she said that even though she won't understand everything about the universe, she finds it amazing:

"I can dream, and I can read. Soon enough, we will be traveling to space. Soon enough, we will understand what planets mean."

Kate Mulgrew was not just dedicated to her role; she went further than just doing her research. As an intelligent and competent female captain on TV, she broke new ground. She felt it was her duty to support women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She talked often about how important it is to get young girls interested in space and science.

Captain Janeway showed women they can do big things in space and science. Many women today think about working in those fields because of her. She made it easier for women to be leaders in science and space exploration.

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The legacy of Kate Mulgrew and space exploration

Kate Mulgrew's love for space didn't stop with the end of Voyager in 2001. She's still very much involved in space-related topics. She often shares her thoughts and supports projects that encourage space exploration. Her ongoing role with the Star Trek franchise, like playing Janeway again in Star Trek: Prodigy, keeps her close to both the imaginary space world and the real one with scientists.

Also read: All about Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek

Her impact goes beyond just the screen. Kate has worked with NASA and The Planetary Society, groups that help people learn more about space.

She's a big supporter of making sure everyone knows about space and how important it is. Kate thinks that soon, everyone will be able to travel to space.

She talked about this, saying,

"The common citizen will understand the mathematics of space, the physics of space. And that is astounding."

Mulgrew's love for space grew from a role she took up for acting. Now, it's a deep interest that fits perfectly with Star Trek's main idea: explore new planets, find new life, and be brave enough to go to places no one has ever been.

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For fans eager to see Kate Mulgrew’s iconic performance as Captain Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager is available for streaming on Paramount+.

Next up: How to watch Star Trek TV shows in order?