A hand phaser from the original Star Trek

Even though it's difficult to imagine more than 50 years later, the original Star Trek series was a ratings failure and barely lasted three years. However, its influence on the entertainment sector is almost incalculable. It also made a huge contribution to American slang by coining expressions like "beam me up," "I'm a doctor, not a" and, of course, "Warp speed."

Phasers and photon torpedoes were also new weaponry that were introduced. Large, strong phasers might be able to destroy cities, asteroids, and other objects. They could also be small, portable weapons that just stun an opponent rather than kill them. In order to keep people warm, they may also be used to heat rocks or other useful objects.

Several phasers from Star Trek TOS (The Original Series) are kept by the Smithsonian Institution and are frequently displayed in their touring exhibits. The USS Enterprise original model, which was not housed alongside the Smithsonian's other television relics, was used to film the series in the 1960s. The replica was suspended from the ceiling of the Air & Space Museum's gift shop for many years.

It was moved, a vision of the future committed to history, to the Boeing Milestones of Flight Exhibit at the Air & Space museum after restoration. It and other neighboring exhibits were taken down in October 2019 because the hall was being renovated; however, after the work is over, it will be available for public viewing once again