The original Star Trek series followed the voyages of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise as they embarked on a five-year mission to explore “strange new worlds.” In joining METI, who portrays Captain Christopher Pike in CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Discovery, Mount appears to be intent on living up to the franchise’s concept of seeking out “new life and new civilizations” in real life.
RELATED: Scientists Use Mini Star Trek Voyager to Study How Bacteria Moves
Founded by astrobiologist Douglas Vakoch in 2015, METI was designed to expand upon the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). While other organizations dedicated to the same cause focus their efforts on listening for messages from advanced civilizations, METI distinguishes itself by creating and transmitting its own signals to nearby stars in hopes of receiving a reply. “If other civilizations are simply listening, and not transmitting, we’ll never make contact if we limit ourselves to standard SETI strategies,” said Vakoch in a statement. “We’re delighted to welcome Anson to METI’s leadership team as we continue to reach out to other worlds, letting them know we want to make first contact.”
“It is a distinct privilege to be asked to join the outstanding scientists, artists, and innovators that make up the METI team,” added Mount in his own statement. “I look forward to helping this organization expand its footprint in our cultural landscape and educate the general public about our endeavors to connect with extraterrestrial intelligence through scientific methods as we continue to grapple with the implications of this work. As a Starfleet Captain, it brings me unbridled joy to be able to say that I am actually sending out a hail.” Mount joins METI’s Board of Directors while he is also set to reprise his role as Captain Pike in CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
New Worlds will follow Mount’s Captain Pike as he leads the crew of the USS Enterprise during the decade before the events of the original series. Discovery veterans Rebecca Romijn and Ethan Peck will reprise their respective roles as Number One and Spock as well.
Mount is not the only celebrity to take steps towards boldly exploring what lies beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Business tycoon Elon Musk has partnered with NASA and Tom Cruise to produce a feature film shot entirely in space.
Star Trek: Discovery is now available on CBS All Access.
MORE: Why Star Trek: Discovery’s New Status Quo Is Perfect for the Series
Source: TrekMovie.com
