10 Examples Of Real Science In Star Trek

Although we often think of space as a perfect vacuum devoid of any matter, interstellar space actually contains about one atom per cubic centimetre on average.

Starfleet's vessels are some of the only ships in sci-fi to use this interstellar dust. The ship's Bussard collectors, the red devices usually positioned at the ends of the nacelles, collect this dust as the ship travels through space. These particles are then used to replenish the ship's fuel. The Bussard collectors can even be fine-tuned to filter for specific elements needed at the moment.

While interstellar space contains few particles, the ships would often be able to scoop up huge quantities very quickly by travelling at high impulse speeds or by visiting a nearby nebula. Inside nebulae and solar systems, the ambient particle density is much higher.

Because of the constant replenishment of new particles, Starfleet's ships are able to remain in deep space for long periods of time without needing to restock on basic materials like hydrogen gas.