The Pentagon’s new US Space Force is not Star Trek’s Starfleet Command, but their logos bear a striking similarity.
US president Donald Trump unveiled the Space Force logo on Friday, writing on Twitter that he had consulted with military leaders and designers before presenting the blue-and-white symbol.
It features an arrowhead shape centred on a planetary background and encircled by the words “United States Space Force” and “Department of the Air Force”.
There is nothing sacred any more. pic.twitter.com/ubyy4OIZrp
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 24, 2020
The logo, which bears the date 2019 in Roman numerals, is also similar in design to that of Air Force Space Command, from which Space Force was created by legislation Mr Trump signed in last month.
Space Force is the first new military service since the US Air Force was created in 1947.
It is meant mainly to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets, rather than to put soldiers into orbit to conduct combat in outer space.
The idea became a regular applause line for Mr Trump at his political rallies. He originally wanted a Space Force that was "separate but equal" to the army, navy and Air Force, but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force.
“After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military!” Mr Trump wrote.
George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in the original "Star Trek" TV series and films, tweeted in response: "Ahem. We are expecting some royalties from this."–AP