--- title: "Let’s dive deep into ‘Star Trek’ transporter technology" date: "2020-09-09" modified: "2020-10-30" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-movies/star-trek-transporter-technology/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Movies and TV" --- # Let’s dive deep into ‘Star Trek’ transporter technology ![]() The internet is a giant dumpster fire but it is made slightly redeemable based on pop-culture content shared by your favorite Air Force vet random and completely unnecessary but much-needed gems like the reviews of the Three Wolf Moon shirt or [everything surrounding the Storm Area 51 event](). The internet also gives us access to hot takes we never knew we needed, like [Sean Kelly's]() deepest, most pure thoughts on *Star Trek* transporters. --- https://www.twitter.com/storyslug/status/1242077170043936769 Twitter [twitter.com]() In the *Star Trek* franchise, a matter transportation device — or "transporter" — dematerializes matter (humanoids, objects, etc) and sends their constituent particles in the form of energy to another location before reconverting them back to their original form. It's cool futuristic technology, but it also makes for convenient story-telling. Need to get your characters down to that strange alien ship? Energize away! Need to rescue them in the knick of time before a singularity in a planetary core destroys them all? Beam them up, Scotty, and don't be a b\*\*\*\* about it! But, as Kelly points out, there are some missed opportunities for the inhabitants of the many *Star Trek* worlds when it comes to transporter capabilities. Why? Well, because television is only entertaining when the characters have obstacles to overcome. https://www.twitter.com/StorySlug/status/1242079043383627776 Twitter [twitter.com]() Still, thanks to Kelly, we can debate the implications of transporter potential to our little hearts' content. From medicinal achievements to murder, those transporters could do some crazy sh\*\* if *Star Trek* writers wanted them to. https://www.twitter.com/StorySlug/status/1242080276332896259 Twitter [twitter.com]() I mean, *Star Trek* has very horny roots, so I'm honestly surprised this hasn't happened yet. Maybe in Season 2 of *Picard*? After mulling over some pretty basic possibilities for transporter use, Kelly starts to spiral exceptionally into Riker's soul, Mirror Universe bisexuals, and rather creative weaponry implications. https://www.twitter.com/StorySlug/status/1242084012719591425 Twitter [twitter.com]() Not to mention the Ship of Theseus Paradox, which fans of *The Prestige* might be familiar with. The paradox poses the philosophical question about whether a ship that has systematically had all of its parts replaced is actually the same ship at the end of the journey. In other words, if a person's matter is dematerialized, will that actual person rematerialize on the other end — or have they essentially died while their copy continues to live? F\*\*\* it! Sign us up! https://www.twitter.com/StorySlug/status/1242088563786887168 Twitter [twitter.com]() ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()