Discovery Canada and U.S. net Smithsonian Channel will mark the 50th anniversary of sci fi franchise Star Trek with a two-hour special from Toronto-based producer Yap Films.

Building Star Trek (pictured) will trail Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s conservation team as they attempt to restore the original 11-foot, 250-pound model of the U.S.S. Enterprise from the original series, which debuted on September 8, 1966.

In addition to restoring the ship, teams will look to reconstruct the Enterprise Bridge headquarters by using authentic set pieces and props.

The special will also highlight and profile the scientific innovations and technologies that have inspired a new generation of engineers and scientists attempting to transform Star Trek’s futuristic equipment – including warp drives, medical tricorders, cloaking devices and tractor beams – into physical concepts.

Executive producers on the special include Yap’s Elliott Halpern and Elizabeth Trojian; Smithsonian’s David Royle, Charles Poe and Tim Evans; and Discovery’s Ken MacDonald. The program will be directed by Mick Grogan.

Building Star Trek is scheduled to broadcast across Smithsonian Channel and Discovery Canada on September 4 at 8 p.m. EST/PST.

From Realscreen