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TLS signed “Wernher,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Fairchild Industries (Office of the Vice President, Engineering and Development) letterhead, March 15, 1976. Letter to Chuck Hewitt of the National Space Institute, in full: “Today I received the enclosed ‘Star Fleet Technical Manual’ with a dedication to me and best wishes for a successful NSI on the first white page. I don't know what the exact ties are between Mr. Franz Joseph and the Star Trek TV series, but there seem to be some (see underlined reference on page TO:00:00:03.) If I'm not mistaken, NSI once came out with some cautiously worded endorsement of the Star Trek series. If this is correct, we may respond to the gift of this book by an NSI letter signed by me to Joseph making some more specific proposals how their program can help our membership drive. But I would recommend this only if Franz Joseph has some real clout among the Star Trek people and isn't just a free-loader on their publicity success.” In very good to fine condition, with light edge creasing, and an old tape stain to the top edge.
Founded in 1974 by Wernher von Braun and other prominent aerospace advocates, with the name ‘National Space Institute’ formally adopted in April 1975, the organization was created to sustain public support for the American space program during the uncertain post-Apollo era. After the final Apollo missions and the cancellation of ambitious NASA follow-up programs, von Braun became increasingly concerned that public enthusiasm for manned spaceflight was fading. Although he had retired from NASA in 1972, he remained active in national space advocacy through speaking appearances, fundraising efforts, and organizational leadership connected to the NSI.
Written only months after the organization’s formal establishment, the correspondence reveals von Braun’s awareness of the growing influence of Star Trek fandom as a potential constituency for real-world space advocacy. The letter was prompted by his receipt of Franz Joseph’s Star Fleet Technical Manual, one of the earliest and most influential Star Trek reference books, which had been dedicated to him with wishes for “a successful NSI.” Von Braun suggests that the organization might pursue “more specific proposals how their program can help our membership drive,” demonstrating an early recognition that science-fiction audiences could be mobilized in support of public interest in space exploration.
At the same time, the letter reflects von Braun’s characteristic caution and pragmatism. Before pursuing any formal cooperation, he advises that such efforts should occur only if Franz Joseph possessed “some real clout among the Star Trek people and isn't just a free-loader on their publicity success.” The correspondence captures an early intersection between the aerospace establishment and emerging fan-driven enthusiasm for space exploration. This relationship became nationally visible later that same year when Star Trek fans successfully campaigned for NASA to name the first space shuttle Enterprise.
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