Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has the chance to reveal two important things that never made an appearance in Star Trek: Discovery. At the end of Discovery season 2, the USS Discovery traveled to the far future of the 32nd century, where the Federation was struggling to recover from the devastation caused by the Burn. In 3069, the Burn caused the destruction of most of the Federation's warp-capable ships. By the time Discovery arrived in 3189, only 38 worlds remained members of the Federation, whereas there had been 350 worlds at the Federation's peak.
When Discovery arrived at the 32nd-century Federation Headquarters, Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and her crew caught a glimpse of the USS Voyager-J, the eleventh ship to bear that name. Burnham and Discovery's crew then set out to discover the cause of the Burn and work toward rebuilding Starfleet and the Federation. Thanks to Discovery's involvement, Earth and Ni'Var (formerly Vulcan) both rejoined the Federation, and Starfleet Academy was reopened. Although Starfleet continued to grow, Star Trek: Discovery never offered a closer look at Voyager-J or revealed the 32nd-century Enterprise.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Can Reveal Discovery’s Voyager & Enterprise
Hopefully, More 32nd-Century Starfleet Ships Will Show Up In Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Discovery's upcoming spin-off, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, now has the opportunity to offer a deeper look into the Starfleet of the 32nd century. Following a group of young cadets, Starfleet Academy can show more than just glimpses of some of Starfleet's most famous ships, including Voyager-J and the USS Enterprise. In the 24th century, Starfleet Academy cadets dreamed of being stationed on ships like Voyager or Enterprise, and the same could be true for the 32nd century. The new show could even offer a look inside these iconic ships.
Much about the storyline of Starfleet Academy remains unknown, but the show has announced much of its cast, including Academy Award winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti. Oded Fehr, Tig Notaro, and Mary Wiseman are set to reprise their Star Trek: Discovery roles and Robert Picardo's Doctor will also make an appearance. With Star Trek: Voyager's holographic Doctor involved, it would make sense for Starfleet Academy to visit the 32nd-century Voyager at some point. Voyager's presence also raises the question of whether Starfleet has other legacy ships, and no ship is more legendary than the Enterprise.
Is Enterprise Still Starfleet’s Flagship In Discovery’s Future?
Or Will The USS Discovery Take Over As Flagship?
Throughout much of the Federation's history, the Enterprise has served as Starfleet's flagship. Starfleet's first-ever warp-capable starship was Captain Jonathan Archer's (Scott Bakula) Enterprise NX-01 and every Starship Enterprise since has lived up to its name. It remains unknown what starship serves as the flagship of 32nd-century Starfleet, and a case could be made for both the Enterprise and the USS Discovery. Discovery has a one-of-a-kind spore drive that allows it to travel vast distances instantaneously, which makes it invaluable to the Federation.
The historical significance of the name Enterprise might also help Starfleet boost morale as the organization continues to rebuild.
It's also possible that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy could finally show the 32nd-century Enterprise and establish why it should be the Federation's flagship. Maybe the newest iteration of the Enterprise has all the bells and whistles the 32nd century has to offer. The historical significance of the name Enterprise might also help Starfleet boost morale as the organization continues to rebuild. Either way, Starfleet Academy should definitely offer a look at the Enterprise of the future, something Star Trek: Discovery failed to do.
