The episode, penned by Chris Black and John Shiban and under the direction of LeVar Burton, completed principal photography yesterday and takes its inspiration from the 1983 film THE RIGHT STUFF, about the U.S. space program's first seven astronauts. According to the report, Admiral Forrest relays news of Robinson's death and while exploring a nebula via shuttlepod, the captain tells the story--which is mostly told in flashback--to T'Pol.

The episode will feature many highlights for fans of the series, including a Lieutenant Trip Tucker working on the engineering team under the command of 'Captain Jefferies', an homage to original series starship designer Matt Jefferies. Interesting locales for the episode include the prototype Warp 2 capsule, the NX mission control center, NX hangers and facilities, and some pre-Enterprise vessels. Also on deck is the 602 Club, mentioned in last year's "Shuttlepod One" as the place where many a young Starfleet cadet fell in love with the waitress 'Ruby'.

Actor Keith Carradine plays Robinson, Archer's competitor in the episode. Carradine is the half-brother of KUNG FU actor David Carradine. Guest actor Vaughn Armstrong returns for substantial scenes as Admiral and Commodore Forrest (in the flashbacks), and actors Michael Canavan and Victor Bevine return to TREK as the 'Vulcan Advisor' and 'Flight Controller', respectively. Canavan was last seen in ST:DS9's "Defiant" and ST:VOY's "Unforgettable," while Bevine guested in ST:DS9's "Things Past," ST:VOY's "Pathfinder" and even as a guard in STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT. Other performers include Brigid Brannaugh as Ruby and John B. Moody as a security officer.

"First Flight" is set to air on UPN May 14th. Read the original report here.