In Star Trek's modern era, Starfleet and the Federation aren't the unquestioned forces for good they once were, but Strange New Worlds' latest episode aims to restore the faith.
As missions like Kepler and TESS discovered more rocky exoplanets in recent years, scientists looked forward to the launch of the JWST. The powerful space telescope has the ability gather infrared spectra of exoplanet atmospheres, a key need in understanding the planets being discovered. It was hoped that these atmospheric characterizations would advance our understanding of habitability.

