Drafts of the Star Trek Opening Monologue

It turns out that back in 1966, Star Trek could have opened with completely different narration. Other drafts of that opening monologue have come to light through Desilu Production (later bought by Paramount) memos between creator and writer Gene Roddenberry and producers Bob Justman and John Black. It also serves as a reminder that "U.S.S." stands for United Space Ship, something mentioned in a few episodes of The Original Series but not sense then.

Draft 1 (by Gene Roddenberry)

This is the story of the United Space Ship Enterprise. Assigned a five year patrol of our galaxy, the giant starship visits Earth colonies, regulates commerce, and explores strange new worlds and civilizations. These are its voyages, and its adventures.

Draft 2 (by Gene Roddenberry)

This is the adventure of the United Space Ship Enterprise. Assigned a five year galaxy patrol, the bold crew of the giant starship explores the excitement of strange new worlds, uncharted civilizations, and exotic people. These are its voyages and its adventures.

Draft 3 (by John Black)

Space...the final frontier...endless...silent...waiting. This is the story of the United Space Ship Enterprise...its mission...a five year patrol of the galaxy...to seek out and contact all alien life...to explore...to travel the vast galaxy where no man has gone before...a STAR TREK.

Draft 4 (by Bob Justman)

This is the story of the Starship Enterprise. Its mission: to advance knowledge, contact alien life and enforce intergalactic law...to explore the strange new worlds where no man has gone before.

Final Version: (by Gene Roddenberry)

Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission, to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before.

Final Version (The Next Generation)

Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It's continuing mission, to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.

The final and now famous version was penned by Gene Roddenberry just an hour before William Shatner recorded it showing what a writer and pressure can result in. Not sure what came first but interesting to see how Gene's version seems to incorporate key parts of the producers' versions resulting in something better. The TNG version was identical but "five year" was changed to continuing and "no man" changed to "no one".