Pros: The detail in the folds and creases of Chekov’s tunic is remarkable, especially given the small scale. It’s a testament to how refined the Storyteller series has become. Cons: No Chekov screams from the agony booth? A missed opportunity for both drama and delight!
Okay, FOR THE RECORD, I had the audio pulled for the agony booth scene. Just imagine the lights on the base swirling as Chekov screams.
SPOCK: Captain, I am pleased that you frustrated Mister Chekov’s plan. I should regret your death. KIRK: Why? SPOCK: I do not desire the captaincy. I much prefer my scientific duties. I am frankly content to be a lesser target. KIRK: Logical, as always, Mister Spock. (Chekov screaming) SPOCK: The agony booth is a most effective means of discipline. I presume you’ve ordered full duration. KIRK: I haven’t decided. SPOCK: Indeed. His act warrants death. KIRK: I said I haven’t decided. SPOCK: That is, of course, your affair.
This is a big moment in the story. It’s our recognizing that Spock knows something is up. But I was told that no one wants blood-curdling screams coming from a Christmas tree.
Pros: Spock’s likeness is fantastic, with the true highlight being the intricate detail and rich coloring of his uniform. The Storyteller series continues to raise the bar, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and character likeness. Cons: None. A superb addition that truly honors one of Star Trek’s most iconic figures.
Earth to Sky Calculus is group of youths doing cutting-edge science in a little-explored realm 100,000 feet above our heads: the stratosphere. Several times a month, they send their experiments aloft using helium balloons to search for new life forms in the stratosphere and to monitor the effects of cosmic radiation on Earth’s atmosphere. Their efforts are 100% crowdfunded. Small business, non-profits, and small businesses “own” this research and are responsible for its advance.
Our History
The club was formed in 2010. It grew out of a Calculus and Quantum Physics class that Dr. Tony Phillips had been teaching to his daughter and classmates since 5th grade. By the time these students entered high school in 2010, they were tired of being lectured to and wanted to explore Nature in a different, more hands-on way.
So they began launching helium balloons. At first no one in the group, not even Dr. Phillips, knew how to do this. They taught themselves through trial and error, flying increasingly larger balloons high into the stratosphere over the remote Sierra Nevada mountains in California where they live. Rookie mistakes and the “freedom to fail” led to the best kind of unscripted experiential learning: the kind that cannot be found in textbooks.
Fast forward to 2018: The group has launched more than 250 research-grade balloons, and the students of Earth to Sky Calculus are widely recognized as leading experts in this type of exploration. Even NASA has visited the group’s launch site near Bishop, California to observe and learn from their procedures. Recent graduates of Earth to Sky have been accepted at Princeton, Berkeley, Stanford, Dartmouth, the Maritime Academy, UC Irvine, Babson College, Kings College (London) and other top-notch schools. Their college success is particularly remarkable considering the tiny size and remote location of their home town.
When Earth to Sky launches a helium balloon, it ascends to a realm often called “the edge of space.” At altitudes of 100,000 feet or more, the noontime sky fades to black, stars pop out, and meteors can be seen in broad “daylight.” Air pressure drops to 1% of sea level; and temperatures fall to -70 C or cooler. Meanwhile, as the surroundings darken and chill, the dose rate of cosmic radiation increases to 100x Earth-normal. These environmental conditions are akin to the surface of the planet Mars.
The balloons carry payloads focusing on three kinds of research: developing a biological radiation sensor, monitoring cosmic rays in the atmosphere, stress-testing Mars microbles.
How do we pay for all this?
Earth to Sky Calculus has no grants or government support. Each and every one of our flights is paid for selling the products we fly to the stratosphere sold in this store or by small contributions, usually amounting to no more than $500—the minimum cost to launch a flight.
No Trekkie Christmas tree is complete without The Arena Ornament. This rare Hallmark keepsake depicts the reptilian Gorn poised to deliver a death blow to Capt. James T. Kirk on the planet Cestus III. It’s a famous scene from The Original Series episode “Arena” first broadcast on January 19, 1967.
The ornament flew to the edge of space on June 14, 2024, onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon. It lingered in the stratosphere 111,549 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California for 3 hours while radiation sensors gathered data for a student science project. After the balloon exploded, as planned, the payload parachuted back to Earth, landing in Deep Springs Valley near Bishop, California.
The ornament comes with a Christmas card showing Kirk and the Gorn in flight, and certifying they have traveled to the edge of space and back again.
It’s the logical way to decorate your Christmas tree–with a rare Mr. Spock ornament. This one has been to the edge of space. On Sept. 22, 2022, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched Spock to the stratosphere on board a cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight, Spock floated 117,710 feet above the Vulcan-like desert east of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
During the 2.5 hour flight, Spock experienced temperatures as low as -57 C and air pressures less than 0.08% of sea level. According to the radiation sensors, cosmic ray levels were 100 times Earth-normal as the ornament reached the top of our planet’s atmosphere and touched the edge of space. After the balloon exploded (as planned), the payload parachuted back to Earth, landing in Death Valley Wash on the outskirts of Death Valley National Park.
The students are selling Spock ornaments to pay the helium bill for their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the science officer in flight and telling the story of his trip to the stratosphere and back again.
This ornament has gone where no Christmas decoration has been before–the stratosphere. On Oct 9, 2022, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched Capt. Kirk on board a cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight, he floated 109,620 feet above California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
During the 2.3 hour flight, Kirk experienced temperatures as low as -58 C and air pressures less than 0.09% of sea level. According to the radiation sensors, cosmic ray levels were 100 times Earth-normal as the ornament reached the top of our planet’s atmosphere and touched the edge of space. After the balloon exploded (as planned), the payload parachuted back to Earth, landing in the Inyo Mountains near Bishop, CA.
The students are selling Kirk ornaments to pay the helium bill for their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the Captain of the Enterprise in flight and telling the story of his trip to the stratosphere and back again.
This 2011 Hallmark Star Trek glow in the dark USS Defiant ornament is a must-have for collectors and Star Trek fans alike. The ornament features the iconic ship with intricate details and a special glow in the dark feature. It was exclusively released at Comic Con in 2011 and is a rare find for collectors. The ornament is in excellent condition and comes from a smoke-free home. Add this unique piece to your collection or gift it to a fellow Star Trek enthusiast.Screenshot
No. 102b Released: July 9, 2022 Ornament: 102b.1: U.S.S. Enterprise Tree Topper (Storyteller). 102b.2: Delta remote
Pros: The best-produced Hallmark Enterprise to date—an absolutely stunning piece that needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a showstopper atop any Trek-themed Christmas tree, combining exceptional detail with impressive size and presence. Cons: One of the charming aspects of Trek trees in years past was the variety of unique, often homemade toppers that showcased fans’ creativity. With Hallmark’s official tree topper now widely available, many trees are beginning to look similar—a small trade-off for having such a wonderful, high-quality ornament.
Pros: Fantastic likeness with remarkable attention to detail in the sculpt and coloring. This ornament beautifully captures Uhura’s strength and grace, making it a standout piece in the Storytellers series. Cons: None. A fitting and elegant tribute to one of Star Trek’s most beloved characters and the best Uhura sculpt to date.
This ornament almost snuck past me because “2011” and “Defiant” are two missing keywords from the ebay heading and description.
New /used took out of box to check it out when bought only came out once perfect condition box is in good condition but not perfect see photos only 700 made very rare
Pros: Although missing the texture, the detail and coloring of Kirk’s sleeveless wraparound tunic is perfect. Cons: Kirk’s facial features are mostly there. I think William Shatner’s face continues to be a challenging sculpt.
No. 099b Released: July 9, 2022 Ornament: Lt. Hikaru Sulu (Storyteller) Series: Star Trek: The Original Series Product code: QXI7876 Artist: Uncredited Original retail: $34.99 Dimensions: 4.47” H x 1.55” W x 1“ D Branding: Keepsake Material: Styrene Packaging: White front, red top, large image Magic: Interactive light and sound Power source: Keepsake Power Cord Front box text: Hallmark KEEPSAKE STAR TREK LIEUTENANT HIKARU SULU STAR TREK MIRROR, MIRROR COLLECTION christmas tree ornament décoration pour l’arbre de noël Back box text: A Keepsake is much more than an ornament. It’s a little work of art, created by a real person with a real passion to tell a big story. From the people and things you love, to memories of the past, to the anticipation of something new. Your Keepsake honors and celebrates everything that makes the holidays special- joy, togetherness, family, and friends. When you hang a Keepsake, you’re hanging the story of you. Happy hanging! Connect this ornament to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord to see the continuous light effect. Press the button to watch it perform an exciting scene from the classic original series episode “Mirror, Mirror.” Add other STAR TREK™ Mirror, Mirror Collection ornaments to unlock larger, amazingly interactive performances! Requires Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (not included). Complete instructions and safety information enclosed inside this box. MFD. FOR/FABRIQUE POUR HALLMARK MARKETING COMPANY, LLC KANSAS CITY, MO 64141 MADE IN CHINA artist crafted Bottom box text: For decorative use only. Pour usage décoratif seulement. QX17876 STARTREK.COM TM & 2022 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. “THEME FROM STAR TREK” By Alexander Courage Published by Bruin Music Company and All Rights Administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. U.S.A. $34.99 CAN. $44.99 Additional information:
Pros: The Storytellers series stands in a class of its own, boasting highly detailed sculpts and engaging interactive audio that connects with numerous ornaments across the collection. This Sulu figure is a standout addition, rich with character and craftsmanship. Cons: None. A truly exceptional ornament that delights both visually and audibly.
Image from “Mirror, Mirror” showing the absence of the Terran Empire symbol on the saucer section.
In regard to the Terran Empire insignia, I do hear ya but that’s how the licensor was wanting things back then. We were not the only ones in that situation.
No. 096 Released: July 13, 2019 Ornament: Tribble (Brown) Series: Star Trek: The Original Series Product code: QXI3667 Artist: Uncredited Original retail: $19.99 Dimensions: 3.38” H x 4.5 W x 3.38“ D Branding: Keepsake Material: Fabric Packaging: White front with red sides Magic: Sound and Motion Power source: (3) LR44 Batteries Front box text: magic Hallmark KEEPSAKE STAR TREK TRIBBLE STAR TREK™ christmas tree ornament décoration pour l’arbre de noël Back box text: A Keepsake is much more than an ornament. It’s a little work of art, created by a real person with a real passion to tell a big story. From the people and things you love, to memories of the past, to the anticipation of something new. Your Keepsake honors and celebrates everything that makes the holidays special- joy, togetherness, family, and friends. When you hang a Keepsake, you’re hanging the story of you. Happy hanging! Open flap on bottom of ornament to access battery compartment. Insert included batteries using small screwdriver and slide switch to ON. Squeeze the ornament to feel it move and hear tribble sounds! BATTERY OPERATED. Batteries included. MFD. FOR/FABRIQUE POUR HALLMARK MARKETING COMPANY, LLC KANSAS CITY, MO 64141 MADE IN CHINA 0519 fabric Bottom box text: STARTREK.COM TM & 2019 CBS and related marks Studios Inc. and logos STAR TREK are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. QX13667 U.S.A. $19.99 CAN. $24.99 Additional information: According to intergalactic trader Cyrano Jones, there is only one love that money can buy: a tribble. Add this ball of fuzzy love to your Christmas tree to keep away Klingons or simply to bring memories of the classic episode “The Trouble With Tribbles” from the Star Trek original television series. Squeeze this plush fabric Christmas tree ornament to see it vibrate and coo (battery-operated). Magic Sound and Motion Christmas tree ornament. Touch the ornament to feel it move and hear its soothing sounds. Pros: Wonderfully brings your Christmas tree to life with its playful shaking action when activated—a delightful nod to one of Trek’s most beloved creatures. Cons: Not quite as plush or cuddly as the tribbles seen on TV, which might disappoint fans hoping for a softer, more tactile ornament.
Those are fair comments. Not just ornaments but any consumer products produced early in a TV show’s run feel like missed opportunities as time passes. I do have a soft spot in my heart for this one for a couple of reasons. Doug Jones is a great friend of us who work at Hallmark’s booth at Comic-Con International in San Diego, so I enjoyed capturing his character in ornament form. I also got the chance to give one of these to Sonequa Martin-Green when we attended a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas in 2019. She had not seen it before I gave it to her, and her joy was very apparent.
Pros: Offers impressive detail for a decoupage ornament, capturing the essence of the iconic shuttlecraft beautifully. Cons: None—this ornament delivers exactly what it sets out to be and does so successfully.
Pros: Originally offered at a very affordable price, making it accessible to many collectors. Cons: Has since become a highly sought-after item, reselling for as much as $300—making it a tough find and expensive investment for new collectors.
Hallmark Star Trek Ornaments 