The new US Space Force logo is gaining traction on social media for bearing a striking similarity to Star Trek's Starfleet Command logo.

President Donald Trump unveiled the Space Force logo on Friday and said on Twitter he had consulted with military leaders and designers before presenting the blue-and-white symbol.

Featuring an arrowhead shape centred on a planetary background, the symbol is encircled by the words "United States Space Force" and "Department of the Air Force".

Ahem. We are expecting some royalties from this... https://t.co/msYcJMlqjh — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 24, 2020

It also bears the date 2019 in Roman numerals, which is similar in design to that of Air Force Space Command, from which Space Force was created by legislation signed by Mr Trump in December.

"After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military!", Mr Trump tweeted.


The new logo, which appears to be a nod to Star Trek, sparked a reaction from fans of the TV show.

George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in the original Star Trek TV series and films, tweeted: "Ahem. We are expecting some royalties from this."

Another Twitter user posted a photo of the Star Trek Fleet Command logo alongside the new Space Force logo with the words: "Swell, now taxpayers get to pay for lawyers when you're sued by Paramount and the Roddenberry estate..."

"Donald Trump used our tax dollars for this "Magnificent Space Force" logo that looks like something from Star Wars," another tweet read.

Swell, now taxpayers get to pay for lawyers when you're sued by Paramount and the Roddenberry estate... pic.twitter.com/hd7RM20BYZ — Ned Pyle (@NerdPyle) January 24, 2020

Donald Trump used our tax dollars for this “Magnificent Space Force” logo that looks like something from Star Wars😳 — Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) January 24, 2020

lol did you just rip off Star Trek? — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) January 24, 2020

Space Force is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947.

Its main objective is to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets, rather than to put officers in orbit to conduct combat in outer space.

Space force: “hey can I copy your homework?”



Star Trek: “Yea just change it up a bit so it doesn’t look the same.”



Space force: “ok” pic.twitter.com/hvdglpgnpH — my cat & i are pro-choice (@non_fele) January 24, 2020

Star Trek gonna sue you. — Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) January 24, 2020

The idea of Space Force became a regular applause line for Mr Trump at his political rallies.

Originally, he wanted a Space Force that was "separate but equal" to the army, navy and air force, but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force.