‘Star Trek: Voyager’ Launches Into New Season With Mulgrew At Helm

Age-old questions endure in the 24th century.

Of these, many are raised anew by “Star Trek: Voyager,” which is the fourth “Star Trek” to boldly roam (and to boldly split infinitives) in the vast recesses of the cosmos. The flagship of the UPN mini-network since its launch last January, “Voyager” begins a new season this week.

But someone answer us this: How could there be so much square footage on those “Star Trek” spaceships? Even with the stripped-down USS Voyager (capacity: just 200), you feel like you’re on a Carnival Cruise.

Another question. Why are crew members so stiff and formal with each other? How about once in a while a high-five, a playful wedgie, the occasional “Yo, Neelix, hiya doon?” Dude, this is just space travel, not an audience with the queen!

One final thing: Does playing a Starfleet captain loosen an actor’s grip on reality?

“It’s a way of life, it’s a responsibility, it’s a role model,” says Kate Mulgrew, who seems to have merged a bit too thoroughly with Capt. Kathryn Janeway, the first female to command a Star Trek spacecraft.

Mulgrew has become Janeway’s greatest disciple.

“When you love a character as much as I love this woman, you even fall in love with what she loves,” Mulgrew says. “She is a passionate scientist, and while science had never really piqued my interest before, I now find it provocative.

“Janeway,” she sums up, “is the greatest challenge I could have as an actress.”

Still, questions persist ….

Will the Voyager find its way back to Federation space?

Will Mulgrew ever come back down to earth?

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‘VOYAGER’ ON CABLE The season premiere of “Star Trek: Voyager” will air on KAYU-Channel 28 (channel 3 on Cox Cable) at 6 p.m. Saturday (replay at 10 p.m.).