‘Star Trek’s’ Nichelle Nichols’ ashes to be launched into space
Nichelle Nichols, better known as Communications Officer Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on “Star Trek: The Original Series” may have passed away at the age of 89 on July 30, but the ground-breaking actress has one more flight ahead of her, and it’s a flight that will take her where few have gone before.
Later this year, the beloved actresses’ ashes will be launched into space aboard “United Launch Alliance’s aptly named Vulcan rocket,” according to Fox News.
In charge of the launch is Celestis Inc., a privately owned company that, since 1994, has been “launching cremated remains into near-space, Earth orbit, Moon & beyond”. Nichols’ ashes will be joining those of her Star Trek associates James “Scotty” Doohan, and Gene Roddenberry (Star Trek creator and producer) and Majel Barrett Roddenberry (Star Trek actress.)
Nichols’ role as Uhura began back in 1966 and earned her accolades for breaking stereotypes that had limited Black women to acting roles as servants and included an interracial onscreen kiss with co-star William Shatner that was unheard of at the time.
Following her death, Shatner tweeted: “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world.” ~ ABC News
Fans can send tribute messages along with Nichols’ ashes aboard her space flight, by going to the the flight’s website.
For more on Star Trek icon Nichelle Nichols and her ashes being launched into space, see the video accompanying this article.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
