'Star Trek' actress Nichelle Nichols' ashes to be launched into space
Late actress Nichelle Nichols will be undertaking one final journey, months after her death. And what better way to give her final send-off than to rocket her ashes into space? The actress was known for enthralling the world as Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura in the original 'Star Trek' television series and for being one of the first Black women on TV.
The 89-year-old died on July 30, 2022, of heart failure in New Mexico. Other icons from the show will also be joining her when the Celestial Memorial Spaceflights will lift off later this year. These include the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of 'Star Trek', his wife, Majel and James Doohan who essayed the role of Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in the television series.
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In a post uploaded on Instagram, Celestial Memorial Spaceflights confirmed the news. They shared an image of the late actress and wrote, "BREAKING NEWS! We are absolutely honored to announce that the late Nichelle Nichols will be joining the "crew" aboard the upcoming Celestis Enterprise Flight, headed to deep space later this year alongside several of her fellow Star Trek icons."
The company also announced the names of her fellow 'Star Trek' stars she would be joining: "🖖 Nichols joins Gene Roddenberry, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, and James "Scotty" Doohan on a groundbreaking journey that is the first of its kind."
Nichols reprised her role as Lt Commander Uhura across all six of the 'Star Trek' films from 1979 through 1991. Her character has also been featured in the animated series and several video games. She also featured on an episode of 'Futurama' in 2002.
Six days ago, on August 19, Celestis Enterprise Flight had originally announced the news of 'Star Trek' creator and his wife's last remains venturing into space with them. In another post on Instagram, they wrote: "The big 101 🎂 for late Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, today! After Gene passed, his family chose to send his ashes on a final adventure aboard Celestis Memorial Spaceflights - and he flies again soon, this time with Majel by his side!"
The company went on to inform all those interested that they could send their DNA or ashes of their loved ones to space with the illustrious "crew" of the television series. "Fly alongside Gene and many of his Star Trek cast on the upcoming Enterprise Flight! DNA and ashes accepted."