Star Trek Actors and Creators Launch on Final Voyages
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Several stars and creators behind the iconic science fiction series “Star Trek” have received a final, truly “out of this world” tribute: their cremated remains have been sent into space, continuing the interstellar adventures they depicted on screen. This unique practice, facilitated by space memorial service provider celestis, serves as a lasting symbol of their legacy in the entertainment universe.
Honoring the Enterprise Crew
James Doohan, who portrayed Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, was among the first to embark on this celestial journey. Doohan’s ashes were launched into orbit aboard a Celestis mission in 1997, according to celestis’ official website. He was followed by the ashes of Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, the voice of the ship’s computer and wife of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, in 1999.
Gene Roddenberry’s Final Frontier
In 1997,Gene Roddenberry himself had a portion of his ashes launched into space,as reported by Space.com. A further portion of Roddenberry’s remains were sent to the International Space Station in April 2024, marking the first time human remains were sent to the ISS for commercial purposes, as detailed in a Celestis press release. This mission, Celestis Memorial Spaceflight ISS-01, cost $749,995 for the dedicated capsule containing Roddenberry’s remains.
Other Star Trek Pioneers Join the Journey
Nichelle Nichols, known for her role as Uhura, had her ashes sent into space in 2023, alongside those of her son, Kyle Johnson.This mission, Celestis Transporter-8, launched on December 13, 2023, and included a memorial spaceflight to lunar orbit, as stated by celestis. Jeffrey Combs, who played multiple roles in the “Star Trek” franchise, also had a portion of his remains launched into space via Celestis in 2024.
Celestis offers various space memorial options, ranging from Earth Rise flights to lunar orbit and deep space voyages, with prices starting at $2,995, according to their pricing page.
