The late Nichelle Nichols is set to have her ashes boldly go where very few have gone before.
Nichols, best known for her portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek series, will have her ashes carried into space on an Enterprise flight through Celestis Inc., according to a report.
The actress died at the age of 89 on July 31.
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Her ashes will be carried 90 million to 190 million miles on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, along with those of James Doohan, who portrayed Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, and Douglas Trumbull, a pioneer of visual effects, according to the report.
The launch is slated for later this year.
“We are truly honored to add a legendary actress, activist, and educator to the Enterprise Flight manifest,” Charles Chafer, co-founder and CEO of Celestis Inc., said.
“Now our Enterprise Flight will have on board the person who most completely embodied the vision of Star Trek as a diverse, inclusive, and exploring universe.”
Nichols’s son, Kyle Johnson, will accompany his mother’s ashes, the report noted.
“My only regret is that I cannot share this eternal tribute standing beside my mother at the launch,” Johnson, who will be required to submit DNA, said.
“I know she would be profoundly honored for this unique experience and enthusiastically encourage all of her fans to join us vicariously by contributing your thoughts, affections, memories, NN inspired successes, dreams, and aspirations via email to be launched with her on this flight! WOW!”
Nichols is widely respected for breaking racial barriers and her work with NASA.
“Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazing actress, advocate, and dear friend to NASA,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, according to a release.
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“At a time when black women were seldom seen on screen, Nichelle’s portrayal as Nyota Uhura on Star Trek held a mirror up to America that strengthened civil rights. Nichelle’s advocacy transcended television and transformed NASA.”
