The late actress Nichelle Nichols, best known as Lieutenant Uhura on “Star Trek,” will become the latest member of the 1960s television series to be memorialized by having some of her earthly remains flown into space.
Nichols, who died on July 30 at age 89, is credited with helping shatter racial stereotypes and redefining Hollywood roles for Black actors at the height of the U.S. Civil Rights movement, as one of the first Black women to portray an empowered character on network television.
Now she has been added to the posthumous passenger manifest of a real-life rocketship due to carry a collection of vials containing cremated ashes and DNA samples from dozens of departed space enthusiasts on a final, and eternal voyage around the sun, according to organizers of the tribute.A date for the launch has not yet been set.
Other “Star Trek” cast members and executives who have had remains launched into space include James Doohan, who played the show’s chief engineer Scotty, and “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberrry. Also joining the launch will be the remains of Roddenberry’s wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, who played nurse Christine Chapel on the series, and the renowned sci-fi visual effects artist Douglas Trumbull, whose work was featured in such films as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.”
The launch is organized by Celestis Inc, a Texas-based company that has created a unique niche in the burgeoning commercial space sector by offering a measure of cosmic immortality to customers that can afford a dramatic send-off, which contracts with private rocket ventures.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Godspeed, Uhura: A Bit of Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols Will Go to SpaceThe ashes and DNA of Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura on 'Star Trek' and passed away this summer, will soon be sent to the final frontier.
Read more »
Sci-Fi icon and 'Star Trek' star Nichelle Nichols' ashes to be rocketed into deep spaceNichols' acting career spanned decades. The trailblazing actress died on July 31 at the age of 89. Her remains will join those of the creator of 'Star Trek.'
Read more »
‘Star Trek‘ Nichelle Nichols’ Ashes Will Be Sent To SpaceThe late Nichelle Nichols' ashes will be sent into space with several other members of the original ‘Star Trek’ crew:
Read more »
Ashes of Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols Will Boldly Go to Deep SpaceCremated remains of Nichelle Nichols will launch on the appropriately named Enterprise Flight to deep space.
Read more »
‘Star Trek’ Legend Nichelle Nichols’ Ashes Will Be Sent to Deep SpaceCelestis, a private space flight company that works with NASA, will include a portion of the franchise star and history-maker's ashes on a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket later this year.
Read more »