Nichelle Nichols, best known for starring as Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek, sadly passed away back in July.
The late star will have her ashes added to the payload of a rocket that will be launching into space later this year.
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Nichols was best known for the portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in Star Trek.
She played the role in Star Trek: The Original Series and 6 franchise films.
Her death was confirmed in an Instagram post by her son Kyle Johnson, who wrote:
“Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
It is believed that Nichols died from natural causes.
And now, it has been revealed that Nichols’ ashes will go somewhere where very few have gone…
As they will be be going into space.
The name of the flight that will be carrying Nichols’ remains is the Vulcan rocket, and is set to launch later this year.
Nichols will live long and prosper among the stars through Celestis Inc.
The rocket will be carrying Nichols’ ashes, as well as the Star Trek creators: Gene Roddenberry, James Doohan, and Majel Barrett Roddenberry.
Once the remains are released, they will go into a so-called “graveyard orbit” around the sun.
“We are truly honored to add a legendary actress, activist, and educator to the Enterprise Flight manifest,” Charles M. Chafer, co-founder and CEO of Celestis, said in a press release.
“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,” Chafer said.
“I’m sure she would have much preferred to go on the shuttle but this is a pretty close second,” Nichols’ son, Kyle Johnson, said in the press release.
“My only regret is that I cannot share this eternal tribute standing beside my mother at the launch,” Johnson 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!” he added.
The flight is expected to travel between 150 to 300 million kilometers into the depths of space.
Fans are highly encouraged to submit their names and tribute to Nichols as part of a worldwide public memorial page.
