Celestis, Inc. announced that a portion of Nichelle Nichols’ ashes will be sent into space via the Enterprise Flight (via The Wrap). A DNA sample, which will be provided by her son Kyle Johnson, will also be sent out on the mission.
Charles M. Chafer, co-Founder and CEO of Celestis, Inc., shared a statement about Nichelle Nichols’ flight to the stars.
“We are truly honored to add a legendary actress, activist, and educator to the Enterprise Flight manifest,” Chafer 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.”
Johnson also shared his thoughts on the honor.
“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!”
Nichols will be joined on United Launch Alliance’s aptly named Vulcan rocket by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, his wife Majel Barrett Roddenberry, fellow The Original Series actor James “Scotty” Doohan, and VFX maestro and Hollywood icon Douglas Trumbull on what is being called “a once-in-a-lifetime Star Trek Reunion flight.”
Nichelle Nichols played Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series. She was the first Black woman in a leading role in a network television series and she portrayed a character who rose above the stereotypes of Hollywood’s past. Nichols passed away at the age of 89 earlier this July.
The Enterprise Flight will launch later this year.
