Late Actress Nichelle Nichols To Have Her Ashes Blasted Into Deep Space As Part Of A Special ‘Enterprise Mission’

Late Actress Nichelle Nichols To Have Her Ashes Blasted Into Deep Space As Part Of A Special ‘Enterprise Mission’

Late “Star Trek” legend Nichelle Nichols is heading back to space.

According to reports, Nichelle Nichols ashes and DNA will be flown into space in a special “Enterprise mission.” United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur mission will first deliver a robotic lunar lander later this year to scout for NASA’s future Artemis flights to the moon, but then it will continue deeper into the solar system for the “Star Trek” tribute.

Nichols will not be alone on the mission as ashes and DNA from other departed “Star Trek” pioneers will join her. This includes; James Doohan (Scotty), Majel Barrett Roddenberry (Nurse Chapel), the TV series creator Gene Roddenberry, and visual-effects extraordinaire Douglas Trumbull.

Nichelle Nichols

The memorial mission is being organized by Houston-based company Celestis, which is the first company to have successfully conducted memorial space flight missions.

It appears Nichelle Nichols’ son, Kyle Johnson is fully behind the project. He said,

“I’m sure she would have much preferred to go on the shuttle but this is a pretty close second.”

As previously reported, Nichols passed away from natural causes on July 30 at the age of 89. Her son confirmed the news the next day via her official Facebook page. The post reads,

“Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World

I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.

Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. 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”

Nichelle Nichols, her son Kyle, and actor George Takei

The statement continues,

“Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.

Live Long and Prosper,

Kyle Johnson”

Nichelle Nichols was an entertainer best known for her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” and its film adaptations.

In 1992, the actress was awarded a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2016, she made history as the first woman to receive The Life Career Award, from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.