Lt. Uhura Is Taking One Final Space Flight
Nichelle Nichols' ashes will be launched into space aboard the Vulcan rocket.
‘Star Trek’ legend Nichelle Nichols made history for becoming one of the only Black actors to star in the original hit series as Lt. Nyota Uhura in 1966.
Though she never physically went to space, her ashes will be sent up to deep space to honor her legacy.
Nichols’ ashes will embark on a rocket called 'Vulcan' later in the year by Texas-based company Celestis, as part of their 'memorial spaceflight services' for those wanting to celebrate the life of their loved ones. Her ashes will be launched into space along with the ashes of two other ‘Star Trek’ actors and the creator of the original series, Gene Roddenberry.
The trailblazing actress, who passed away at the age of 89 in late July, inspired Black women and girls to pursue STEM fields. She also became a spokesperson for NASA to encourage Black women to join the space agency. Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space in 1992, was inspired by Nichols to join NASA.
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