Beam Me Up Scotty Into Space

Posted: May 22 2012

Read More: Ashes into space, Beam Me Up, James Doohan, Scotty, SpaceX, Star Trek

HOLLYWOOD – The ashes of actor James Doohan, who played ‘Scotty’ on the original ‘Star Trek’ series, have been blasted into space on board the Falcon-9 rocket that was launched by SpaceX on Tuesday.

The rocket, the first unmanned private ship to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) carries cargo and the ashed of 308 deceased individuals.

SpaceX tried together with Celestis to transport ‘Scotty’ and the ashes of 200 other individuals into space in 2008. The trip however wasn’t successful and several urns were lost in the process.

Celestis preserved part of the ashes however to ensure a second attempt to send the actor’s ashes into space would be possible.

The ashes are stored in the second step of the Falcon-9, which will circle around earth before the unmanned Dragon capsule will detach itself from the rocket.

Actor James Doohan as 'Scottie' in Star Trek. Photo Credit: Photo News

SpaceX engineers say the remains will circle above earth for about one year before being burned up by the earth’s atmosphere.

‘Scotty’ was the engineer on Star Trek, responsible for beaming up Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock and beaming them back safely to the ship Enterprise.

For many Star Trek fans, Scotty is equal to a cult figure. Blasting his ashes into space is the ultimate recognition the Trekkie community can bestow upon the actor.

James Doohan, passed away on July 20th 2005. The Canadian actor was know as a formidable voice actor, allowing him to change vocal accents with ease, such as the Scottish voice he used while playing Scottie in Star Trek.