Scotty's Ashes Beamed Up To Space

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

02 Apr 2007 11:59 PM

Okay, be honest. How many times have you used the phrase "Beam me up Scotty?" Whether you are a "Star Trek" fan or not, the iconic line from the original TV series is likely one you've heard or employed yourself since it was first used in the late 1960's. Decades later, the line is taking on new meaning as reports confirm that the ashes of James Doohan, who played chief engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott on the original show, are one step closer to being beamed up into space.

According to media reports, Doohan's cremated remains were placed aboard a spaceship Friday during a pre-flight task. The late actor's ashes (along with Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper and some 200 others) will remain in the rocket until it launches from New Mexico later this month. The opportunity to have one's remains blasted into the stratosphere comes courtesy a rocket firm which specializes in delivering people's ashes into outer space. The cost per person for the voyage will set you (or your loved ones) back about $500.

Doohan's ashes were inserted into a silver canister and put in place on the rocket by the chief executive of a Texas contractor who works with the company that offers the space age delivery service. The company hopes that Doohan's wish to be "beamed up" to the stars will encourage his fans to do the same. The practice of space burials is already somewhat of a tradition among "Trek" stars. In 1997, the ashes of series's creator Gene Roddenberry were blasted into outer space.

As for Doohan who died in 2005 at the age of 85 of pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease at his Redmond, Washington home, he only has a few more weeks to wait before his remains are beamed up for real.

Would you consider having your remains hurled into the stratosphere?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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