Gene Roddenberry's Ashes In Space!

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, had his ashes sent into space after his death, which fits perfectly with the futuristic vision he brought to life through his work. After he passed away in 1991, a portion of his ashes was placed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1992 for a brief journey into space, making him one of the first people to have their remains sent beyond Earth.

Later, in 1997, another portion of his ashes was launched into orbit aboard a Pegasus XL rocket as part of a memorial spaceflight organized by Celestis, a company that specializes in space burials. His ashes orbited the Earth for about six years before re-entering the atmosphere and burning up in 2002.

Interestingly, his wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, who played multiple roles in Star Trek and was known as the "First Lady of Star Trek", had her ashes launched into space as well. In 2012, plans were announced to send both of their ashes deeper into space on a future mission, symbolizing their eternal journey together.

Photo Credit: Celestis Inc