JamesDoohan
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SpaceX's rocket destroys Scotty's space-bound ashes in a demonstration of tremendous irony
Finely riding that razored edge between tragedy and comedy, the New York Times reports that not only did the SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket lose its three satellites and fail to reach orbit during a recent launch, but it also destroyed the remains of actor James Doohan, best known as the original Star Trek's Chief Engineer "Scotty." The actor's ashes -- as well as those of over 200 others -- were being carried into orbit by the rocket when complications with the ship's stage separation led to the (assumed) destruction of the craft. This recent mishap puts a sad period on the end of the sentence that already included an earlier loss and eventual recovery of the remains.[Via Slashdot]
Scotty's ashes found in New Mexico mountains
Alright, Scotty, let's try this again. Not long after the rocket carrying James "Scotty" Doohan's ashes into space crash-landed off course in New Mexico, the payload container has been found in the mountains of the White Sands Missile Range. (Clarification: it was Earthbound from the start, just not mountains-bound.) The container, which also holds some 200 other peoples' ashes, including original Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper, is reportedly in "good shape", and the Celestis International, which runs the Legacy Flight service, is planning on returning the lipstick-sized ash capsules to the family members of the departed, along with "mementos" of the launch. Scotty's got one more shot at space, however: later this year some more of his and Cooper's ashes are due to make an orbital trip on SpaceX's Falcon 1 rocket, remaining there until they re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. Let's hope she canna teek some more this time, eh?[Via First Coast News]
Scotty's ashes crash land after failed flight
It's no surprise to Trekkies that James "Scotty" Doohan's final wish be that his ashes be launched into space. Apparently Space Services Inc., the company tasked with the "memorial spaceflight" gave her everything they got, cap'n, but the rocket carrying Scotty's ashes just couldna teek namoore, and crash landed in treacherous New Mexico terrain. Apparently the search for Doohan's ashes (as well as the 200 some-odd other peoples' spacebound remains) continues, as SSI insists the 20-foot rocket will be recovered, and its passengers will be delivered to the final frontier. In a manner of speaking, that is.
