The delayed plans to send Vancouver-born actor James Doohan’s ashes to space are back on track again, with a launch date set for this fall. Doohan, who played chief engineer Scotty on the original Star Trek TV series, died July 20, 2005, at age 85. Plans were made to send some of his ashes into space this year – it was one of his last requests – but a fire aboard a rocket in March resulted in a delay of the launch. Space Services Inc., a private Houston company, now plans the launch for Oct. 21, spokesperson Susan Schonfeld said Monday. Also on the flight will be ashes of former NASA astronaut Gordon Cooper. And there is plenty of room, so Space Services is taking reservations for other ashes as well, Schonfeld said. "He was such a beloved character that everybody wants to be on this particular launch with Scotty," she said, explaining what she said is a strong demand. "(People) want to make sure that their loved one is with Scotty." The company offers a price structure with various options, including $495 US for one gram of ashes. The company says it pioneered "post-cremation memorial spaceflights" with the launch of remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and ’60s pop icon Timothy Leary into space in 1997.
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