Two Space-age Pioneers take Final Trek

Two Space-age Pioneers take Final Trek

Bill Ernest, Jr.

Last year, In Truth-Or-Consequences New Mexico, at Spaceport America--- the only known commercial “space-port" in our solar system --- actor James DoohanJames Doohan’s ashes were placed aboard the private orbital rocket, SpaceLoft XL, and launched into outer space. Best known for his role as Mr. Scott on the 1960s’ sci-fi television series “Star Trek,” the 85yo thespian’s remains, along with the ashes of 200 other souls, briefly entered orbit on Saturday before falling some 70+ miles back to Earth. The space capsule was then retrieved and all remains recovered for later mounting on plaques to commemorate this “stellar" event.

Real-life star trekker, astronaut Gordon “Gordo” Cooper’s ashes were among 200 others aboard. Colonel Cooper (USAF Ret.) last slipped the surly bonds of earth in 1965 aboard the Gemini V when he set the space endurance record with 225+ hours in orbit, a record he had previously held after his Mercury flight in the “Faith 7.” Colonel Cooper was also the back-up commander for the Apollo X mission. Both men’s’ wives were in attendance and in fact pushed the “launch button” sending their husbands into the great unknown, something most wives would be envious of. “It was great,” Mrs. Wendy Doohan commented, “it was fun.”

This service is offered by the Houston based company, Space Services for a mere $495. Space Services Inc. teamed with British Tycoon and entrepreneur, Richard BransonRichard Branson’s new company, Virgin Galactic, and the State of New Mexico in the building of the $225 million spaceport. Virgin Galactic plans to send tourists into orbit and back again from Spaceport America by 2010. Living “space” Legends William ShatnerWilliam Shatner and Sigorney Weaver have already been recruited for that maiden voyage, as well as professional space cadet Paris HiltonParis Hilton.