STAR TREK - SCOTTY ASHES TO BE SENT TO SPACE

The ashes of late STAR TREK actor JAMES DOOHEN will be sent into space following his funeral service.

The Canadian TV veteran, who played engineer SCOTTY in the cult sci-fi series, died at his Washington home yesterday (20JUL05) after suffering from pneumonia and Alzheimer's at the age of 85.

His agent STEVE STEVENS and wife WENDE are in discussions to send the actor's ashes into the galaxy on a rocket, after Doohen expressed the wish before his death.

Doohen's wish will follow in the footsteps of Star Trek creator GENE RODDENBERRY, whose ashes orbited the earth for six years from 1997.

It is expected the remains of Doohen and Star Trek writer JOHN MEREDYTH LUCAS will be shot into space in September (05) on board a Falcon 1 rocker, which will be launched from the Vanderberg Air Force base in California.