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On October 22, 1992, the space shuttle Columbia embarked on a mission that carried a unique and sentimental payload: the ashes of Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of “Star Trek.” This launch realized Roddenberry’s lifelong aspiration of journeying into space, an ambition he was unable to fulfill while alive. The inclusion of his ashes on the shuttle was facilitated by NASA astronaut and shuttle commander James Wetherbee, who acted in accordance with the wishes of Roddenberry’s widow, Majel Barrett. The event remained undisclosed to the public for almost two years following the launch.
