Launch delayed for Scotty's remains

\nPlans to launch the remains of \"Star Trek\" actor James Doohan into space have been delayed pending rocket tests according to event organizers.\n\nDoohan, who played \"Star Trek\" favorite Scotty since the series' first airing in 1966, died in July from complications of pneumonia and Alzheimer's at the age of 85.\n\nThe actor's last wishes were to have his remains launched into space by Space Services Inc.'s Memorial Spaceflight program which purports to make it \"possible to honor the dream and memory of your departed loved one by launching a symbolic portion of cremated remains in Earth's orbit, on the Lunar surface or deep space.\" The Houston-based company teams with commercial launch organizations to help pay for the service. \n\nAccording to Reuters, Charles Chafer of Space Services said the flight was likely to be delayed from December 6th until at least February because engineers need to do some more engine tests on the rocket. No word on a date for the public memorial service that was scheduled the day before the launch at the Space Endeavor Center, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. \n\nDoohan follows a fellow Trekkie into outer space. Space Services also launched the ashes of \"Star Trek\" creator Gene Roddenberry who died in 1991. According to Chafer, the remains of 200 other people from around the world will be on Doohan's flight.\n\nWende Doohan, James' wife of 28 years, has invited fans to send words of tribute that will be digitized and sent with Doohan on his voyage.\n\nDoohan's cremated remains will be packed into a tube that is ejected from the rocket and expected to orbit Earth for about 50 to 200 years. - Shannon Nolley