Journal: Star Trek's Chief Engineer "Scotty" Ashes Toast

Finely riding that razored edge between tragedy and comedy, the New York Times reports http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/science/space/03launchweb.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin that not only did the SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket lose its three satellites and fail to reach orbit during a recent launch, but it also destroyed the remains of actor James Doohan, best known as the original Star Trek's Chief Engineer "Scotty." The actor's ashes -- as well as those of over 200 others -- were being carried into orbit by the rocket when complications with the ship's stage separation led to the (assumed) destruction of the craft.