The family of one of Shatner's co-stars played close attention when he flew to space.
Shatner's flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spaceship inspired worldwide tributes and discussion about "Star Trek," a series that embedded diversity into its framework from the start.
The family of Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock, wished he could have flown, according to Space.com. The actor died of COPD at the age of 83. The family made a documentary about the disease.
Michael Strahan and crew are on a record-setting suborbital spaceflight.
The "LLAP" symbol, Spock's slogan on behalf of the Vulcan alien race, was the subject of a sterling silver necklace that Julie asked an artist to create.
Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of Alan Shepard, was on the Blue Origin mission. On May 5, 1961, the elder Shepard lifted off on NASA's first human spaceflight.
A necklace with the Live Long and Prosper sign from "Star Trek" was put on the Blue Origin flight manifest. The daughter of Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in "Star Trek", is shown wearing a necklace in a photo. The Family of Leonard Nimoy has an image on their website.
"My dad was a huge fan of science and technology, and I'm certain that he would have joined Shatner on his flight," Julie said.
"There's no question that dad was very proud of the fact that he inspired generations of astronauts, scientists and engineers towards careers in space technology and exploration," he said. I'm certain he would have used the opportunity to spread a message of hope and inspiration to all.
The LLAP hand symbol is a unique item and not available for sale. David Knight reached out to Blue Origin shortly after the Shatner flight with the idea of a tribute, and he was honored to hear back within minutes.
The LLAP sign is used in a picture from "Star Trek". CBS/Paramount has an image.
Knight told Space.com that they got back to them very quickly and said, "Yes, yes, yes, we want to do this." It made us feel good because Leonard loved this. LLAP was something that he was very close to. I think it means more now.
The image of Spock being used for vaccination campaigns is something the family is happy about, and they are also happy with the newer versions of "Star Trek" airing. They said that "Discovery" is one of the newer family favorites.
Knight said the family works to keep the space community engaged with Spock's symbol, and are excited about ongoing fundraising for a memorial to Leonard Nimoy planned to be at the Museum of Science in Boston. The LLAP symbol will be included in the sculpture. The campaign can be accessed here.
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