Star Trek actor James Doohan, who played the engineer Scotty in the original TV series, will now have his remains blasted into space in October.

The actor's ashes were supposed to be sent into orbit last year, but the flight was delayed as tests were carried out on the rocket.

Doohan died of Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia in July 2005, aged 85.

His family will hold a service on the day of the rocket's launch for fans to pay tribute to him.

The actor's ashes will be sent into space along with the remains of around 100 other people, including astronaut Gordon Cooper, who first went to space in 1963.

After a short flight, the rocket will return to Earth, with a subsequent launch putting Doohan's remains into orbit in December or January.

They will remain there for several years, after which they will drop back towards Earth, burning up on re-entry.
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