Astronaut Pays Heartwarming Homage To Leonard Nimoy From The International Space Station

Despite only having three seasons on television, Star Trek captured the minds, hearts and imaginations of the entire nation. The iconic sci-fi show premiered on Sept. 8, 1966 on NBC, and nearly 50 years later it still has profound effects on society. One of most beloved characters on the show was officer Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, who sadly passed away on Friday at the age of 83-years-old. Nimoy said goodbye with one remarkable last Tweet, but now others want to say goodbye to the legendary actor.

NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke and ESA European Space Agency Astronaut Luca Parmitano pay their respects to the fellow space traveler in an emotional video farewell. They reflect on how Starfleet officer Spock fueled inspiration in space exploration.

Then on Saturday around 11 a.m., the International Space Station’s orbit brought it high above the Northeast United States. Once Massachusetts was in his vantage point from his window in the I.S.S., NASA astronaut Terry Virts paid a stirring tribute to Leonard Nimoy’s home town of Boston with the Vulcan salute. Just a tremendous gesture by the astronaut here.