A firsthand recap of Nichelle Nichol's NASA mission
Nichelle Nichols, the 84 year old who played Uhura, has been on a space mission of her own. The pioneering actress continued to push forward as she took a trip with NASA's SOFIA telescope into the upper stratosphere in 2015.
Both Nichols and the SOFIA crew documented the voyage on social media. We've been priming you for this special trek for a while. Now it's time to see Nichols in action. Here's a recap from Twitter if you missed it. We are particularly fond of her throwing up the Spock sign.
I’m excited to fly on @NASA's SOFIA! What do you want to learn tonight? Tweet me or @SOFIATelescope, use #askNASA747pic.twitter.com/EOFeI6aihH
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 15, 2015It's flight day today! See some of pictures from training and orientation on the ship. https://t.co/yL2KjhqLuR#NASA747@SOFIAtelescope
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 15, 2015In my final briefing now for the @SOFIAtelescope flight! Check out this amazing video @NASAArmstrong released. https://t.co/EfGgiUm8hw
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 15, 2015Tonight we're studying formation of massive stars & evolution of planetary construction material w/ @NichelleIsUhurapic.twitter.com/kwDvSr8J8b
— SOFIAtelescope (@SOFIAtelescope) September 15, 2015We're on @SOFIAtelescope! I'll be answering a live Q&A as soon as we can connect. https://t.co/9Ud79ksomb#AskNASA747pic.twitter.com/7ZFv2mvP81
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 16, 2015Hailing frequencies open. We're live from the stratosphere w/ @NichelleIsUhura Send us your questions w/ #askNASA747pic.twitter.com/oTPhUz8frW
— SOFIAtelescope (@SOFIAtelescope) September 16, 2015The telescope is mounted on a sperical bearing to isolate it from aircraft motion & is stabilized w/ gyroscopes @theRealLaRocca#askNASA747
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 16, 2015It's designed so that the open door does not affect how the aircraft flies! @petchmo#askNASA747pic.twitter.com/Ct6u7diSjB
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 16, 2015We're now flying near Volcan, Canada! @NichelleIsUhura is on board! pic.twitter.com/KRrU5m7nab
— SOFIAtelescope (@SOFIAtelescope) September 16, 2015The teachers are bringing amazing science back to the classroom and touching the lives of children. Just wonderful! https://t.co/IVwR0RHhWg
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 16, 2015Beautiful aurora as seen through the windows! What a treat! #NASA747pic.twitter.com/jKoDdwBDJl
— SOFIAtelescope (@SOFIAtelescope) September 16, 2015It looks like the telescope is moving, but really the plane moves around the telescope. The telescope stays still!https://t.co/jrkWkJ1r1J
— SOFIAtelescope (@SOFIAtelescope) September 16, 2015Back on the ground, then heading home for some much needed rest. Thank you @SOFIAtelescope and #NASA747, this has been a dream.
— Nichelle Nichols (@NichelleIsUhura) September 16, 2015