The best laid plans of mice and men often go askew. Thats what happened in the trouble-plagued saga of James Doohans ashes.

After the long-delayed launch of the remains the actor best known as Scotty from "Star Trek" took place on April 28, the payload containing the remains returned to Earth after a sub-orbital flight ... and then vanished.

"The steep canyons and mountain terrain reflects the radio frequency making directional finding almost impossible," wrote UP Aerospace president Jerry Larson at Live Science Blogs. He explained that there were high winds around the rough terrain in the mountainous region of the White Sands Missile Range where the vessel containing some of the ashes of Doohan, Astronaut Gordon Cooper, and more 200 other people, parachuted down after the launch.

The family, friends and fans of Doohan had waited two years for his remains to be launched into space for a brief orbit around the earth, joining "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry who had a similar act done nearly a decade ago. revious plans were thwarted, the first time because the flight was delayed by tests, and the second time after a similar spacecraft developed a fuel leak and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Doohan's widow Wende and Suzan Cooper -- widow of Gordon Cooper -- pushed the button to ignite the rocket as hundreds of spectators, including family and friends, news reporters and fans watched the launch. There was also a memorial service in honor of the individuals sent into orbit.

Doohan died July 20, 2005, leaving behind his wife and several children.

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