Tweet

Everyone’s favorite helmsman has found his way into space again, according to SciFi Wire. George Takei, famous for playing Hiraku Sulu in the original Star Trek series, has had an asteroid named after him. The asteroid formerly known as “1994 GT9″ will now be known as “7307 Takei”. The name change was approved by the Committee on Small Body Nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union.

Said Takei: “I am honored, indeed transported to the galaxies, to know that my name has been assigned to an astronomical object in our solar system, I am yet to come down to Earth.” (SciFi Wire)

So while Takei is no longer at the helm of the USS Enterprise, guiding it on its journey through space, he will be forever represented by 7307 Takei. The asteroid was discovered in 1994 by two Japanese astronomers, and the current name was suggested by Tom H. Burbine, a Massachusetts astronomer.

Takei has recently completed a role as Hiro’s father on the NBC hit series Heroes.