James Doohan as Montgomery Scott. (file photo)

The final wishes of former Star Trek actor James Doohan were honoured on Tuesday when his ashes were released into outer space.

The actor, who died in July, 2005, left specific instructions in his will to distribute his remains beyond Earth's atmosphere.

And, on Tuesday, a small urn containing a portion of Doohan's ashes was successfully sent into orbit via SpaceX's unmanned Falcon 9 rocket, which took off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

According to ABC News, the rocket was part of an in-space-for-profit burial business and contained the ashes of over 300 individuals.

The capsule will remain in orbit for about a year before burning up as it attempts to make its return.