The "trailblazing" actress played Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series and its film sequels.
Tributes are pouring in to honour Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols following her death at the age of 89.
Her son Kyle Johnson confirmed in a statement that she passed away from natural causes.
"Her light, however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration," he wrote.
"Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all."
Nichols was best known for playing Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series from 1966 to 1969, a role which she reprised in the show's six film sequels.
In being cast in the show, the actress became one of the first black women to be featured in a major TV series.
Outside of Star Trek, she also worked with NASA on a successful programme to recruit more African-American and female personnel for the space agency.
Nichols' Star Trek co-star William Shatner paid tribute to her in a Twitter post that reads:
"I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US and throughout the world.
"I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family."
https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1553880848893558784
Fellow Star Trek: The Original Series cast member George Takei also paid tribute, describing Nichols as "trailblazing" and "incomparable".
"I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89," he wrote.
"For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend."
https://twitter.com/GeorgeTakei/status/1553828850987110401
Meanwhile, NASA called the actress a "role model" and said she "symbolised to so many what was possible".
"She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars," it said.
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1553843225588285440
You can read more tributes to Nichols below.
https://twitter.com/colmandomingo/status/1553832061500366849
https://twitter.com/IJasonAlexander/status/1553833009362612224
https://twitter.com/jjabrams/status/1553834506787889159
https://twitter.com/RealLyndaCarter/status/1553830659268943872
https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/1553918275746115584
https://twitter.com/violadavis/status/1553940433457274881
