Capt. Kirk Reportedly Headed For Space

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After all these years, it seems that actor William Shatner, almost as well known as Capt. James Tiberius Kirk, is heading to the final frontier. The 90-year-old actor, who played arguably the world’s second most famous astronaut (Neil Armstrong has to be number one) in the cult classic 1960s TV series “Star Trek,” is reportedly taking a 15-minute hop to the Karman Line (62 miles ASL) courtesy of Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin. It will make him the oldest person to go to space. 

So far Shatner, a Canadian-born actor who is still active in Hollywood with a variety of cable television shows, commercials and guest appearances, hasn’t confirmed the stories but he has hinted that it’s on his bucket list. Last year he said in a virtual Comic-Con appearance dealing with NASA’s Artemis program that he was working on it. “There’s a possibility that I’m going to go up for a brief moment and come back down,” he said, according to space.com. Just when the flight will occur isn’t clear but it’s already being planned as a made-for-TV event. A film crew has already started shooting the lead-up to the flight, according to the Daily Beast.

Russ Niles
Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. After all those stardates of time and intergalactic travel I’m happy to see the Captain/Admiral may finally get to experience weightlessness.

    Maybe child’s play tho compared to experiencing Scotties’ teleportation, just saying.

  2. Sending our renowned Captain Kirk into (suborbital) space certainly would get Bezos and Blue Origin a short burst of media attention – not much more. But nowadays, it seems that favorable PR, eyeballs, views and clicks are all that matter.

    I certainly hope that he doesn’t run into any Klingons or Romulans during his brief 15 minute ride.

  3. I’m glad for Shatner.

    I’m a lifelong Star Trek fan and I especially enjoy and appreciate Shatner.

    I had the privilege of meeting him 2 years ago in Spokane. Friendly, funny, personable, approachable, and all around good guy. I wish him every happiness.

  4. The guy is just awesome! Shatner rules! We’ll of course gloss over TJ Hooker. The rest of his work… outstanding. Go Bill Go!

  5. “I haven’t faced death. I’ve cheated death. I’ve tricked my way out of death and patted myself on the back for my ingenuity; I know nothing.” James T. Kirk

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