Star Trek Takes to the Stars: William Shatner’s Milestone Flight
Getting ready for cosmic adventure, 90‑year‑old William Shatner is set to strap in for a real rocket ride, courtesy of Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. The iconic Captain Kirk will be one of four passengers on the New Shepard vehicle that blasts off on October 12th.
Why Shatner is Booked for This Trip
“I’ve heard about space for a long time,” Shatner told Blue Origin in a tongue‑in‑cheek statement. “I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle.”
Shatner’s move is a nod to his beloved Star Trek persona, whose lightning‑quick command of a spaceship has inspired a generation of NASA astronauts. The actor joins the ranks of other famed star‑seekers, like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who rocketed 66.5 miles high in July and landed safely back on Earth.
Blue Origin’s Record‑Chasing Crew
- Chris Boshuizen – former NASA engineer, the DIY tech guru.
- Glen de Vries – clinical research entrepreneur, always ready for a breakthrough.
- Audrey Powers – Blue Origin’s VP and engineer, the brains behind the operation.
They may not all be Star Trek fans, but they’re certainly ready to launch into orbit.
The Mission: From Ground to Kármán
New Shepard speeds up to a staggering 2,233 miles per hour (3,595 km/h) and surpasses the Kármán line—62 miles (100 km) above Earth—officially launching into space.
Not Just a One‑Time Ride
While Shatner flies as a Blue Origin guest, the company has sold nearly $100 million in tickets to paying customers—though the exact count remains hush‑hush.
Safety and the Space Economy
Recent whispers from former Blue Origin staff about prioritizing speed over safety have sparked a FAA review. Blue Origin assures it promptly investigates each complaint and upholds its safety record, ready to keep the crew safe and the story interesting.
Who’s the Oldest Space Traveler?
Wally Funk, 82, became the oldest person in space when she dovetailed with Bezos in July. Shatner is ready to eclipse that mark, becoming the new veteran of the heavens.
