Oct 4, 2021 - Science

William Shatner, 90, going to space on next Blue Origin flight

Oriana González

Picture of William Shatner — William Shatner. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

Actor William Shatner will be launched to space in the upcoming Blue Origin tourist spaceflight, the company announced on Monday.

Why it matters: The 90-year-old actor, best known for playing Captain Kirk in the television series "Star Trek," will become the oldest person to fly to space.

He will break the record 82-year-old Wally Funk set during Blue Origin's first human flight in July.

What they're saying: "I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle," Shatner said in a statement.

State of play: Besides Shatner, Blue Origin will also be sending Audrey Powers, the company's vice president of mission and flight operations, along with two other crew members, Planet Labs co-founder Chris Boshuizen and Medidata co-founder Glen de Vries.

What's next: The launch is scheduled to take place next week on Oct. 12 and will take 11 minutes.

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William Shatner, 90, going to space on next Blue Origin flight

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