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.