'Star Trek' actor William Shatner makes history as oldest man launched into space

Former “Star Trek” actor William Shatner, age 90, was launched into space Wednesday aboard a spacecraft built by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin aeronautics company.

According to the Associated Press, Shatner was one of three passengers who flew to an altitude of nearly 70 miles, soaring over West Texas before safely parachuting back to Earth.

Shatner was thrilled to take part in this new form of space tourism, saying it was one of the most “profound experiences” he’s encountered.

“I hope I never recover from this. I hope that I can maintain what I feel now. I don’t want to lose it,” Shatner said as he exited the automated capsule that piloted him into space.

Shatner’s short voyage into space caused many Sci-Fi fans to express their elation at being able to witness the man most famous for his portrayal as the charismatic Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” series. 

“This is a pinch-me moment for all of us to see Capt. James Tiberius Kirk go to space,” said Blue Origin launch commentator Jacki Cortese right before Shatner’s spacecraft lifted off. 

NASA even joined in on the fun by wishing Shatner luck on Twitter prior to his launch.

“We wish you all the best on your flight to space. You are, and always shall be, our friend,” the space agency tweeted.

🖖 @WilliamShatner We wish you all the best on your flight to space.

You are, and always shall be, our friend. https://t.co/5nmXfvMydU pic.twitter.com/oL65h3y9Hi

— NASA (@NASA) October 13, 2021

During the 10-minute voyage, Shatner made history by becoming the oldest person in space.

Blue Origin says it is planning one more tourist flight later this year, and is expected to conduct several more in 2022.