William Shatner says he can’t wait to see “the vastness of space” on the Blue Origin flight



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William Shatner said on Tuesday he looks forward to his historic mission next week with Jeff Bezos’ space travel company Blue Origin.

In an interview with NBC’s “TODAY” show, the “Star Trek” actor revealed that he was approached by Jeff Bezos’ team to venture to the edge of space.

“They called me,” Shatner said. “I’m going to see the vastness of space and the amazing miracle of our Earth and how fragile it is compared to the forces at work in the universe – that’s really what I’m looking for.”

Blue Origin announced on Monday that it would take off from West Texas on October 12, making him the oldest person to travel to space. Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the “Trek” universe, will be joined by three other passengers on the New Shepard NS-18 rocket: Audrey Powers, vice president of mission and flight operations at Blue Origin , and two paying customers.

Unlike the Enterprise’s five-year mission, Shatner’s journey will transport him to space for just a few minutes.

When asked how he would prepare, he jokingly said, “I ate an apple pie last night.”

This will be the company’s second launch with a crew. Bezos was on the maiden flight in July, alongside his brother and two other people.

Shatner portrayed Kirk in the original “Trek” series as well as in seven feature films.

In an interview with NBC News in July, Shatner dismissed criticism of Bezos and British tycoon Richard Branson for using their fortune on space travel instead of investing in social causes.

Shatner said he believes Bezos and Branson could spend their fortune however they see fit: “It’s their money. They can do with it whatever they want.”

However, Shatner teased people who want to visit Mars.

“What’s his name and wants to colonize Mars? That’s ridiculous,” Shatner said of Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX.

“It takes a year and a half to get there. People will think it’s like we’re on a trip, on a cruise line. No, man! You’re weightless and it’s hotter than hell and there The air is putrid. “Help me, I am dying, but I am dying slowly!” What a terrible fate. “



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