William Shatner (the actor who played Captain James T Kirk on Star Trek) has confirmed that he will travel to space in the month of September at the age 90. He will thus become the oldest person to leave the confines and safety of Earth.
According to Jeff Bezos, Shatner will be aboard Blue Origins' second launch from West Texas on 12 Oct.
Shatner confirmed that he has heard about space for some time, confirmating rumors long held by some but considered a publicity stunt for his upcoming album.
I am taking this opportunity to witness it firsthand. It is a miracle.
Wally Funk was 82 years old when Blue Origins' first flight in July made her the oldest person to reach space.
Bezos, his brother, and the youngest person ever to fly in space, was also on the initial flight. Bezos stated that he had experienced the most amazing day of his life.
Shatner will be joined by an ex-Nasa engineer, who established a nanosatellite company; a co-founder of software company that specializes in clinical research; and a Blue Origin employee.
The flight will take approximately 10 minutes and travel no more than 66 miles.
Blue Origin competes with SpaceX, owned and operated by Elon Musk, as well as Virgin Galactic, which is owned and operated by Richard Branson.
