William Shatner says he’s ‘terrified’ days ahead of flight with Blue Origin
[ad_1]
Days after news broke that William Shatner would reach space with Blue Origin on Oct. 12, the “Star Trek” actor admitted that he’s experiencing some pre-flight jitters.
During a panel on Thursday evening (Oct. 7) at New York Comic Con, Shatner shared his feelings ahead of the Blue Origin mission and talked about the importance of civilian space initiatives like these suborbital flights. Shatner is due to blast off from Blue Origin‘s west Texas launch site aboard a New Shepard vehicle in just four days; you can follow the mission live with Space.com.
But his excitement doesn’t mean the nerves aren’t setting in. “I’m terrified,” Shatner said. “I know!…I’m Captain bloody Kirk and I’m terrified!”
Related: William Shatner’s Blue Origin launch on New Shepard: Live updates
Last week, Shatner broke the news of his scheduled flight to space, writing in a tweet, “Yes, it’s true; I’m going to be a ‘rocket man!'” Instantly, the sci-fi community was enchanted by the idea that a figure from such a renowned sci-fi franchise as “Star Trek” would actually journey to the final frontier.
The 90-year-old Canadian actor, who also appeared in the television series “The Twilight Zone” and “T.J. Hooker,” took to the stage to deliver what seemed like a one-man show, albeit abbreviated.
Shatner began with a joke, “You’re here because you want to know the recipe for strawberry pie.”
But very quickly, the tone changed to one of curiosity. Shatner begged the audience to acknowledge and marvel at natural phenomena: from how tree roots communicate with each other via electrochemical impulses to how a photon mysteriously behaves as both a wave and a particle. In the process, Shatner called all of these “miracles” “the unknowable” and emphasized that they must become known.
Shatner then abruptly segued. “So, I’m going up,” he said. “I’m scared.” The crowd roared with laughter and cheered in support. It was the first time these fans were hearing confirmation of the mission straight from the source.
Shatner said that he was offered the opportunity to fly on one of Blue Origin’s crewed missions by Jeff Bezos, the company’s founder, who flew on the first crewed flight of the New Shepard system in July.
“‘You’ll be the oldest guy in space,'” Shatner said Bezos told him, adding that his own response was. “I don’t want to be the oldest guy in space. I’m Captain Kirk!”
Shatner touched on his other ties to the world of space, citing his interview with physicist Stephen Hawking on the show, “Raw Nerve,” which may have been the scientist’s last interview before his death.
The loveliest part of the evening spotlight, however, was when Shatner referenced Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot” and spoke to the importance of physically leaving planet Earth, calling it “the experience of walking into that limitless distance.” He said that distance allows us to see just how small we are in comparison to the universe and he returned to the topic of “the unknowable,” saying that we have much to observe and to learn.
Despite this honest and very human admission, Shatner went on to express that he feels excited and fortunate to be embarking upon such a historic mission.
Shatner will fly with three other passengers, including Audrey Powers, Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations. Liftoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT) and the flight is expected to last a little longer than 10 minutes.
Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
[ad_2]
Original Post
Its wonderful as your other content : D, thankyou for posting.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
You have mentioned very interesting points! ps nice site.
This actually answered my problem, thanks!
I believe this is one of the so much vital information for me. And i’m satisfied studying your article. However want to statement on some normal things, The website style is perfect, the articles is in reality great : D. Just right process, cheers
What is FlowForce Max? FlowForce Max Advanced Formula is a holistic blend designed to promote optimal prostate health
I believe you have remarked some very interesting points, thankyou for the post.
Wow! Thank you! I continuously needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I include a portion of your post to my website?
You made a few nice points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most folks will consent with your blog.
I am no longer sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time studying much more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
I don’t usually comment but I gotta tell appreciate it for the post on this special one : D.
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am glad to express that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make sure to don’t overlook this site and give it a glance regularly.
It is really a nice and useful piece of info. I’m happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for helping out, fantastic info. “A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.” by Napoleon Bonaparte.
I have been reading out some of your posts and i must say clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your site.
Very fantastic information can be found on site.
I am thankful that I detected this web site, just the right information that I was searching for! .
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!