Captain Kirk: Star Trek actor William Shatner to become oldest man to go into space

William Shatner is off to space. Credit: PA

Star Trek star William Shatner will become the oldest person to go into space at the age of 90 when he boards Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin later this month.

The actor, who played Captain Kirk in the sci-fi programme, will be part of the second group to travel on the spacecraft built by the Amazon owner's company.

“I’ve heard about space for a long time now,” Shatner said.

“I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle.”


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Blue Origin is off to space once more. Credit: PA

Shatner will surpass Wally Funk, a former test pilot, who was 82 when she travelled on the first flight in July.

Alongside Shatner will be a former Nasa engineer, the co-founder of a software company and and a Blue Origin employee.

The flight will go no higher than around 66 miles and will last approximately 10 minutes.