William Shatner Shares Insights with Blue Origin’s All-Female Crew

In an inspiring exchange, William Shatner, the iconic actor renowned for his role as Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” has provided valuable insights to the all-female crew of Blue Origin, who are set to embark on a momentous journey into space on April 14. At the age of 94, Shatner, the oldest person to travel to space, emphasized the significance of this unique adventure.

Embracing the Adventure

During a recent interview with Gayle King, one of the mission crew members, Shatner expressed enthusiasm for the incredible experience awaiting them. “You’re on an adventure. You’ve got to embrace it,” he advised. This underlying message resonated throughout their conversation, highlighting the excitement that awaits the crew as they prepare to explore the cosmos.

A Unique Sensation: Weightlessness

Shatner also spoke about the unparalleled feeling of weightlessness that the crew would encounter during their flight. “There are no words in the English language to explain what weightlessness is like,” he stated, reflecting on his own experience aboard Blue Origin’s inaugural human flight in October 2021. He compared the sensation to nothing else, clarifying that even swimming could not replicate this extraordinary physical experience.

Preparing for Takeoff

The actor offered practical guidance on what to expect during the launch, particularly the intense G-forces experienced at takeoff. He encouraged the crew to adopt mantras to maintain focus and stay grounded throughout the journey, highlighting the mental aspects of venturing into space.

The Rarity of the Opportunity

Shatner reminded the crew of the incredible privilege they hold; only about 600 individuals have had the opportunity to gaze upon Earth from space. “You’re going to see the world like nobody. Only 600 people have seen it before,” he noted, emphasizing the remarkable perspective they are about to gain.

Live Coverage of the Flight

On April 14, viewers can tune in for live coverage of Gayle King’s historic flight aboard a Blue Origin rocket, starting at 9 a.m. ET. The broadcast will be available on CBS, CBS News 24/7, and Paramount+. King will be joined by a diverse and groundbreaking crew, including Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn.