William Shatner, known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, became an astronaut at age 90

William Shatner, who played one of science fiction's most recognizable characters, became a true space traveler Wednesday as he took part in his second mission on the Blue Origin spacecraft.

"It was incredible," said the 90-year-old Canadian, who was moved to tears after the 11-minute journey beyond the planet's atmosphere and back to the Texas desert.

The New Shepard rocket took off around 9:49 a.m. local time after two short delays.

Shatner was joined by Blue Origin executive Audrey Powers, Planet Labs co-founder Chris Boschuizen and Glen de Vries of clinical research platform Medidata Solutions. Founder Jeff Bezos personally greeted the crew members as they climbed out of the capsule and were greeted with applause and champagne.

Like some 600 astronauts who have been in space before him, Shatner marveled at the feeling of weightlessness and the stunning view of Earth from space.

Source: phys