Space Cover 806: To Boldly Go...William Shatner, Captain James T. Kirk of Star Trek fame, launched into space aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket on October 13. 2021. The sub-orbital spaceflight mission lasted 10 minutes and 17 seconds and at 90 years old Shatner became the oldest person to reach space.
Reflecting on his voyage Shatner recalled a feeling of profound sadness.
"It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered. The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness. Every day, we are confronted with the knowledge of further destruction of Earth at our hands: the extinction of animal species, of flora and fauna ... things that took five billion years to evolve, and suddenly we will never see them again because of the interference of mankind. It filled me with dread. My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral.
"I learned later that I was not alone in this feeling. It is called the 'Overview Effect' and is not uncommon among astronauts, including Yuri Gagarin, Michael Collins, Sally Ride, and many others. Essentially, when someone travels to space and views Earth from orbit, a sense of the planet's fragility takes hold in an ineffable, instinctive manner."
From television Starfleet Captain to voyager into space, Shatner has had a storied history as a television and movie star. Perhaps lesser known of his amazing accomplishments are his music recordings and philanthropy, most notably related to his love of breeding horses.
With all his success, the role he has become synonymous with is Captain Kirk.
#5132 Star Trek Insignia and Starship Collins hand colored First Day Cover
Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry has become a cultural phenomenon beloved worldwide.
Star Trek the original series premiered in September 1966 and followed the crew of the Federation Starship Enterprise as they seek "to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Star Trek series spinoffs such as The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, animated shows, and major motion pictures have ensured the enduring legacy of Star Trek. If you are not one yourself you most certainly know Star Trek devotees, "Trekkies." Worldwide fans of Star Trek have created games, fan productions and enjoy attending Comic-Con type events and Star Trek Conventions to see, hear, and meet their favorite Star Trek actors.
It was at one such conventions in the 1990's that longtime Space Unit member and my friend Woody Witt obtained a 1969 #C76 First Man on the Moon First Day Cover signed by William Shatner. Woody waited in line with his son to have Shatner sign several items and when he showed Captain Kirk the #C76 Shatner said, "I have never signed one of these before!" Shatner then proceeded to wax philosophically about how he remembered where he was "when Neil Armstrong placed his boot on the Moon and the impact it had for all mankind...".
Needless to say Woody was thrilled, and I was over the Moon when Woody agreed to trade me this cover because he knew it belonged in my collection since my father Paul Calle designed the postage stamp. This remains one of my prized #C76 signed covers!
Sarzin metallic cachet #C76 First Day Cover
There might not have ever been a Star Trek if not for Lucille Ball. In 1962 she had become the first woman to run a major television studio. As owner and President of Desilu Productions she was instrumental in bringing Star Trek to television. When the board balked at the idea she personally funded the second pilot for the show. In addition to a beloved comedian and actress, Ball was a savvy businesswoman and without her Roddenberry's vision may ever have been fully realized.
Somewhere out there is a #C76 FDC signed by Lucille Ball... Please let me know if anyone locates it!
posted 05-17-2025 10:09 PM
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