Shatner Aims for Real 'Star Trek'

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Shatner Aims for Real 'Star Trek'

Posted by ryuzaki0 on Saturday October 23, 2004 @02:43AM from the beyond-lance-bass dept.

swight1701 writes "William Shatner wants to boldly go where he's only pretended to go so far. The 'Star Trek' star is among more than 7,000 people who have told Richard Branson they would gladly pay him $210,000 (£115,000) for a trip aboard his planned spacecraft. In all, more than $1.45 billion (£800 million) has been pledged -- years before the Virgin Galactic spaceship is even built, Branson said. I wonder did Shatner sign up because the first ship will be the VSS Enterprise?"

10 of 238 comments (clear)

Shatner would have to pay double... by beamdriver · 2004-10-23 02:45 · Score: 5, Funny

...based on weight considerations.
1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by reporter · 2004-10-23 02:50 · Score: 5, Interesting

The first passengers of the VSS Enterprise should be all the surviving key actors of "Star Trek: The Original Series". Such an event would be a fitting tribute to the television show that inspired a generation of engineers and astrophysicists.
Further, such an event would be a great publicity stunt for Virgin, so Virgin should foot the bill for the inaugural voyage of the VSS Enterprise.
1. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by torpor · 2004-10-23 02:57 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Yeah damn. Way to get rid of them all in one shot... I mean, you know, if something were to go wrong.
  
  --
  ; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
2. Re:1st Passengers of the VSS Enterprise by Docrates · 2004-10-23 03:00 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  The real question is, will they be wearing Virigin's RED SHIRTS during the flight?
  
  --
  
  There are two kinds of people in the world: Those with good memory.
Branson by spungo · 2004-10-23 02:52 · Score: 5, Funny

Yeah, well, if Richard Branson's spaceships are anything like his trains, it'll be stuffy, under-manned, and nine hours late... that's if it doesn't break down two miles outside Birmingham. Oh, and the sandwiches suck.
1. Re:Branson by nomadic · 2004-10-23 03:38 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Yeah, well, if Richard Branson's spaceships are anything like his trains, it'll be stuffy, under-manned, and nine hours late..
  
  And if they're anything like his planes they'll be full of amazingly sexy flight attendants, so I'll take my chances.
hey by wfmcwalter · 2004-10-23 02:55 · Score: 5, Funny

Hey, steward, what's that thing on the wing?

--
## W.Finlay McWalter ## http://www.mcwalter.org ##
Sounds like a great marketing concept to me by squatex · 2004-10-23 03:03 · Score: 5, Insightful

They should probably let Shatner on for free (or at least for an endorsment contract). The marketing here basically writes itself.
Re:A 'record label' is behind this? by Richard_at_work · 2004-10-23 03:22 · Score: 5, Informative
Uhm, virgin is a LOT more than a record label. Its a corporate group, more than a company. You have:
- Virgin Mobile (cell phones)
- Virgin Atlantic (Airline)
- Virgin Megastores (highstreet sales)
- Virgin Trains (take a wild guess)
- Virgin Active (gyms and fitness centers)
- Virgin Money
- Virgin Holidays (probably in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic)
- Virgin Limobike (taxi service)
- Virgin Brides (bridal services, not mail order women)
THats just a small selection, go here for the full list of companies within the Virgin group.

Best of all, Richard Branson knows how to have fun with the money hes amassed. He bought an Island specifically for staff holidays (source).
Maybe... by Wizzy+Wig · 2004-10-23 04:47 · Score: 5, Funny

he'll beat that $210,000 fare if he uses that PriceLine thingy he works for....