Science fiction converged with science reality high above the West Texas desert where Canadian actor William Shatner blasted into space in a rocket and safely returned to Earth minutes later aboard a capsule built by Blue Origin.

In becoming the oldest person to go to space, the 90-year-old became emotional while thanking company founder Jeff Bezos for the opportunity.

”What you have given me is the most profound experience (voice breaking trailing off) … I’m so filled with emotion about what just happened … I … I just … extraordinary,” said Shatner as he tried to find the words.

”William Shatner is setting the bar for what a 90-year-old man can do,” said Joseph Barra, a bartender flown in from L-A for the launch week festivities.

He also called Shatner’s trip ”the most badass thing” he believes he’s ever seen.