Shatner Awarded NASA’s Highest Civilian Honor

William Shatner, the now 83-year-old actor best known for his role as Captain Kirk, but also for his one-man show, has been award the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest civilian award that may be presented by NASA.

Shatner was recognized for his support of science education and space exploration, with NASA’s associate administrator for the Office of Communications, David Weaver, noting that “William Shatner has been generous with his time and energy in encouraging students to study science and math, and for inspiring generations of explorers, including many of the astronauts and engineers who are a part of NASA today.”

Shatner received the award on Saturday night at a ceremony in Los Angeles, making him the first Star Trek cast member to receive the award. The award came in the form of a medal with an inscription reading: “For outstanding generosity and dedication to inspiring new generations of explorers around the world, and for unwavering support for NASA and its mission of discovery.”

Shatner is a believer in alien life and currently at work on a book about UFOs. Shatner has previous experience working with NASA, with a recent collaboration including his recording wake-up calls for the astronauts aboard the space shuttle Discovery.