The Force will be with the STS-120 astronaut crew this October when space shuttle Discovery is launched then, and I mean it literally. Stowed on-board would be the original prop lightsaber that was used by actor Mark Hamill as he played the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars way back in 1977. Of course, space shuttle Discovery won’t just be making that trip out of the earth’s atmosphere just to carry a movie prop that has inspired the imagination of millions since its appearance, but it will also carry a brand new module for the International Space Station. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber won’t be left floating in space though as it will be flown back to earth from the orbiting outpost as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Star War director George Lucas’ franchise.
Before the coveted lightsaber makes its way to orbit though, it will first make a pit stop at Houston, Texas, specifically the Johnson Space Center via Southwest Airlines. Shortly after that, it will receive a Star Wars-studded send off from Oakland International Airport in California when Tuesday rolls around. Chewbacca the Wookie will have the honor of handing the lightsaber over to the officials from Space Center Houston in a ceremony at the airport. Hopefully the hidden Sith will not make an appearance then to rain down on the Light Side’s party. Apart from Chewbacca, there will be other characters from the half dozen sci-fi classic including father-and-son team Boba and Jango Fett who will help push the back of the airplane on the tarmac. From feared bounty hunter to airplane pusher – what a demotion, eh?
In Houston though, the flight will be greeted by a platoon of Stormtroopers as well as R2-D2. The lightsaber will be on public display through Labor Day before it makes its maiden voyage to space and back shortly thereafter. Anyone noticed that the only characters making and appearance would be those in suits or ones who hide behind a mask? I suppose the ravages of time would not be a pretty sight for people hankering after Princess Leia in her slave suit nor a considerably aged Han Solo.
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