Astronauts To Toss Jedi Lightsaber Into Space

[jason]

(CBS) HOUSTON The Discovery astronauts will have a little something extra in their gear when the space shuttle blasts off in October: Luke Skywalker's original Jedi Lightsaber.

As part of the "Star Wars"' 30th anniversary celebration, NASA has agreed to carry the prop weapon into orbit and jettison it in space.

Details will be announced in Houston today. But collectSPACE.com says the lightsaber will be handed over to the space agency by Chewbacca at the Oakland Airport, not far from George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch. It reports the priceless piece will be greeted in Houston by a group of Stormtroopers along with R2-D2.

cbs2.com - Astronauts To Toss Jedi Lightsaber Into Space

 

[accer]

You know, I love astronomy and space..etc...but this is a waste of time, science and money.

 

[reviewer]

It's really about publicity. They're hoping that they can get some interest in the space program again. Interest = Dollars from the government's budget.