Trek actor William Shatner was honored by NASA this past weekend with the Distinguished Public Service medal, the highest award presented to non-government personnel by the space agency.

“For outstanding generosity and dedication to inspiring new generations of explorers around the world,” the citation reads, “and for unwavering support for NASA and its missions of discovery.” 

In a statement released by the agency’s Office of Communications, “William Shatner has been so 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. He’s most deserving of this prestigious award.”

Shatner recently narrated a NASA documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of space shuttle missions.

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Source: NASA.gov