What is this world coming to when a NASA shuttle launch has become nothing more than just another Hollywood marketing opportunity? Well, I suppose they have to keep people interested in the U.S. Space Program somehow. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, the original prop used for Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber is being brought up into space with the space shuttle Discovery. Yesterday they had a big ceremony at the Oakland International Airport where an actor dressed as Chewbacca (not the real Chewbacca) carefully handed the weapon off to NASA staff. He was escorted by stormtroopers, X-Wing pilots and other costumed characters, who all arrived in a motorcade of stretch Hummer limos.

The actual shuttle launch will take place on October 23, 2007, at which point the lightsaber will spend some time on the international space station before returning to Earth once its pointless journey is complete. What they really should have done is killed Jar-Jar and launched his ashes into space instead. Seriously though, now that the prequel trilogy is finished, is this the kind of stupid crap that Star Wars fans have to look forward to from now on? I guess it’s still better than the Holiday Special. Someone tell George to hurry up and get those TV shows rolling.