Blue Origin taps Michael Strahan, others for next flight
It will be the New Shepard's 19th launch into space and its third manned flight
SpaceX has ‘tremendous lead’ over Blue Origin: Michio Kaku
Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku argues Elon Musk’s company has accomplished more feats in space exploration than Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
Jeff Bezos-owned space exploration company Blue Origin on Tuesday tapped new crew members for its next launch into space aboard the New Shepard, including TV personality and former NFL player Michael Strahan.
It will be the New Shepard's 19th launch and third manned flight into space, according to Blue Origin. Flights from and back to Earth have previously lasted about 10 minutes.
"Blue Origin today announced the crew of its upcoming NS-19 flight on December 9 will include two honorary guests and four paying customers," Blue Origin said in a Tuesday press release. "Guests include Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, the eldest daughter of Alan Shepard, who was the first American to fly to space."
The four paying customers are space exploration company Voyager Space Holdings CEO Dylan Taylor, investor Evan Dick and Bess Ventures founder Lane Bess, as well as his son, Cameron Bess. The father-son duo will become "the first parent-child pair to fly in space," according to Blue Origin.
BLUE ORIGIN PLANS COMMERCIAL SPACE STATION
The company is not disclosing the individual price customers must pay to launch.
WILLIAM SHATNER LAUNCHES INTO SPACE ON BLUE ORIGIN ROCKET
The New Shepard's third manned flight into space furthers its vision "of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth," Blue Origin said in its press release.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard crew Jeff Bezos and Wally Funk arrive for a press conference after flying into space in the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket on July 20, 2021 in Van Horn, Texas. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Live coverage of the launch at Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas will take place on Dec. 9 with a liftoff target of 9 a.m. CST. Viewers can watch the launch on BlueOrigin.com.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Bezos flew into space aboard the New Shepard in July — the company's first manned flight about 62 miles above Earth.
Blue Origin announced earlier this month that it has plans to develop a commercial space station envisioned as a "mixed-use business park" built in low Earth orbit. The new endeavor, dubbed the Orbital Reef, is expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
FOX Business' Breck Dumas contributed to this report.