Former NY Giants' star Michael Strahan is going to space

Having 'conquered' earthly affairs the former NFL icon is off to the stars, as he becomes the latest celebrity to go to space.

Michael Strahan is going to space

The list of achievements of former NFL star Michael Strahan is long he's a Super Bowl champion, a seven-time Pro Bowler, he owns the single season NFL record for sacks and obviously was defensive player of the year. Recently inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor, the former player turned television personality has done a lot in his life. Now 50 years old, Strahan seems to have his sights set on another target which is that of Space.

Strahan announced on Tuesday that he will be joining five other passengers on Blue Origin's next flight off planet. The flight itself takes approximately 11 minutes from launch to landing. Speaking on how the idea came about Strahan was all too happy to share. "Blue Origin – they approached me and they asked if I wanted to be a crew member and without hesitation, I said 'yes.' I wanted to go to space!"

Preparation for the trip

According to Strahan, he trained with Kevin Sproge - Crew Member 7 - and the chief trainer. In reaction to his first time in the capsule, he noted the immense difference between preparing for a voyage to the stars and the years worth of training camps which preceded each season with the Giants. Initially scheduled for December 9th, it is understood that Blue Origin is now targeting a launch date of December 11th, depending on technical aspects as well as weather. In the meantime Strahan has been enjoying his stay in Astronaut Village while he awaits the fitting of his space suit.

How did Michael Strahan get here & what to expect?

As it stands, crew members will spend approximately three minutes in micro gravity, which according to NASA is "the condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless." Interestingly Strahan covered the heavily publicized inaugural flight of Blue Origin on July 20th when they launched Jeff Bezos and his brother Mark, along with Mercury 13 aviator Wally Funk and 18 year old Olviver Daemen into suborbital space.

For more from the NFL

Referring to the experience, Strahan said it 'enamored' him. There are actually a few other people on the flight, such as the daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard, Laura Shepard Churchley. She like Strahan is an honorary guest. They will also be joined by Space industry philanthropist Dylan Taylor, investor Evan Dick, and the first parent and child pair Lane Bess and Cameron Bess will also be on the flight and are paying for their spot. While Blue Origin has not disclosed the price for a seat on their flights, competitor Virgin Galactic is known to have seats listed at $450,000.

Of course, what would a football player be doing in space without a football? The pigskin will also be making the trip alongside Strahan and upon return will be placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Launch is set for 9:45 a.m. ET. from Blue Origin's Launch Site One.