Zero-G Corp: weightlessness for $2,950.

[radarredux]

I posted an article on this over in the technology and business section (link), which is probably the most logical choice. Replies should probably go there. However, since we talk about tourism in this group a fair amount, I thought I would provide this quick cross-post.<br /><br />The Wall Street Journal is carrying an article about X-Prize founder Peter Diamandis' latest business: Zero-G Corp. For just $2,950 you can ride their G-Force-One Boeing 727 which flies 20 parabolic arcs to provide a weightless experience for 25 seconds each.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

For 20 quid you can ride in my rather fast car over some bumpy hills on the North York Moors. Sure, it's only .01 seconds of weightlessness, but you can smoke if you've got em. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[jcdenton]

Thanks... but no thanks. For my money's worth, I'd rather experience the real thing. Hopefully that will be some time in the next decade. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[rocketwatcher2001]

Looks like they finally did it. When I initially got hired by my airline, we were the airline getting the FAA approval to do this. The maintanence costs were the show-stopper. I had my name on the short list of would-be Flight Engineers for this. I've heard that Amerijet holds the certificate now, but I also heard it was ExpressOne. I don't know, however, I do know that we have a better reliability in the industry than either of those.........we also cost more. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[para3]

A zerogravity flight is in the works for me in November and I'm really looking forward to it. Nothing, not even a roller coaster, can compare to experiencing weightlessness in a plane.<br /><br />I was one of the lucky ones to get first crack at these flights, since I took 2 other zero gravity flights in Russia.<br /><br />But, this will, unfortunately, be my last zero-gravity flight because of age and failing health. Some of them will probably be saying "Old Lady?" Yeah, gray hair and slightly bent forward. Quick get my walker. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <br /><br />I hope they have a flightsuit that will fit a fatty because I've gained about fifty pounds since my last flight.<img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font size="3" color="#99cc00">.....Shuttle me up before I get tooooooooo old and feeble.....</font></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><font size="4" color="#ff6600">---Happiness is winning a huge lottery--- </font></strong></p> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

You have past experience,really?

 

[para3]

Yes. My first zero gravity flight took place at Edwards Airforce base in 1996. The other 2 zero gravity flights took place in Russia in 1996 and 1999. <br /><br />And I'm just as excited about this flight. I'm really looking forward to it though this may be my last zero gravity flight because of reasons I mentioned in the earlier post. <br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font size="3" color="#99cc00">.....Shuttle me up before I get tooooooooo old and feeble.....</font></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><font size="4" color="#ff6600">---Happiness is winning a huge lottery--- </font></strong></p> </div>

 

[radarredux]

> <i><font color="yellow">I cannot wait.</font>/i><br /><br />I agree. This is definitely on my list of goals for the next year!<br /><br />And at a price of about 1/33 of the expected first round of suborbital flights it will be a great first step/experience.</i>

 

[para3]

Plan on digging deeper into your pockets for about a $1000 more, because the November 6st flight is the last one they are going to have for $2,950. And that is the flight that I was on. Hopefully I'll get a discount if I'm stupid enough, Oops, enthusiastic enough to go again. Maybe they'll let me have the whole plane by myself with just the trainers and the cameras-a-rolling. Now that would be <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" />, because I wouldn't feel like I was packed in like a sardine. <br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font size="3" color="#99cc00">.....Shuttle me up before I get tooooooooo old and feeble.....</font></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><font size="4" color="#ff6600">---Happiness is winning a huge lottery--- </font></strong></p> </div>

 

[para3]

What flight( 1st or 2nd flight? Date?) and what team were you on? Just curious since I went on one of these flights where astronaut Searfoss was with us as well. I sat in the very back row of seats next to Rick Searfoss on take-off and landing. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font size="3" color="#99cc00">.....Shuttle me up before I get tooooooooo old and feeble.....</font></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><font size="4" color="#ff6600">---Happiness is winning a huge lottery--- </font></strong></p> </div>