Zero-G Flights Are The Closest To Commercial Space Experience
If you enjoy that first big drop on the roller coaster and wonder what it would be like to be truly weightless, then a zero gravity flight may be something you’d like to experience.
Right now, zero-g flights are the closest experience to a commercial space flight.
Only one US company is currently offering these flights, ” Zero Gravity Corporation (“ZERO-G”) “. They have custom modified a commercial Boeing 727-200 with most of the seating replaced by a 360 degree padded interior. The “G-Force One” plane flies a number of parabolic arcs from a 34,000 foot height to create different degrees of weightlessness for about 30 seconds at a time.
In the completely zero gravity environment, explorers can move as if they were orbiting in space – you can float, fly, flip and soar through the aircraft cabin. Some of the other parabolic descents will simulate gravity of other planets such as Mars (one third of Earth’s) and Lunar (one sixth of Earth’s).
As the plane ascends at a 45 degree angle to the top of the arc, passengers will also get to experience about 1.8 gravities. Not quite fighter jet conditions, but still quite different from the typical airplane ride. At the apex, the plane rolls forward into a controlled dive that maxes out at 30 degrees for weightlessness.
The flight itself is about 90 minutes with about 7 minutes of reduced gravity. Zero-G compares this to about the same amount of time Alan Shepard experienced zero gravity on America’s first human spaceflight.
The company sells a ” ZERO-G Experience ” for $4,950. In addition to the flight, and the required pre-flight training and briefing, adventurers will also have their own flight suit, souvenir hat, a copy of ” The Space Tourist’s Handbook “, and a certificate of weightless completion. There is also a post-flight ” Regravitation Celebration ” plus photos and videos of the flight to share and commemorate this unique experience.
Upcoming flights are scheduled for:
AUSTIN, TX AUS
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL TIX
LAS VEGAS, NV LAS
MIAMI, FL FLL
NEW YORK, NY LGA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA SJC
SEATTLE, WA BFI
For complete details, information, reservations and schedule – please check the ZERO-G Website .
Of course, if you have a couple $10 Million you can always get the real thing and buy a flight to the space station. But until Virgin Galactic (starting around $200K) takes off, the “gozero experience” is the best weightless adventure available.
(Image Credit – ZERO-G )
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