For all the wannabe astronauts and thrill seekers in the world, a zero-gravity commercial airline may be headed to the skies near you, allowing you to channel your inner Chris Hadfield or Sandra Bullock.
Bookings have opened for the S3 ZeroG, a modified Airbus out of Switzerland that will hit up destinations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia in a worldwide tour. The closest locations for Australians will be Singapore and the Philippines in early 2016.
Under the supervision of space professionals, participants will be able to experience the feeling of weightlessness and zero gravity at 34,000 feet instead of the limits of outer space.
Over the course of about two hours, specially trained pilots will perform 15 parabolic aircraft maneuvers by soaring 10,000 feet in about 65 seconds, each providing about 25 seconds of weightlessness.
Participants can choose between three packages: Party, Premium and VIP.
‘Party’ zone tickets can accommodate up to 40 passengers.
Those willing to pony up a bit more cash can opt for the Premium zone, that maxes out at 28 passengers and includes activities with balloons, liquids and take-home gifts like a Breitling S3 ZeroG timepiece, and the chance to take home their flight suit.
The VIP zone, meanwhile, can be reserved for 12 participants at a minimum cost of €50,000 ($71,910AUD), and can be designed to provide a customizable experience.
Experience zero gravity aboard the S3 ZeroG
Beware, however, the pitfalls of weightless thrill rides: Astronauts that train on reduced gravity aircraft for their space flights also call them ‘vomit comets.’
The S3 ZeroG has already performed successful trips at the beginning of this year in Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.
The aircraft will head to Europe in the early winter months, including Switzerland and France in June.
Come spring, astronaut wannabes in Canada and the US get their turn before the tour returns to Asia in the first part of 2016.
Rates start at €2,000 ($2876AUD).
This article was from AFP Relax News and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
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