Deal or No Deal? Space Travel a la Charles Simonyi

If I had an extra $25 million bucks, I would absolutely take an orbital trip like Charles Simonyi. Wouldn’t you? The bigger question is: Why didn’t Charles take his girlfriend Martha Stewart with him? Some boyfriend.

What we do know is that the former Microsoft mogul is only the fifth civilian to go up in space with Space Adventures, Ltd. Guess what, wannabe-cosmonauts: You could be next.

Deal or No Deal: Are you ready for space travel? If you are financially capable, meet the medical qualifications and can spend six months training, then you could say hello to the stars up close and personal. Here are three trips with Space Adventures that are available to the average Joe who just happens to have a fat wallet. Not sure defying gravity is for you? Check out the live video coverage of the expedition through April 20th on Charles’ blog, CharlesinSpace.com.

Orbital Flight just like Charles Simonyi—$25 million
10 days aboard the International Space Station
When: Next launch will be the Fall of 2008
Where: The launch takes place in Kazakhstan
Who: Those who have the financial capability, medical qualification and can attend six months of cosmonaut training and to full understand the environments and G-force of launch and re-entry. Transportation to Kazakhstan and training in Moscow included. Priceless!

Centrifuge Aspects of Space Flight Training—$7,795
When: At the client’s convenience
Where: Star City, outside of Moscow, Russia
What: This training simulates launch and re-entry. You get to simulate the gravitational forces that one would feel when you are leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, and the G-forces felt when you would reenter the Earth’s atmosphere. Accommodations and meals are included, but you have to provide your own transport to/from Moscow (not to worry, we can advise on that front). Perhaps the all-round best deal?

Zero Gravity flight—$3500
When: Flights available four times a month, mostly on Saturdays.
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
What: Training that stimulates weightlessness. Travel to Florida not included.
Verdict: Might leave you feeling a bit short changed?Contact: Space Adventures, (888) 857-7223

Los Angeles Times Related Links:
American billionaire headed for International Space Station

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This entry was posted on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 12:15 pm by Jen Leo and is filed under East Coast, Europe, Global, Luxury Travel, Outdoors & Adventure, Tours & Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.