Company Becomes First Private Entity to Utilize Space Shuttle Runway and Landing Facility for Regular, Non-NASA Flights, Set to Begin June 24
NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G®), today announced an agreement for the firm's regular use of the space shuttle's runway and landing facility for non-NASA flights. Under the terms of the agreement, KSC will permit the firm to conduct as many as seven flights weekly under a Space Act Agreement that provides for reimbursement of NASA's runway and support costs.ZERO-G, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and conducts weightless flights known as The ZERO-G Experience(TM), has plans to conduct up to 280 flights annually from the KSC facility using its specially-modified, 27-passenger Boeing 727-200 aircraft called G-Force One.
ZERO-G's inaugural flight for the general public from the Kennedy Space Center is scheduled for Saturday, June 24. The company's flights from KSC will be scheduled on a non-interference basis with NASA's own requirements to use the shuttle runway for agency missions or other activities.
Last November, ZERO-G became the first company to participate in a demonstration program intended to test non-NASA use of the runway. Based on the success of that demonstration, ZERO-G and NASA negotiated the first recurring use agreement for regular non-NASA flights from KSC.
"We are extremely pleased to have ZERO-G sign on as a regular user of our Shuttle Landing Facility," said Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy. "This is the ideal place for activities that share the experience of spaceflight with the general public."
Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman and CEO of ZERO-G, said "Conducting our flights from the Kennedy Space Center -- one of the most internationally- recognized and frequented venues for space travel and education, is a perfect match for ZERO-G. This is a meaningful step in the growth and expansion of our service as we continue to bring the fun and exhilaration of weightless flight to the general public."
The ZERO-G Experience consists of a brief training session for flyers (ZERO-G passengers) followed by a 90-minute flight aboard G-Force One, during which parabolic maneuvers are performed. The controlled ascent and descent of the plane allows flyers to experience gravity on Mars (1/3-gravity); the moon (1/6-gravity); and in zero-g space. Since launching its service to the general public in September 2004, the company has flown more than 1,500 passengers aboard more than 60 flights.
About ZERO-G
Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G®, http://www.GoZeroG.com) is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of space accessible to the public. ZERO-G is the first and only FAA-approved provider of weightless flight to the general public, including the entertainment and film industries; corporate and incentive market; non-profit research and education sectors; and government. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information about ZERO-G, please visit http://www.GoZeroG.com or call (800) ZERO-G-800.
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