Article Posted on : - Dec 04, 2008

RocketShip Tours customer Per Wimmer (left) of Denmark is awarded a ceremonial ticket by RocketShipTours CEO Jules Klar, after signing the final page of a contract to become the first Lynx space flight participant. Photo credit: XCOR

WASHINGTON (BNS): For all those wishing to make a trip to space, here is some good news. Thanks to Jules Klar, the travel entrepreneur who offered Americans a $5-a-day trip to Europe in the 60s, has begun selling space rides for $95,000 per flight.

Danish investment banker Per Wimmer will be the first space tourist to fly aboard the Lynx. The Lynx is a two-seat suborbital vehicle being built by California-based XCOR Aerospace.

Speaking to the media, Klar, founder of Phoenix, Arizona-based RocketShip Tours, said the natural evolution of human exploration knows no bounds. "RocketShip Tours and XCOR have come together to usher in the private sector's role in space exploration. There is no doubt that a new era of pioneering space enthusiasts is emerging. In fact, prior to signing this agreement with RocketShip Tours, XCOR had already taken advance reservations for approximately 20 flights," Klar said.

Giving more details, XCOR chief test pilot and three-time space shuttle pilot and Commander, Rick Searfoss said the Lynx will carry people or payloads to the edges of space up to four times a day. "Seated next to me in the co-pilot seat, participants will undoubtedly experience the thrill of a lifetime. The awe-inspiring view of the curvature of Earth, the thin blue mantle of the atmosphere below, and inky blackness of space above will provide participants with unforgettable memories beyond description," Searfoss said.

XCOR officials discussed the technology used on the two-seat, fully reusable launch vehicle that takes off like an airplane, and lands the same way. Chris Gilman of Orbital Outfitters, a NASA spacesuit contractor, demonstrated the spacesuit technology that will be worn by those flying in the Lynx. Gilman, winner of an Academy Award for special effects, said the suit is both lighter and safer than older NASA spacesuits.

Klar said he was inspired by the revolutionary Lynx suborbital vehicle because it offers participants a unique and intimately personal experience. "You're sitting in a cockpit in the co-pilot's seat beside your astronaut pilot, with a panoramic view of the stars above and Earth below. It is the ride of your life," Klar said.

Excited about the space trip, Per Wimmer said he was going to fly aboard the Lynx because he wanted to experience space from a front row seat. London-based Wimmer has already earned a reputation as a pioneering adventurer. He recently made the first tandem skydive over Mt. Everest.

Wimmer, who uses his adventures to promote various charities, said, "My goal is to place the Dannebrog, the Danish flag, on the Moon one day. Flying to the edge of space aboard the Lynx will make me the first Dane to experience suborbital space flight and takes me one step closer to my ultimate goal."

Giving details about the cost, Klar said the Lynx flight experience would come at a price of $95,000. "A deposit of $20,000 begins the process of assigning the participant to the qualification programme. One does not have to be an athlete to fly aboard the Lynx, but the procedure will include a medical questionnaire and a screening performed by qualified aeronautic physicians. Instruction regarding life support systems, flight physiology, and other aspects of the Lynx suborbital flight will also be provided. We want to ensure the experience is as safe as possible and that people are adequately trained and prepared," he said.

Klar went on to add that since this was a suborbital launch, training will require familiarisation with the spacesuit and what will be experienced while sitting in the cockpit.

"We will provide deluxe accommodations for all those who share in 'The Right Stuff' experience we offer and become part of this historic stage in the evolution of human space flight," he said. "After the flight is concluded, participants will receive an HD DVD recording of their flight experience as well as other mementos," he added.

XCOR COO Andrew Nelson said the space exploration efforts prove that American entrepreneurs are succeeding for scaling down the cost of space flight. "What is most astonishing is that competition has already reduced prices before a single vehicle has flown. What a fabulous holiday gift this is going to make for many people who thought they had everything," Nelson said.