Re: Space Tourism:
http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/australias-first-space-tourist-nigel-beck-aged-84/story-e6frfq80-1226366040476Australia's first space tourist Nigel Beck, aged 84
AFTER conquering the North Pole and the South Pole there was only one place left for Nigel Peck AM to explore - the universe.
The 84-year-old Melbourne businessman is set to become Australia's first "space tourist'' when he blasts off in January 2014.
Mr Peck, who is the founder of manufacturing and distribution company NHP Electrical Products, has paid $100,000 for the 15 minute ride.
He believes in the project so much he's also bought shares in the Dutch company behind the flights, Space Expedition Curacao.
Mr Peck has visited the XCOR company that develops the LYNX aircraft in Mojave, California and will be on the first commercial flight from Hato International Airport in the Caribbean, making him one of the first tourists to travel to space.
"I'll make sure there's at least a dozen before me,'' he joked.
Technically, Mr Peck said, the two-seater spacecraft doesn't go into "space'' but into "weightlessness''.
"We have already got a contract to put up 35 satellites so we'll be flying at a level that you can put satellites that can stay up forever,'' he said.
"Up until now there's only been machines that go up much higher to put down satellites but it costs probably five to ten times more than we can do it.''
While Richard Branson is regarded as the pioneer when it comes to space travel, Mr Peck said his spacecraft was supposed to fly two years ago but he has had ``rocket troubles''.
"He has a beautiful rocket machine to carry six passengers but he can't perfect the propulsion,'' he said.
"Richard Branson was charging $200,000 for a short flight and we have a much cheaper aircraft and therefore can charge a lot less.
"He's brought his prices down because of what we're offering.''
Before his flight, Mr Peck will have to undergo special training in G Forces and weightlessness.
"The idea is you will do some training - I'm not sure how much - but I won't be facing up to that for another year yet,'' he said.
"You will have to do a bit of work to be the co-pilot in case the pilot conks out.''
Mr Peck has always had an adventurous spirit, starting an aeroclub when he was 10.
He has flown on a Concorde twice and flown a Cessna himself and a North American Mustang Fighter.
He also sailed yachts competitively and spent 20 years competiting in events with the Porsche Club in Victoria.
Mr Peck said he wants to go to space "because it's there''.
"I just like doing interesting things,'' he said.
"So many people wind themselves down... They just stage themselves because of their age.
"Some say: 'I'm 75 so I now should be playing golf once or twice a week'.
"I'm not one of those fanatics that goes from one thing to another... I only started doing it (adventure) really when I got into my 70s.''
In regards to the cost, Mr Peck said $100,000 was only worth it if it was important to you.
"I suppose you have all these freaks in the world who spend a lot of money on different things and it's just because they're interested and they like to do it,'' he said.
A representative from Space Expedition Curacao is coming to Australia this week to start selling flights to the wider public.
