ZERO GRAVITY - The Ultimate Experience
Miguel Forbes Interviews Terese Brewster, CEO ZERO GRAVITY CORPORATION.
I spoke with Zero G Holdings Chairman Terese Brewster about the company, celebrities like Kate Upton, Elon Musk and Sir Richard Brandon that have flown. We also got into product differentiation, growth opportunities and how Forbes readers can achieve 100% weightlessness. I am a member of the board of directors of Zero G holdings and I have flown myself which was one of the more amazing things I have ever had. This was our interview:
This was our interview:
Q1. Miguel - Tell us about ZERO-G
Terese Brewster: ZERO-G is the only commercial opportunity on Earth for individuals to experience true weightlessness without going to space. On our specially modified Boeing 727, G-FORCE ONE, our pilots perform parabolic arcs to create a weightless environment allowing our flyers to float and flip as if they were in space. We've been flying since 2004 with a mission to bring the excitement and adventures of space accessible to the public.
Most of our flyers join us for the ZERO-G Experience, which includes 15 parabolas, each providing about 30 seconds of reduced gravity or weightlessness. During the flight flyers experience one Martian gravity (1/3 your weight) parabola, two lunar gravity (1/6 your weight) parabolas and 12 zero gravity parabolas. We offer charter flights for media and entertainment productions as well as corporate incentive groups. We've hosted birthday parties, friend and family events and even a weightless wedding.
Another of our products is the ZERO-G Weightless Lab, our research and education flights. We are currently the only microgravity research platform available to the public, which allows researchers to fly with their payload. Payloads have included equipment for the ISS and long-haul missions. There is wide variety of research, everything from 3D biological printers to a less carbonated "space beer" have been on board for testing. Our customers include corporate clients, colleges and universities as well as government agencies. Research flights typically include 20-40 parabolas per flight.
Q2. You have had some celebrities Kate Upton, Tony Hawk, etc. Please tell us about this?
Many celebrities have flown with us, each for their own reason. Some because they had dreamed of experiencing weightlessness, a few as part of their research for a movie or TV show, and some for a photo or video production.
We flew Kate Upton for a Sport Illustrated Swimsuit 50th Anniversary photo shoot. She was a natural in microgravity and the photos were incredible. Tony Hawk brought Aaron "Jaws" Homoki with him and they attempted to pull off some weightless tricks on their skateboards. Oscar winning directors James Cameron, Alfonso Cuarón and Peter Jackson experienced weightlessness with us. Prominent figures of the space industry, including Buzz Aldrin, Elon Musk and Sir Richard Branson have flown on board G-FORCE ONE. One of our most publicized flights was with Professor Stephen Hawking. He had an amazing time and was able to experience eight parabolas, almost four minutes of microgravity.
Q3. What are opportunities for growth?
In keeping with our mission of bringing the wonder of microgravity to the general public, ZERO-G is working to expand our operations to other countries through franchising opportunities. There is a demand for our product outside the United States and we're looking for experienced aerospace partners to partner with in targeted markets.
Q4. There are some other space tourist opportunities, how is this different?
Our price and availability differentiate us from the other space tourist opportunities. We are much more affordable at $4,950 (plus tax) for the ZERO-G Experience. We are also available now. Currently private citizens wanting to experience space are limited to orbital spaceflight which is cost prohibitive for all but a small percentage of the population. Orbital spaceflight training also requires a large block of time as well an extensive physical and medical clearance. Suborbital spaceflight will be coming in the years ahead, but it is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
ZERO-G can be enjoyed by children as young as 8. It doesn't require special training nor a physical exam. It isn't a strenuous activity. In fact, our oldest participant was 93.
Q5. How would Forbes readers take advantage of a zero g opportunity?
They can visit our website, www.gozerog.com, and book online Our 2017 flight schedule includes dates throughout the United States including flights in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Washington DC, Orlando and Miami. They can also find additional information about our charter and research programs on the website.
Meet The Team that Defies Gravity
https://www.facebook.com/GoZeroG/