Press Release

ZERO-G Promotes STEM Education Through Sponsorship of Singularity University Students Experiencing Weightlessness

By SpaceRef Editor
August 30, 2011
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ZERO-G Promotes STEM Education Through Sponsorship of Singularity University Students Experiencing Weightlessness
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Seventeen graduate students participated in the program

Vienna, Va. – August 30, 2011 — Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G), the company that has provided more than 6,000 people with the opportunity to experience true weightlessness, announced today that the company sponsored a group of Singularity University graduate students on a flight to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study, in an effort to encourage interest in pursuing STEM-related professional disciplines.

“We are very excited that our students had the opportunity to experience zero gravity conditions. It’s an excellent way to emphasize the exciting opportunities available to students in STEM-related fields,” said Peter Diamandis, Co-Founder and Chairman, Singularity University.

“Studying space and the physical sciences at Singularity University provoked significant thought and consideration. In the belief that experience is the best method of learning, many of the students felt it necessary to experience lunar and Martian gravity, and weightlessness to better understand space and space exploration. ZERO-G made this experience possible. From the first seconds of experiencing reduced gravity, the surreal experience left an indelible mark of excitement and happiness on each participant. Moving into weightlessness, we finally understood what it exactly feels like to be in space,” said Carlo Bellini, Graduate Studies Program Participant, Singularity University.

Previously, ZERO-G has organized several flights for teachers and high school & collegiate level students to perform experiments within their field of interest. “ZERO-G allows educators and students to experiment with STEM concepts through hands-on experiences in micro- and hyper-gravity conditions, making for a unique and inspiring opportunity to promote passion for STEM-related learning,” said Terese Brewster, President and COO, ZERO-G.

“We place emphasis on our education and research programs, and our sponsorship of these exceptional Singularity University students provides us the opportunity to encourage students to pursue professions in STEM fields,” Ms. Brewster continued.

The Singularity University students flew onboard G-FORCE ONE from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on August 13.

About ZERO-G

Zero Gravity Corporation is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of weightlessness accessible to the public. ZERO-G is based in Vienna, Va. and is the first and only FAA-approved provider of weightless flights to the general public, as well as the entertainment and film industries; corporate and incentive market; non-profit research and education sectors; and government.

Founded in 1993, ZERO-G is led by a world-class team of veteran astronauts and experienced business leaders. The company was co-founded by X PRIZE Chairman and space visionary, Dr. Peter H. Diamandis; former NASA astronaut, Dr. Byron K. Lichtenberg; and NASA engineer Ray Cronise. The team spent more than a decade working to bring the marvel of weightless flight to the public.

Since launching the ZERO-G Experience in September 2004, the company has conducted more than 250 weightless flights and flown over 6,000 members of the public, including celebrities and media personalities, corporate charters, science and math teachers, and individuals aged eight to 93.

ZERO-G operates under the highest safety standards as set by the FAA (Part-121) with its partner Amerijet International Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Aircraft operations take place under the same regulations set for large commercial passenger airliners.

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Stacey Tearne
Vice President, Communications
Space Adventures/ZERO-G
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
Suite 1000
Vienna, Va. 22182
USA
+1 703 894 2192 direct
+1 703 524 7176 fax
+1 202 256 7917 mobile
stearne@spaceadventures.com
www.spaceadventures.com
www.gozerog.com

SpaceRef staff editor.