In this handout photo provided by Zero Gravity Corp., astrophysicist Stephen Hawking floats on a zero-gravity jet, Thursday, April 26, 2007. The modified jet carrying Hawking, a handful of his physicians and nurses, and dozens of others first flew up to 24,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. Nurses lifted Hawking and carried him to the front of the jet, where they placed him on his back atop a special foam pillow. The plane made a total of eight parabolic dips, including two during which Hawking made two weightless flips like 'a gold-medal gymnast,' said Peter Diamandis, chairman of Zero Gravity Corp., the company that owns the jet.
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When I first heard about Ha... (Below threshold)1. Posted by langtry | April 27, 2007 3:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
When I first heard about Hawking's plan to do this, Tracey, I'll admit I was pretty cynical about it. That cynicism was blown away by seeing these pictures on the TV this morning, and by hearing Hawking quoted as saying it was "Bliss."
What it must have been like for a man who has been confined & kept prisoner by his disease for so long? Amazing.
1. Posted by langtry | April 27, 2007 3:39 PM |
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Posted on April 27, 2007 15:39
2. Posted by Captain Ned | April 27, 2007 4:54 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The vomit comet ride (Google it) was a test drive for Hawking's real goal and it appears he passed the test just fine.
Hawking wants to be on the first commercial flight of Virgin Galactic's suborbital bird. I can't think of anyone more deserving of the honor.
2. Posted by Captain Ned | April 27, 2007 4:54 PM |
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Posted on April 27, 2007 16:54