Ever wondered if you have the Right Stuff to fly in space? Space Adventures, the world leader in space tourism, announced today the official approval of its Orbital Flight Pre-Qualification Program by the Russian agencies responsible for cosmonaut training.
The Space Adventures program provides individuals with space flight training and medical assessment, and can pre-qualify a potential candidate as eligible for a flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
"We are very excited to offer this unique opportunity for all those who have dreamt of becoming astronauts. There are so many people worldwide who want to fly to space, but this is the only way to see if they have the 'right stuff' for such a flight without having to be a career astronaut or cosmonaut," said Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures, Ltd.
Space Adventures, which assisted with and facilitated the flight of the world's first privately-funded space traveler Dennis Tito earlier this year, is currently working with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (RASA), RSC Energia, and the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) to develop future private flights to the ISS.
"Space Adventures' Orbital Flight Pre-Qualification Program has been officially recognized by GCTC and the State Research Center of the Russian Federation – Institute of Biomedicine (IMBP).
"This will help ensure that all future space tourists are adequately screened and prepared for a flight in space," said Air Force Col.-Gen. Pyotr Klimuk, the GCTC Director.
Space Adventures is offering the Orbital Flight Pre-Qualification Program in Russia through its relationship with the GCTC (Star City) and IMBP. The program will provide people with the exciting and challenging activities that will prepare them for travel into space.
A full cosmonaut board medical certification, a zero-gravity flight, MiG-25 and MiG-29 high-altitude supersonic jet flights, neutral buoyancy tank and Soyuz simulator training are included.
