G.A.P Adventures Takes Travellers to the Edge of Space

12-09-2007

CHICAGO –  December 7, 2007 – After years of providing travellers with the most exciting, innovative adventures in the world, G.A.P Adventures is now helping people experience our planet’s last frontier—space. With the launch of these three new Space Experiences, G.A.P Adventures can now cater to those travellers whose wanderlust extends beyond this world.

 

“Making new and thrilling travel experiences available to people has driven G.A.P Adventures to every corner of the globe,” said G.A.P Adventures CEO Bruce Poon Tip. “I am proud that we now also cater to travellers who not only look up into the night’s sky with open eyed curiosity, but want to experience it first-hand. For G.A.P Adventures it was never a question of if we could provide our travellers with the experience of undertaking space travel, but when.”

 

G.A.P Adventures new Space Experiences include:

 

Russia Space Adventure – The Edge of Earth: Would be astronauts no longer require a degree in astrophysics or a million dollar bank account to be able to view the earth’s curve from 60,000 ft with G.A.P Adventures new Russia Space Adventure. Travellers will be taken to the upper reaches of earth’s atmosphere in a MIG-31 Jet Fighter to experience the edge of space itself.

 

 

When their feet finally touch the ground, travellers on this adventure will be able to explore remnants of the vast aviation history that placed the then Soviet Union on the world map. The Monino Air Museum, just outside of Moscow, houses some of the oldest aircrafts in the former Soviet Republic. This three-day trip concludes with a chance for travellers to immerse themselves in the many sights of fascinating Moscow, with the third day acting as a back-up flight day in case of poor weather conditions.

 

Zero Gravity Adventure: G.A.P Adventures has a tour that allows travellers to experience zero gravity first-hand. After exploring Moscow, tour members will be transported to the Chkailovsky Air Base, located just outside of Moscow. After one day of cosmonaut training, they will fly 34,000ft into the atmosphere to experience zero gravity. Once the proper altitude is reached of this remarkable flight, weightlessness takes control and the travellers will feel as though they were in space itself.

 

Cosmonaut for a Day: If you don’t want to fly to 60,000 ft but would still like to experience life as a cosmonaut, then G.A.P Adventures has the ideal tour. The five-day “cosmonaut training package” provides the opportunity to train like a real Russian cosmonaut, from eating space food to experiencing space simulators. Also included is an opportunity to explore the immense aviation history of Russia and the many tourist attractions of Moscow. This unique tour allows travellers to experience what is required for life in space, without having to leave earth.

 

G.A.P Adventures has committed itself to providing the public with unique and accessible travel experiences. The three new Space Experiences will take travellers closer to space than ever before. For more information please see attached Q&A sheet, or visit: www.gapadventures.com

G.A.P Adventures Space Experiences FAQs

 

 

What does each of the tours cost and when do they depart?

 

These adventures all depart year round. For more information on pricing and dates, please visit:

• Cosmonaut for a Day  http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/TWRCD
• Zero Gravity Adventure  http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/TWRZA
• Russia Space Adventure – The Edge of Earth  - http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/TWRSA

 

Are flights and transfers to Moscow included within the price of the tours?

 

No, flights and transfers to Moscow are not included in the price of the tours. As travellers on G.A.P Adventures tours come from all around the globe, it is almost impossible to accommodate for international flights. If you reside in the U.S.A or Canada, G.A.P Adventures tour specialists would be happy to help arrange flight details for you. Just ask for an ‘air quote’ when making your tour booking. You may also book your flights through your preferred travel agent.

 

How long is each tour?

 

Each tour lasts approximately 5 days.

 

Are there general safety risks associated with the 60,000 ft flight?

 

Passenger safety is our highest when planning our adventures. While there are no inherent safety risks associated with the 60,000 ft flight, G.A.P Adventures advises that all travellers should be in excellent health to participate. This adventure may not be suited for everyone, if you have a mental or physical disability that may limit your ability to fully participate please consult G.A.P Adventures for further information before booking.

 

Does the 60,000 ft flight actually travel into space?

 

No, the 60,000 ft flight does not actually travel into space. The internationally recognized definition of space is the beyond the Karman line. The Karman line lies 100km above the earth’s surface, which is approximately 328,000ft.

 

While the 60,000 ft flight does not actually venture into space, it is the most accessible and closest thing to experiencing space travel in which an untrained civilian can partake in.

 

 

 

 

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About G.A.P Adventures 

G.A.P Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 60,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. G.A.P Adventures is also the proud owner of the legendary polar expedition ship, the M/S Explorer. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, G.A.P Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its passengers can g
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