Hawking in Space

Virgin Galactic will be financing a ride into space for Stephen Hawking.

Richard Branson, the iconoclastic British tycoon, is sponsoring Stephen Hawking for a flight into space. I think this is fantastic for Hawking (who is definitly cashing in on his fame), but is also significant for people with disabilities. If Hawking's flight is successful, and it probably will be, spaceflight will finally prove to be available to everyone. Of course, the main beneficiary will be Branson. What better way to advertise the safety, comfort, and care of the nascent service?

Hawking is also scheduled for a free ride on a "vomit comet", an atmospheric flight that mimics zero gravity.

Approximately 200 people have signed up for a brief flight into space aboard Virgin Galactic craft. The suborbital flight service could begin as early as the end of 2008.

In case you are wondering, yes, I would go if I had the $200,000 to cover the price of a ticket. I've never been on a rollercoaster, and have no intention of skydiving, but yes, I'd go on a suborbital flight in a heartbeat.

Actually, Mr. Branson, will you sponsor me?