Richard Branson Takes 6 Gs Training for His Suborbital Spaceflight- And Loves It

Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson jumped out of the centrifuge with a huge smile on his face- he had just completed a simulation of all the Gs he would feel during SpaceShipTwo's suborbital launch and re-entry and was ready for the real thing. His reaction was typical of the Virgin Galactic Founder Astronauts who also got a taste of what their spaceflight will feel like by riding in the NASTAR STS-400 centrifuge outside of Philadelphia. Said one, "I loved it, loved it, loved it!"

These pioneering people are the first 100 who will fly on Virgin Galactic's suborbital spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, being built by aerospace marvel Burt Rutan. Branson plans to be on the inaugural flight of the ship with his son Sam, 22, and other special guests. Test flights are expected to begin as early as next year.

Branson successfully completed his centrifuge training with Sam and Professor James Lovelock, 88, the scientist who created the concept of Gaia Theory. Branson said:

I really felt like I was launching into space. I am glad many of the Founder astronauts got to
do this, because it...alleviates a lot of the apprehension people naturally have about whether they can handle a space launch or not. Now I know that I and the Founders can concentrate on the primary features of a Virgin Galactic space flight, which are the magnificent view of Earth and the weightless experience.

The SpaceShipTwo profile includes 3.5 Gs head to toe during launch (much like a pilot feels in a high G turn) and up to 6 Gs on re-entry (taken laying down- chest to back- and thus much easier). Although you don't have to worry about straining to keep the blood in your head when you are laying down for re-entry, feeling like you weigh 600+ lbs is still a lot.

According to the press release:

Dick Leland, President of the NASTAR(SM) Center, commented..."By coming to NASTAR(SM) Center, you can practice what you will feel on the actual launch, so when that day comes, you can say to yourself, 'Hey, I've experienced this before, and I did just fine. I think I'll look out the window and enjoy my ride.' "

About 60 of the 100 Virgin Galactic Founders worldwide have been able to come to Philadelphia and participate in the two day training. "All of them found the experience worthwhile, and
several laughed or whooped during their space launch simulation." At least I know I did...

Environmental Tectonics Corporation Announces That Sir Richard Branson Trains for Virgin Galactic Spaceflight At NASTAR(SM) Center [PR Newswire]
Sir Richard Trains for Spaceflight[Virgin Galactic]

Image: Mark Greenberg

Full disclosure: I am a VG Founder Astronaut