World’s most respected and renowned cosmologist and physicist Stephen Hawking will be travelling to space thanks to Virgin group. This came as a surprise to the scientist as the seat was offered by the Virgin group head Richard Branson.
In an interview by ITV News Stephen Hawking said, "I thought no one would take me but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immediately." The physicist continued, "My three children have brought me great joy - and I can tell you what will make me happy, to travel in space."
Richard Branson praised Hawking by saying, “He (Stephen Hawking) is one of the people I admire most in the world. He has opened our eyes to the wonders of the universe. He is the only person I have given a free ticket with Virgin Galactic. If his health permits we will be in space soon.”
Stephen Hawking is 75 years old, but even with that age, Hawking won’t be the oldest astronaut. That record is held by John Glenn who travelled to space at the age of 77. Also this won’t be first time when Hawking will experience zero-gravity. Back in 2013, Stephen Hawking did experience zero gravity.
He will be the first person with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) to travel to space but having said that travelling to space is a tough and tedious task. It’s a physically exhaustive experience and with Stephen Hawking’s health condition in place, the flight time will be nerve wracking for most.
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