Free Republic

Stephen Hawking plans space flight in 2009 By Adam Turner Monday, 08 January 2007 Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking is planning a zero-gravity aircraft flight this year in preparation for a venture into space in 2009. Hawking hopes to be one of the first passengers aboard British businessman Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic service, reports London's Daily Telegraph in a interview to mark Hawking's 65th birthday. Virgin Galactic is set to offer two-hour sub-orbital flights as of 2009. Struck down with motor neuron disease in his early twenties, Hawking is wheelchair-bound and speaks with the aid of a computer. He expressed interest...