Training & Preparation
Training centers around becoming used to higher than normal G-forces and adapting to a weightless environment. Certain elements of the training program are compulsory; other elements are encouraged in order to enhance the enjoyment of the space experience and the level of comfort in space. Training includes rigorous medical checks, flying fighter jets, centrifuge training, weightlessness, attending rocket launches and training in water tank with space suit. Below is listed the updated status of Per Wimmer’s training.
Training in Zero-G
Space Training
Flying Fighter Jets in Russia
Star City Centrifuge
Zero-G training
Zero-G flights aim at building up resistance and level of comfort in the state of weighlessness. Specially designed Russian built Ilyushin 76 planes nose dives from approx. 14 km of altitude, creating approx. 30 seconds of weightlessness. Each flight consists of ten parabolics each.
Status: On-going; completed several Zero-G flights; more to be undertaken.
Fighter Jet Flying
The MIG 25 reaches speeds around Mack 2.5 – 3.0 (approx. 2.500 – 3.000 Km/h) and reaches altitudes at the edge of space (80.000 feet or 25 – 30 km). The L 39 is a Czech built training jet flying slower and lower but with good manoeuvrability – excellent for experiencing strong G-forces through aerobatic exercises. Status: On-going; completed flights in MIG 25 and L 39. More flights to follow.
Centrifuge Training
The ABB centrifuge is one of the largest centrifuges in world and capable of delivering up to 30 G for non-human experiments; the human body can only resist up to 12 G. An F 16 fighter pilot must withstand 7.5 G to qualify. The cosmonaut trainee is strapped to an iron stretcher and loaded into the end of the centrifuge arm. Status: On-going; simulated several three stage rocket launches; simulated SpaceShipTwo launch sequence, experiencing up to 6.0 Gx and 3.0 Gz simultaneously. More training to follow
NASTAR Centrifuge In Motion
The NASTAR Centrifuge In Motion
Second Set of NASTAR “Wings”
Per Wimmer After Receiving His Second Set of NASTAR “Wings” Upon Successful Completion of Centrifuge Training.
Rocket Launches
The Soyuz rocket on the picture to the left is that of Dennis Tito who launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on Sat. April 28, 2001, and who became the first civilian cosmonaut or space tourist. Per Wimmer was present at the launch pad to wish Dennis Tito good luck hoping one day to follow in his pioneering footsteps. Status: On-going. More launches to follow
Learning About Cutting Edge Technology
The latest technology is applied in the spacecraft. Several models are currently competing; including the Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, The XCOR Lynx and Blue Origin. One of the predecessors, SpaceShipOne, won the Ansari X-Prize on Oct 4, 2004.
Hydro Lab Training
One of the best ways of simulating weightlessness in space is in water. Training includes the movements dressed in a space suit in order to experience the challenges of weightless movements. Status: Not initiated
Teamwork
One continuously learns that the “sum of the parts” is much stronger than the “individual parts alone.” Indeed, in space, one’s life and well-being depends on the cooperation and respect for each other. Although there is much space outside the spacecraft, there is only very little within and each team members contribution is mission critical. Status: On-going.
Suborbital Launch
The flight intends to reach a min. of 100 km of altitude in a sub-orbital space vehicle (about a quarter of the distance to the International Space Station) and to return safely to the Earth. Status: On-going
Medical Tests
Per has undergone various medical tests ahead of each training session. Tests have been carried out both in London and on location of each training session
Soyuz Rocket Flight to the International Space Station (ISS)
A trip to the ISS would be the next logical step after a suborbital flight. Such trip would be four times as long in terms of distance from the Earth (400 Km) and would allow to stay and to live in space for a period up to 10-12 days. Status: Not initiated yet.
Dannebrog on the Moon
The vision and the ambition is to place the Danish flag, the “Dannebrog,” on the Moon. There is no timeline for this to become a reality but each of the steps above are milestones in that ultimate goal. Status: Not completed
