Send Your Stuff into Orbit

Las Vegas, Nev. – September 7, 2006 – If you can’t fly in space, at least your stuff can. That’s right. Stuff — as long as its about the size of a golf ball or smaller, weighs less than 1 ounce and doesn’t contain magnets, liquid or powder — will be flown to space aboard Genesis II and then photographed there by onboard cameras. Bigelow Aerospace, a Las Vegas space technology start-up company, is pioneering work on expandable space station modules. The company’s “Fly Your Stuff” program allows anyone to take part in the private space industry revolution. It’s a limited term offer — the promotion ends Nov. 1, 2006 or when space is filled — with Genesis II scheduled to launch in early 2007. It doesn’t sound as out-of-this-world (pun intended!) when you realize that stuff like insects is currently floating around and being photographed by on-board cameras in Genesis I, a 33 percent-scale prototype that lifted off on July 12, 2006, and is expected to continue in its orbit for about 13 years. At launch, the spacecraft was 14-feet long and about four-feet in diameter. But after achieving orbit 342 miles above the Earth, the vehicle inflated to about twice that size. The cost to have your stuff flown on Genesis II is $295 per item, but if you send three to five items in space, you’ll receive a discounted price of $265.50 each. Can’t decide what to send? Bigelow’s website recommends rings, a child’s tooth, personal mementos, baby pictures or medals. And as much as you might like to, they won’t take your little brother or sister. Sorry. The photos of your item floating in space will be displayed on the Bigelow Aerospace website, where you can now see Genesis I photos. And you’ll also receive a certificate, suitable for framing, of your "Fly Your Stuff" participation.

Bigelow Aerospace’s Genesis I lifts off on July 12, 2006. The Genesis II could be hauling your stuff into orbit! A view from Genesis I as it orbits the Earth.

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