Zero gravity experience indescribable: Santhosh George

Kottayam, Aug 17 (UNI) Santhosh George Kulangara, who returned from Florida after 'zero gravity training' today said his experience was too wonderful to be described.

Sharing the zero gravity experience with newspersons here, the 35-year-old globetrotter, who was going to become the first Indian space tourist said ''it was a wonderful experience and I have no words to express it.'' Altogether 12 people were given the training.

After the medical checkup on the first day, a classroom training was imparted on the second day. A special aircraft, carrying them took off from the Kennedy Space centre at 1430 hrs on the third day.

The seating arrangements were at the rear side and in the front portion was a large hall with cushions on all sides.

After reaching a particular height, the aircraft suddenly went down in what is called a 'parabolic fall' to create zero gravity inside the aircraft. The 'parabolic fall' was repeated 35 to 40 times.

''At zero gravity we were floating inside the aircraft,'' Mr Kulangara said.

He thanked ISRO and other departments in the country for the cooperation extended to him for the trip.

The date for the trip, which would be announced later would cost two lakh dollars.

Mr Santhosh George, a journalist by profession has already visited 52 countries.

UNI