Our Origin Story
About Zero-G
Beginning their venture in 1993, serial entrepreneur Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, veteran astronaut Dr. Byron K. Lichtenberg, and NASA engineer Ray Cronise led the way to build Zero Gravity Corporation (Zero-G).
Using a Boeing 727-200, Zero-G’s co-founders worked tirelessly for more than 11 years to meet FAA requirements for commercial parabolic flights. This aircraft is known today as G-Force One – Zero-G’s highly specialized aircraft for all zero gravity flights.
In August 2004, Zero-G’s FAA-approved G-Force One flew its first commercial flight while operating under the same Part 121 safety standards as all major airlines. From that day forward, Zero-G established itself as the first and only commercial zero-gravity flight provider for the general public.
By April 2006, Zero-G became the first commercial company to gain permission from Kennedy Space Center to use the historic shuttle runway and landing facilities to operate its weightlessness flights.
It’s been quite the journey, and today…
We’re proud to still be the only FAA-approved provider of parabolic flights in the United States.
A few short years later, NASA closed its own Parabolic Flight office in favor of naming Zero-G their exclusive parabolic flight provider. Since then, we’ve partnered with NASA to support the agency’s groundbreaking scientific research for over a decade.
In the time since, we’ve had various organizations onboard G-Force One including National Geographic, Nick News, and Discovery Channel. Furthermore, we’ve been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, Biggest Loser, and The Apprentice.
We’ve flown more than 2,300 research missions, established a partnership with NASA, and made our zero gravity, Lunar gravity, and Martian gravity flights available to the general public, including educators and students.
Whether we’re flying with academic legends like physicist Stephen Hawking, space pioneers like Buzz Aldrin, or iconic public figures like Martha Stewart or Sir Richard Branson, our parabolic flights reach into avenues of entertainment and research that were once thought impossible.
After nearly 20 years of supporting the space industry, we’re only just getting started.
Whether You’re A Training Astronaut, A Scientist Conducting Ground-Breaking Research, Or A Civilian Pursuing A Lifelong Dream, It All Starts In The Same Place…
With Zero-G.
Zero-G is the world leader in zero gravity flights and the only FAA-approved parabolic flight provider. Because we believe space is for everyone.
Trusted By The Space Industry Elite
Frequently Asked Questions...
Getting you ready for your weightless experience.
Can I bring animals on board?
No, regrettably live animals are not allowed onboard for a zero gravity flight.
How long does the experience last?
The flight itself requires around 90 minutes, but the entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 to 5 hours total.
Pre-flight time includes check-in, changing into flight suits, orientation, security screening, and boarding the aircraft. Post-flight time includes a Regravitation celebration, presenting your flight pin, and a champagne toast.
Although times may vary from flight to flight, our typical flight has an 8:30/9am check-in and concludes around 2pm. Always reference the instructions provided by our Flight Operations team to confirm your specific flight’s schedule.
Will I get motion sick?
Despite the popularity of NASA’s original “Vomit Comet” plane, a majority of our guests never experience motion sickness. With over 20 years of experience conducting over 850+ flights, we know how to ensure that our guests have the most comfortable experience possible.
On flight day we’ll provide you with optional non-drowsy Dramamine as well as an anti-nausea wearable. You’ll also be provided a flight-approved light breakfast, and detailed instructions from your Flight Coach about what causes motion sickness in zero gravity and how to avoid it.
How do zero gravity flights work?
Our specially modified B-727 aircraft, G-Force One aircraft achieves weightlessness by flying aerobatic maneuvers called parabolas.
The process starts with the aircraft flying level with the horizon at an altitude of 24,000 feet. The pilots then gradually increase the angle of the aircraft to about 45° relative to the horizon until reaching an altitude of 32,000 feet. During this phase, passengers feel the pull of 1.8 Gs.
Next, the plane pushes over the top of the parabolic arc and the zero gravity phase begins. For the next ~30 seconds, everything in the plane is weightless.
Finally, the plane gently pulls out of the maneuver, allowing flyers to gradually return to the floor of the aircraft.
The maneuver is flown 15 times over the course of the flight.
How long will I experience zero gravity?
Each parabola offers roughly ~30 seconds of zero gravity. Flying 15 parabolas over the course of the flight means you will experience around ~7.5 minutes of zero gravity.
Are zero gravity flights safe?
Yes, zero gravity flights are perfectly safe. Not only are we held to the exact same Part 121 safety standards as passenger airlines like Delta, Southwest, and others, but we spent over 11 years receiving FAA approval before ever conducting our first public flight.
Now more than 20 years, 850+ flights, and 22,000+ guests later, we still maintain a spotless safety record.