I Almost Killed Stephen Hawking | EP #2 Moonshots and Mindsets
The episode discusses the founding of ZerG, a company that aims to provide weightlessness experiences to the public, and the challenges faced in gaining regulatory approval from the FAA. Peter Diamandis discusses the challenges of obtaining FAA approval for space flights, the importance of space exploration for humanity, and the themes that will be explored in future episodes. The podcast discusses the importance of space exploration, existential threats, and the role of moonshots in inspiring innovation and solving problems, while also emphasizing the need to address Earth's challenges. Peter Diamandis shares his entrepreneurial journey, including a critical moment where a last-minute issue threatened the company's survival, and the regulatory challenges faced when attempting to fly Stephen Hawking into zero gravity. The podcast episode discusses the risks and benefits of flying Stephen
Peter Diamandis recounts a critical moment where a last-minute issue threatened the company's survival, highlighting the importance of risk management in entrepreneurship.
“we've been flying let me do the calculations here since 2005 so 17 years uh and we're flying about 70 80 flights per year um uh people rent out the airplane for birthday parties weddings all kinds of things imagine that get married up there yeah you got 30 seconds to say I do uh”
Your call:
Numbers that matter
1993The year the founder started ZerG.
2004The year ZerG finally received approval from the FAA after 11 years of work.
30-50 parabasThe number of parabolas typically done during a NASA flight for training astronauts.
11 yearsThe duration of the founder's battle with the FAA to gain approval for ZerG's operations.
2%US government spending on Apollo program at its peak.
Maintenance issueThe airplane was down for maintenance, causing a delay in the filming schedule.
10:00 at nightThe time when Diamandis was panicking about the situation.
4:00 on Friday afternoonThe time when approval on the repaired airplane was finally obtained.
DuskThe time when the airplane was no longer allowed to fly due to aviation regulations.
17 yearsThe company has been offering zero gravity flights since 2005.
70-80 flights per yearThe company flies about 70-80 flights per year.
5-6 minutesThe total zero g time during a flight is about 5-6 minutes.
1/6thOn the Moon, gravity is 1/6th of Earth's gravity, allowing for unique physical experiences.
trillionThe commercial space industry is a trillion-dollar industry.