Exploring Zero Gravity with Stephen Hawking

The speaker shares their passion for space exploration and recounts the story of taking Stephen Hawking on a zero-gravity flight. They met Hawking through the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics and offered him a chance to experience weightlessness. Despite initial concerns, the flight was a success, with Hawking expressing his belief in the importance of space exploration for humanity's future. The event was well-prepared, with medical staff on board, and Hawking enjoyed multiple parabolas, highlighting the joy and potential of space travel.

What was the speaker's main passion as introduced in the beginning?

• Building airplanes

• Teaching physics

• Opening the space frontier

• Winning the X PRIZE

What was the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics about?

• Sequencing 100 human genomes in 10 days

• Building a spacecraft

• Developing a new type of telescope

• Creating a new energy source

How did the speaker propose to fulfill Stephen Hawking's dream of experiencing zero gravity?

• By taking him on a parabolic flight

• By sending him to the moon

• By simulating it in a virtual reality environment

• By building a zero-gravity chamber

What is the method used to achieve zero gravity on Earth?

• High-altitude ballooning

• Deep-sea diving

• Space shuttle launch

• Parabolic flight

What was the initial reaction of some agencies to the plan of flying Stephen Hawking?

• They offered financial support

• They were fully supportive

• They thought it was risky

• They ignored the plan

How many parabolas were initially planned for Stephen Hawking's zero-g experience?

• Twenty

• Ten

• Five

• One

What safety measures were taken during the zero-g flight?

• Having emergency room doctors on board

• Wearing special suits

• Using a parachute

• Flying at low altitude

What symbolic gesture was made during the flight in honor of Sir Isaac Newton?

• Wearing a Newton costume

• Playing classical music

• Reading a physics book

• Floating an apple

How did Stephen Hawking appear during the zero-g flight?

• Indifferent

• Tired and unwell

• Nervous

• Happy and energetic

What is the speaker's final message about space exploration?

• It is only for scientists

• It is too dangerous to pursue

• It is a waste of resources

• It is an epic adventure we should all join