The first realistic, permanent and continuous chances offered to the erstwhile Space Tourist, to win that ultimate trip. Space Miles* CEO Phil Clarkson explains: "Space Miles (IOM) Ltd is commencing countdown to the launch of The Space Shuffle Lottery. The company believe this to be a world’s first."
Space Miles (IOM) Ltd is entering into the final stages of legal compliance in order that the company may be empowered to offer to eligible clients the opportunity to win tickets to embark upon Sub-Orbital Space Flights.
"Space Miles has been striving for some time now not only to promote the Space Tourism industry as a whole but far more importantly to put the reality of sub-orbital flights, within the affordability range of ordinary people and not just the relatively wealthier enthusiast, (but good luck to them anyway!)," said Clarkson.
Space Miles and The Space Shuffle are working to achieve this goal in two distinct ways. Firstly the Space Shuffle Lottery will be offering an ongoing continuous series of Space Flight Excursion Tickets as prizes at the affordable entry price of $25.00.
"We hope a whole series of Lucky Winners will earn their Astronaut Wings and personally contribute to mankind’s greatest adventure. Over time, as the cost of Space Flights fall, (following the established pattern of every other industry in history) The Space Shuffle will be able to offer more and more Space Flight Lottery Tickets at even lower prices," stressed Clarkson.
Secondly Space Miles continue their efforts to launch The Space Miles Credit Card Loyalty Programme, a highly selective merchant based discount and savings programme following an established business model and dedicated to the would-be Space Tourist of tomorrow.
The Space Shuffle Lottery, (available to any legally entitled entrant) will offer as prizes, one Space Flight Excursion Ticket, (and ancillary terrestrial travel tickets) to the total value of $250,000. Every time a prize is won the lottery will re-calibrate itself and start all over again.
Awarded prize money will be kept in a completely secure account held solely for the benefit of the winner(s) and, when appropriate, tickets will be purchased from one of the accredited commercial Space Flight Providers**. Prizes will also include door to door return travel for the actual winner and terrestrial travel tickets for a friend, spouse or partner who may be invited to share the moment.
During the first six months of operation Space Miles (IOM) Ltd will be adding a further selection of games to the portfolio: Games that require either much lower levels of entry, offering Zero Gravity Flights and near-Space Flight experiences for example and, at a higher entry level, (as time and technology progress), full orbital excursions.
"Our new website thespaceshuffle.com is currently under development which includes the rigorous independent and impartial testing procedures to ensure winner selections are achieved totally at random. We expect this procedure to take another three to four months, during which time Space Miles will be relocating permanently to The Isle of Man, so the games will not go “live” until later on in the year. Regrettably The Space Shuffle will not be available to any participants wishing to access our website from within the USA," said Clarkson.
Despite this the company hopes The Space Shuffle will stimulate interest and especially investment in Space Tourism from other areas of the world, perhaps in line with the 2006 survey commissioned by CNN/Time that concludes that approximately 50% of the Asian population would wish to travel into space should affordability be within reach.
"Anyone however is invited to have a look and register interest. Space Miles and The Space Shuffle actively welcome any interest from potential Corporate Partners, Individual Corporate Flight Sponsors, Potential Merchant Partners, Sponsors, Private Investors, Advertisers, Marketers, Adventurers or simply the curious. Now anyone can join the greatest adventure of them all! All that remains is for my Co-directors, Guy, Dave, Debbie and I to wish you Good Luck!", concluded Clarkson.
*Space Miles is a registered Trade Mark of Space Miles (Holdings) Ltd and associated companies and may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without express permission of the owners.
** Please note that Space Miles and The Space Shuffle are not associated, allied or affiliated to any present or future accredited and/or licensed Space Flight Provider but seek merely to get the best value and best experience for our clients.
Michael Verikios - Thursday, May 15, 2008