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METS, or the Modular EVA Training System, is a fully enclosed black chamber that houses a 12 foot high by 10 foot wide Spacecraft Training Module. With Star Field generators above and below, METS allows astronaut trainees to simulate an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), commonly known as a spacewalk.
METS creates the sensation of weightlessness while the astronaut trainee moves around the space module - simulating space walk repairs performed by astronauts at the International Space Station.
Until now, the only extended training for weightlessness is NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab, which is prohibitively expensive and not currently available to civilian astronaut trainees.
METS will be a breakthrough training tool for both civilian and government astronauts, providing spacewalk training at extremely low cost. We have build a proof of concept 1/20 scale model so we know it works.
The new Space Race is being spearheaded and driven by civilian space programs like Blue Origin, SpaceX, Sierra Nevada, XCOR and Virgin Galactic.
As the world's only FAA Safety Approved Astronaut School with Pre-Sub-Orbital, Sub-Orbital, Orbital and Payload Specialist programs, Waypoint2Space is firmly committed to providing the best training available for future civilian astronauts across the globe. Waypoint 2 Space has derived the training programs from both NASA and the United States Air Force.
Imagine what it would be like to fulfill your dream of training like an Astronaut?
Well now you can because a $179 Pledge gets you 3 hours of authentic space training and a $349 Pledge gets you 3 hours of training in a real pressurized Space Suit!
Don’t wait! This Discovery Astronaut Training program is only offered through this Kickstarter!
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and...Leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Quick Answers to most popular Questions:
What is METS? What does this mean for me? What do I get out of helping you?
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Additional Information
This all sounds great but when do I get to train?
Although we plan on having the METS up and running by the end of the year (with your help) the rest of our equipment won’t be online until late February or early March. As part of your updates and as we get closer to opening our facility we will notify you about the dates which are available for your training. Kickstarter donators will get priority in scheduling and will be prioritize based on when they donated. In other words, those donating early in the campaign get first choice of dates.
What is the training that I get as part of the various Pledge Offerings?
Depending upon the pledge level you selected you will receive a combination of the following. However, you can always add more to your package when you are contacted by us to schedule your training.
1.Lunar & Martian Walk/Run
Our partial gravity offset system partially offsets your weight so you can walk/run up to 20 yards (60 feet) and return.
§For example say your weight here on Earth is 190 lbs.
§On Mars your weight would be 71.8 lbs
§On the moon your weight would be 31.5 lbs.
§This means you are be able to push your body higher and faster but it also means you could get out of control very quickly if you’re not use to the new weight. You saw this on moon walks because the Astronauts tried to walk normal but ended up falling down discovering it was easier to hop.
Our plan is to add Virtual Reality goggles to the program so everywhere you look you see Mars or the Moon, however this feature may not be available until late 2015.
2.Modular EVA (spacewalk) Training System (METS)
For the $349 backers you run this simulation in a full pressurized space suit for full effect.
3.Normobaric Chamber – Hypoxia Training
As part of the training for flights into space (and for airline pilots) pilots are required to go through Hypoxia Training which is the deprivation of oxygen simulating a low or no oxygen atmosphere at high altitudes or in space.
People train for this typically by going into an altitude chamber. However, this method has risks because you’re dealing with pressurization which could result in physiological issues. We use a Normobaric Chamber which is NOT pressurized and simply replaces the oxygen with nitrogen to give the same effects of hypoxia without the high risks.
4.Pressurized Space Suits – Astronaut Training
Full pressurized space suits give the participant a true feeling for what it is like to operate in space because they have to wear cooling garments, communication systems and physiological monitoring systems. They basically become their own personal autonomous spacecraft. The participants will find it is very hard to do everyday tasks like holding a pencil, turning a screw, walking, bending climbing, etc. Being in a space suit adds complexity and challenges for any and all activities.
What are the size and medical requirements to do the spacesuit training?
§Must have current open water scuba certification
§Height and size requirements
§Min. Height: 5’1″ or 61 inches (155 cm)
§Max Height: 6’5” or 77 inches (196 cm)
§Max. Waist Size: 40 inches in circumference (102 cm)
§Max. Chest Size: 40 inches in circumference (102 cm)
§Must be 18 years or older
4. Medical Requirements
Obtain Valid FAA Medical Certificate (class 3 or higher) or equivalent. You must have a current electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) test if over 40 years of age to participate or a waiver signed by your physician. Visit the FAA Locator Site to find an Aeromedical Examiner in your area. You may fax or email a preliminary copy to Waypoint 2 Space and will need to bring the original FAA Medical Certificate when you arrive for training.
5.Completion of Forms
§Waypoint 2 Space Booking Forms
§Terms and Conditions
§You will be required to sign additional waiver of liability forms upon arrival.
Is all of the above training guaranteed?
Although we don’t anticipate training offered to change, we are aware that anything can happen from equipment malfunctions, software glitches, etc. Therefore, Waypoint 2 Space reserves the right to modify program content provided modifications do not materially affect the program being offered.
What’s the deal with International Shipping?
If you live outside the continental US, simply provide us with your mailing address and we'll work together to determine the lowest amount needed in addition to your pledge to ship you your rewards.
What if I am not from the United States, can I still come and train?
As long as you have a valid United States Visa and the United States State Department allows you to visit the United States you will be able to participate in the training. Please let us know in advance if you have any special requirements (food, allergies, interpreter required, etc.) prior to arriving for your training.
Spaceflight Training Programs
Risks and challenges
We have received quotes from engineering firms that confirm our assumptions and cost analysis but there are always risks and challenges with every project and this one is no different. What we are attempting has never been done before but the idea is based on sound engineering and the prototype has been successful.
We understand that Aerospace is hard and that the commercial space industry is facing some tough challenges. Part of the reason we are doing this is to buy down the risk and lower the cost of training for the industry as a whole and we welcome the challenges that lay ahead. We are working with the Houston Technology Center and its many partners with whom we can tap into for advice and guidance AND we are right across the street from some VERY smart people at NASA so if we run into a tough problem we know where to go for help.
Lastly, although we do not anticipate it there could be a delay in the opening of our training facility due to unforeseen circumstances, equipment delivery/installation delays, etc. However, we will work diligently to let you know as soon as we know if there is any kind of schedule slip and work with you to reschedule your training if necessary.
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Funding period
- (51 days)