Entrepreneur On His Way To Becoming First Student Space Tourist By Creating BuyMeToTheStars.com

LONDON, UK - DECEMBER 22, 2006 - A London student is planning to become the world's first student space tourist in 2009 by combining his 10 years of experience in web design with his lifelong passion for space exploration. He has created the BuyMeToTheStars.com web portal on which advertisers can sponsor 'stellar objects' such as stars and galaxies on a fictional star chart. The objects lead to the organisations' websites when clicked.

Michael Halls-Moore is well versed in space technology as he is studying for a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. "It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit space but has been well out of my price range up until now," said the prospective space tourist. "With space tourism becoming an affordable reality, I designed a site on which organisations can advertise their services and help pay for me to go to space."

So far the challenge has attracted top technology websites CNet and Personal Computer World. These articles have led several organisations to purchase stellar objects and more than $300 (£170) has now been raised. "I have to raise around $200,000 (£120,000) if I have any hope of flying to the stars. I believe my challenge has the draw necessary to generate the high traffic needed by advertisers." said Michael. "Only time will tell if I am able to achieve my life-long dream."

If enough money is raised, Halls-Moore will take a space tourism flight in late 2009 with an organisation such as Virgin Galactic, Rocketplane or Armadillo Aerospace. The flight will consist of a 2 hour trip peaking at 400,000ft providing around 10 minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views for 1000 miles in all directions. "Spaceflight is possibly the most adventurous activity a person can undertake," says Halls-Moore. "There are numerous dangers but I think the risk is worth the reward."

Halls-Moore realises the environmental impact of such flights and is attempting to assess the 'carbon footprint' of the flight and make it 'carbon neutral', if possible. "Unfortunately, space travel can be harmful to the environment," concedes Halls-Moore. "However, organisations such as NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) have huge environmental programs with sophisticated satellites helping scientists back on the ground assess our carbon impact on the planet. The trade off is well worth it in my opinion."

BuyMeToTheStars.com was created in November 2006 to promote an attempt at student space tourism and environmental awareness. The site provides organisations with a variety of marketing opportunities and offers a range of advertising packages, space tourism/environmental related news and updates on the challenge of becoming a space tourist.

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If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Michael Halls-Moore, please call at 07875 857724 (UK) or e-mail Mike at buymetothestars@hotmail.co.uk