It seems rather fitting that John Mims, who as a young boy was fascinated by the space race and remembers watching it endlessly on television, now finds himself selling commercial space flights.
“I have always thought that to be in apace would be the ultimate adventure. Until now I had only hoped it would be possible, now it is.”
John Mims: The novelty factor is great.
Indeed it is. The Hunting Ridge Group, of whom Mims is the CEO based in Singapore, has been appointed the global agent to sell XCOR’s space flights.
According to Mims, who was most recently running global sales for Las Vegas Sands, the Roll Out event (production completion) of XCOR’s Lynx spacecraft is expected before this summer and soon after that, Lynx will fly inflight tests.
“We expect first commercial flights to commence 6-18 months after the flight test of Lynx begins. Designated spaceports are located in the US and the Caribbean island of Curacao.” 
Under the agreement, Hunting Ridge can sell seats, and training slots globally. At present a seat, including training, costs about US$100,000. “The training alone costs about $10,000 excluding airfare to The Netherlands where the training is held,” said Mims.
The novelty factor of commercial space travel is great, he said. “Until now, of the total population of earth, just 545 people have visited space. With XCOR and the Lynx spacecraft, people now have the chance join these pioneers and follow in the footsteps of Yuri Gagarin, John Glenn and Neil Armstrong, legends who have conquered space.”
He said with the XCOR experience, “you travel in the driver’s seat, just you and our highly experienced pilot. 0-60mph in 0.8 Seconds with Horizontal Launch, Complete Instant Weightless-ness, Breaking of the Sound Barrier, Experience Mach 3, Complete Silence (non-existent on Earth), a view of Planet Earth, become an Astronaut for life – enter the history books.”
He said response has been good so far. “For many people, the idea of space travel sounds like the most special and unforgettable experience they can think of. Recently at a small lunch, when I mentioned the programme, one person turned to me and said he would take two seats! Bang, just like that. I wasn’t even selling, just explaining the idea. But I think this speaks to everyones real desire for unique experiences.”
He sees huge potential in Asia Pacific. Already more than 30 mainland Chinese have purchased tickets from XCOR, representing approximately 10% of the total numbers.
For both individual and corporate sales demand is accelerating due to the enhanced visibility and excitement that is being generated as we get closer to powered test flights.”
And by the way, the mix between male vs. female (or Mars vs. Venus) is 84/16%.
Mims himself has booked a seat. “I can’t wait.”
He remembers being at home in Chicago watching television, when Neil Armstrong first landed on the moon. Asked what’s the one question he would ask Armstrong if he had a chance, he said, “I have seen a lot of his interviews, and I know that his experience is awesome. Since I want to go soon.. I would ask him how to best prepare and what does he think I should do to maximize the experience.”
And as for who he would travel to space with, he said, “My daughter who is eight, or my son who is 22. That would be the ultimate bonding experience with both of them.”
