Lindbergh said the trip was designed to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis, which disabled the 37-year-old for 15 years before surgery and drug treatment helped restore his movement.
"I have my life back. I have my freedom," he said. "With that second chance, I wanted to do something special."
Organizers also hope the journey will promote the X Prize Foundation, a St. Louis-based nonprofit group offering $10 million to the first private group that can successfully build and launch a manned spacecraft, then repeat the feat within two weeks.
"I'm trying to open up space flight for everyone, so that in the near future people like you and I can go and buy a ticket and fly into space," Lindbergh said.
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Rich and famous, yes, still it was a courageous thing to do.
Marcia
Space/Science » in reply to What makes this a big deal, or "news"? n/t
There was a time when Erik Lindbergh was unable to walk... in body, he made the trip alone... is also promoting space travel.