George Takei to lead group on zero gravity flight

Former Star Trek actor George Takei is leading a group of intrepid explorers on a bold journey - beyond the bonds of gravity.

The actor, who played Sulu on the original '60s sci-fitelevision series and six feature films, has signed up with Zero Gravity Corp. to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show.

For US$6,500, adventurers will "float, flip and soar" in a modified Boeing 727 that will make "parabolic manoeuvres" over the deserts of Las Vegas. The five-hour flight, for which just 20 tickets are being sold, takes place on Aug. 4 and promises passengers bursts of weightlessness similar to those experienced by astronauts.

After the zero-gravity spin, passengers will receive a flight suit and get a chance to mingle with Takei and take photos at a "regravitation celebration," the Los Angeles Times said.