Florida Backs Away from Space Lottery Plans

By Fraser Cain - December 15, 2003 at 8:32 AM UTC | Space Policy

After considering the possibility of giving away a flight to the International Space Station, Florida Lottery officials have decided people would probably just want the cash. The idea of a space lottery had been suggested by Space Adventures, an Arlington, VA company with a contract to sell two seats on upcoming Soyuz flights to the station. Florida Lottery officials didn't reject the idea outright, but said that prize-based lotteries are never successful - even space enthusiasts would probably take $20 million in cash over a trip to space.

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.