Just a nice stroll around the Space Needle

Gregory Schneider, a 28-year-old father of two from Arizona, beat out more than 50,000 applicants to win a trip to space as part of the Space Needle’s Space Race 2012 program. Schneider was one of five finalists who participated in a three-day set of challenges this week, concluding with the recent law school grad competing against runner-up Sara Cook by climbing to the top of the needle and then answering trivia questions as they walked around the iconic landmark.

The winner was announced by astronaut Buzz Aldrin who marveled at the adventurous spirit of the competitors as they traversed the Space Needle.

Aldrin said that he’s walked on the moon, visited the North Pole and traveled to see the Titanic. “But you wouldn’t catch me walking around the outside of the Space Needle. I’m afraid of heights.”

After watching this video, shot by KPLU’s Jake Ellison, I’ve got to agree with Mr. Aldrin’s assessment. That looks downright scary. The competition was part of the Space Needle’s 50th anniversary celebration.


Previously on GeekWireGeekWire Radio: Our future in space, and why it might be closer than we thought

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