For seemingly no reason (at least I can’t figure out how it ties into their products) Gillette Canada is running a contest in which you can win a sub-orbital space flight.

As it says in their rules:

THE PRIZE: There will be one (1) prize awarded consisting of one (1) “Space Adventures” sub-orbital flight. Prize travel anticipated to occur by July 1, 2010. Winner (as defined below) will be notified of the departure date and launch location three (3) months prior to scheduled date. Contest Sponsors reserve the right to change such scheduled date as force majeure, health or other condition of the crew or passengers, technical failures or difficulties or adverse weather conditions may reasonably require. Winner must be available to travel on the Contest Sponsors’ selected dates. Prize also includes: round-trip coach airfare from the major Canadian commercial airport nearest the Winner’s home (departure point) to the first available “Space Adventures” sub-orbital flight launch location (to be determined at Contest Sponsors’ sole discretion), three (3) days of flight training, one (1) sub-orbital space flight, ground transportation to and from the launch location, hotel accommodations for one (1) [based on one (1) standard room, single occupancy, room and taxes only] for four (4) nights at a hotel chosen by the Contest Sponsors, and meals for the duration of the training program and launch day. Approximate Retail Value $80,000 USD.

Now if that ain’t a cool prize, I don’t know what is.

Naturally I’ve entered. If I do somehow win, I think I might then hold the distinction of being the only SF writer, living or dead, who has ever actually gotten off the planet.

Not a bad tag line for a book, right? 🙂

Contest entry and details can be found here, and may the best space cadet win!

– S.