Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Will Be On Hand To Present The Winner With The Grand Prize - A Sub-Orbital Trip Into Space

Eight months after announcing Space Race 2012, a program that celebrates its iconic history, the Space Needle in Seattle has chosen five lucky finalists to compete in a variety of challenges for a chance to fulfill their dream of traveling into space. The contestants will gather in Seattle next month to kick-off the last leg of the competition, with the winner being announced on May 9.

After more than 50,000 applicants and over 80 Facebook video submissions, Gregory Schneider, John Herman, Lauren Ferguson, Savan Becker and Sara Cook are one step closer to the ultimate prize of space travel.

The diverse group hails from all four corners of the United States – from Arizona to New York City – and spans all socioeconomic statuses. Gregory, law student and father of two, believes that adventure begins with imagination; John, a writer, artist and teacher, conquered his fear of heights by visiting the top of the Space Needle several years ago and repelled from a 24-story building for charity; Seattle-native, Lauren, shares a birthday with the Space Needle; Savan, a major in the United States Air Force Reserve, has been fixated on going into space since childhood and has studied space systems and astronomy in school; Synchronized swimmer and Texas resident, Sara has spent time at NASA acting out her fantasy of becoming an astronaut.

The contestants videos area all online:

• Gregory Schneider
• John Herman
• Lauren Ferguson
• Savan Becker
• Sara Cook

Famed astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, will conclude the competition by announcing the winner of the sub-orbital ride into space with Space Adventures, Ltd. at a ceremony at the Space Needle on May 9.

FMI: www.spaceneedle.com, www.spaceadventures.com