Teetering on the edge of space

Three New Zealanders could soon be jetting into space in a prize promotion being branded as the ultimate OE, or Outer-Earth experience.

Telecom's internet provider Xtra is offering the trip to the outer atmosphere with Russian company Space Adventures.

All new residential broadband customers who sign up in the next two months are eligible to enter. There are also daily draws of Sony digital cameras.

The grand prize is a business-class trip for the winning customer and two friends to Moscow, where they will stay in a five-star hotel and visit the Cosmonaut Centre to prepare for their flight.

After experiencing a zero gravity simulator, they will board a Russian MiG-25 fighter plane and fly to 85,000ft above Earth.

The MiG travels one mile every two seconds, and at 85,000ft, it is possible to see the curvature of the Earth.

"Kiwis are among the world's great travellers and we think this is the ultimate travel prize," said Xtra head Chris Thompson.

"The winner and their friends will have full bragging rights to one of the greatest OEs ever."

Two other prizes will be offered if the winner is not keen on the space flight.

In 2001, Caltex offered a similar prize in a promotion.

Winner Hannah Krutz, a Dunedin student, and her brother made it to 85,000ft, but cloud obscured their view of Earth.