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Ztrip®, the largest taxi fleet operator in the u.s., with operations in 26 cities, more than 2,700 vehicles and over 3,170 contracted drivers on its platform, to become publicly traded via business combination with spree acquisition corp..

Kansas City, Missouri and Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHC Worldwide, LLC, doing business as zTrip®, a technology-based, North American-wide transportation company (“ zTrip ” or the “ Company ”), and Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (NYSE: SHAP, “ Spree ”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced they have entered into a business combination agreement that would result in zTrip becoming publicly listed on the NYSE. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named WHC Worldwide, Inc. (continuing to do business as zTrip) and is expected to be listed on the NYSE under the ticker “ZTRP.” The combined company will be led by zTrip’s founder and CEO, Mr. Bill George.

zTrip was formed in January 2018 to develop a platform capable of operating local mobility service providers more effectively and efficiently. Since that time, its focus has been on building a national network of taxi operators and transportation service providers. Combining its experience of acquiring and operating traditional taxi fleets having completed 28 acquisitions of local operators to date, on a path towards establishing national scale with its proprietary technology-based shared infrastructure, zTrip aims to consolidate the local mobility service market and drive greater technology adoption and other operating efficiencies. zTrip is the largest taxi fleet operator in the U.S. (based on information provided by The Transportation Alliance), operating in 26 cities with more than 2,700 vehicles and over 3,170 contracted drivers on its platform. zTrip provides mobility services to approximately 1,080 corporate clients, providing a significant continuing revenue base, including in the following sub-sectors: student transportation; jobs training transfers; employment shuttles; airport transportation; conventions shuttles; large hospital networks; microtransit; local transportation authorities; and national Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) brokers.

zTrip’s operational model is intended to be sustainable on a long-term basis, and to combine the favorable features of both traditional taxicabs and ride-hailing digital apps. The model aims to combine the safety, financial discipline and fare regulation of taxicabs, and the newer vehicles, mobile convenience, and frictionless payment model of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) players (like Uber and Lyft). In addition, zTrip believes it is differentiated by its operations in overlooked urban segments or cities not well served by its rivals.

Through its combination of the proven taxi service model with purpose-built technology, zTrip believes it has created a new hybrid brand of on-demand transportation. As reflected in its results to date, zTrip’s business model has enabled the achievement of both solid financial results and growth while maintaining EBITDA profitability, which is based to a considerable extent on zTrip’s continuing revenue base and consistent operational efficiencies. The Company believes that this financially-sound and tech-driven model is well-positioned to continue to disrupt and consolidate the U.S. transportation industry.

Unlike the app-centric model used by TNC players, zTrip drivers are encouraged to develop personal relationships with their clients and take their bookings directly.  A key element of zTrip’s platform is zMetricz, which is an analytics tool providing insights on the data collected from the use of its services. zMetricz allows zTrip to deliver enhanced driver and rider safety and the efficient operation of services, while simultaneously helping zTrip drivers to optimize their own incomes while working on zTrip’s platforms. zTrip believes that its model is also favorable for independent contractor (IC) drivers, which has resulted in reduced driver turnover and high driver retention figures.

Key Investment Highlights

Largest taxi fleet operator in the U.S. (source: The Transportation Alliance), operating in 26 cities

Data-driven business: zTrip combines its experience in operating traditional taxi fleets with its proprietary technology-based shared infrastructure

Business model based on continuing and growing positive cash flow since its inception— a business from “the ground up”

Focus on contracted rides channel, which the Company believes results in lower customer acquisition costs, contributing to better profitability and greater revenue visibility for both drivers and the Company

Strong, consistent financial performance across economic cycles

Growing market presence with strong financial performance to date, having generated revenues of approximately $68.1 million in 2021 1 , $56.7 million in 2020 1 and $37.3 million in 2019 1 , representing 20% growth and 52% growth in 2021 and 2020, respectively, over the previous years, despite the headwinds caused by COVID-19 throughout the ground transportation industry

EBITDA of approximately $16 million, $7 million and $8 million, in years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively

Notable acquisition track record with 28 transactions closed since 2018

Path to national expansion: The Company believes that fast scale-up is possible via significant near-term growth opportunities, with more than 100 taxi-operator targets that have been identified and that meet zTrip’s criteria for market expansion

Reliable leadership team with extensive industry experience, headed by Bill George, who has owned and operated taxicab companies dating back to 1985

zTrip operates within the U.S. ride-hailing & taxi market, valued at $61.9 billion in 2022 and estimated to reach $74.5 billion by 2026, representing a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecasted period (Statista Research)

zTrip’s zMetrics analytics platform optimizes its car fleet for efficiency and profitability, helping drivers to maximize their own incomes and providing updated benchmarking in real-time, including driver safety scores, vehicle maintenance costs, trip response times and driver efficiency rates, allowing general managers to focus on areas for improvement

zTrip’s revenue sources include: (i) fees charged to drivers for operating on zTrip’s platform; (ii) fees charged to corporate clients for administering transportation services; (iii) fees charged to customers for services provided by zTrip’s employed drivers; and (iv) fees charged by zTrip to its SuperShuttle affiliates (which provide on-demand airport rides and additional ride services)

Highlights of the Proposed Transaction

zTrip’s assumed equity value prior to the business combination is $251 million

Spree is required to provide gross proceeds (after transaction expenses) of at least $50 million to zTrip

The combined company that will result from the transaction will be organized in an “Up-C” tax structure; WHC Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation to be formed based on the transfer and domestication of Spree, will be a publicly listed holding company, which will hold equity interests in WHC Worldwide, LLC (dba zTrip) and its subsidiaries, which, in turn, will hold and operate substantially all of the assets and business of zTrip

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur during the first half of 2023

Key Transaction Terms

The business combination agreement provides that zTrip’s assumed equity value prior to the business combination is $251 million, subject to certain adjustments prior to closing. Subject to the approval by Spree’s shareholders of the business combination and after giving effect to any redemptions of Class A ordinary shares by Spree’s public shareholders, Spree will migrate from the Cayman Islands to Delaware and domesticate as a Delaware corporation, with its name to be changed to “WHC Worldwide, Inc.” At the effective time of the domestication, each outstanding Class A ordinary share and Class B ordinary share, and each warrant, of Spree will convert on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A common stock, and warrants, respectively, of WHC Worldwide, Inc. At the closing, WHC Worldwide, Inc. will contribute to WHC Worldwide, LLC (x) the amount of remaining cash from Spree’s IPO in Spree’s trust account after giving effect to the exercise of redemption rights by any Spree shareholders, plus (y) the aggregate cash proceeds to be received from a PIPE investment in the combined company. In exchange for that contribution, WHC Worldwide, LLC will issue to WHC Worldwide, Inc. a certain number of WHC Worldwide, LLC Class A common units (as determined pursuant to the business combination agreement) and WHC Worldwide, Inc. will issue to WHC Worldwide, LLC, and WHC Worldwide, LLC will in turn distribute to its preexisting members, a number of shares of Class X common stock of WHC Worldwide, Inc. (which will not have any economic value but will entitle the holders thereof to one vote per share), equal to the number of WHC Worldwide, LLC units held by each such member. Following the transaction, those shares of WHC Worldwide, Inc. Class X common stock, together with the WHC Worldwide, LLC units (which will be reclassified as WHC Worldwide, LLC Class B common units in the transaction), to be held by WHC Worldwide, LLC’s preexisting members, may be forfeited and redeemed (as applicable) for shares of WHC Worldwide, Inc. Class A common stock or, at WHC Worldwide, LLC’s option, cash.

The business combination, which has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Spree and the managers and members of WHC, is expected to close in the first half of 2023. Closing is subject to the satisfaction of specific conditions, including Spree having on its balance sheet at the closing cash in a minimal amount of at least $50 million. Closing is also subject to certain additional, customary closing conditions, such as the approval of the transaction by Spree’s shareholders and the NYSE’s approval of the initial listing application for the WHC Worldwide, Inc. Class A common stock to be issued to Spree’s existing shareholders in connection with the business combination.

Management Commentary

“We founded zTrip in 2018 because we saw a true opportunity to combine our extensive experience in the taxi and mobility industry with advanced technology and a fully integrated platform,” said Bill George, CEO and Founder of zTrip.  “We honed our acquisition and integration strategy to ensure we experienced profitable growth.  Our combination with Spree Acquisition Corp, and access to public markets, will allow us to aggressively and profitably expand our proven acquisition model both domestically and internationally.”

Steve Greenfield, Chairman of the Board of Spree, added, “We are very excited to announce the merger with zTrip. zTrip is the largest taxi operator in North America, led by Mr. Bill George, who has over 35 years of experience in the taxi industry. zTrip’s unique offering and management skills, together with its EBITDA profitability, put it in a great position in this fragmented industry. By using the public market, zTrip can achieve significant growth in the coming years.”

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

zTrip’s financial results included in this press release present EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. zTrip believes that this non-GAAP measure provides useful information to its management and investors regarding its financial and business trends, by presenting corporate profitability, net of expenses that are dependent on financing decisions, tax strategy, and depreciation schedules. zTrip’s management uses this non-GAAP measure to compare zTrip’s performance between periods for trend analyses and for budgeting and planning purposes. This measure is used in financial reports prepared for zTrip’s management. zTrip believes that the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides an additional tool for investors in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends, and in comparing zTrip’s financial measures with other transportation companies, many of which present that non-GAAP financial measure to investors.

zTrip defines EBITDA as net income, adjusted to exclude (i) interest expense, (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization.

zTrip’s management does not consider this non-GAAP measure in isolation, or as an alternative to net income, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of this non-GAAP financial measure is that it excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in zTrip’s financial statements.

Because the equivalent GAAP measure (net income) to this non-GAAP measure of zTrip for the subject historical periods is still undergoing a PCAOB-compliant audit, which may result in changes to that GAAP measure (as described under “Private Company Audited Financial Results” below), zTrip has not included it in this press release. To compensate for these limitations, zTrip urges investors to review the reconciliation of its EBITDA to net income once that reconciliation becomes available (following completion of the PCAOB-compliant audit), and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business.

Private Company Audited Financial Results

The historical financial results of zTrip included in this press release have been derived from financial statements audited in accordance with accounting rules that are applicable to private companies, and not those principles required for public company audits as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). There may be changes to certain of those historical results following the completion of a PCAOB-compliant audit by zTrip’s independent registered public accountant. Spree and zTrip will include the PCAOB-compliant audited financial statements of zTrip in Spree’s Registration Statement to be filed (as described under “Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It” below).      

About zTrip

WHC Worldwide, LLC dba zTrip is a technology-based, North American-wide transportation company, whose mission is to use mobility to enhance the lives of its customers, driver partners and employees. The company, founded in 2018, has a diverse portfolio of business, most prominently zTrip®, the largest taxi fleet operator in the U.S. (source: The Transportation Alliance), with operations in 26 cities, more than 2,700 vehicles and over 3,170 contracted drivers on its platform. zTrip® combines a taxi-service model with technology to create a new hybrid brand of on-demand transportation, with a platform capable of operating local mobility service providers more effectively and efficiently. Combining its experience of acquiring and operating traditional taxi fleets with its proprietary technology-based shared infrastructure, zTrip has been consolidating the local mobility service market and driving what it believes to be greater technology adoption and other operating efficiencies. zTrip is led by a veteran management team with decades of experience in the ground transportation industry and a proven track record of owning and operating successful transportation companies. zTrip also operates under the brand names SuperShuttle® and ExecuCar®, serving more than 63 North American airports.

About Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited

Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (NYSE: SHAP), is a publicly-listed special purpose acquisition company, registered as a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated as a blank check company for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Spree has been focused on a business combination with one or more mobility-related technology businesses.

Stinson LLP has been serving as legal counsel to zTrip.

McDermott Will & Emery and Meitar | Law Offices are serving as legal counsel to Spree.

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

The proposed business combination will be submitted to shareholders of Spree for their consideration. Spree intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “ Registration Statement ”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) which will include preliminary and definitive proxy statements to be distributed to Spree’s shareholders in connection with Spree’s solicitation for proxies for the vote by Spree’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Spree’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the proposed business combination. After the Registration Statement has been filed and declared effective, Spree will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the proposed business combination. SPREE’S SHAREHOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS ARE URGED TO READ, ONCE AVAILABLE, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO AND, ONCE AVAILABLE, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH SPREE’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR ITS EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION, BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SPREE, WHC AND THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION.

Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the preliminary or definitive proxy statement, once available, as well as other documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed business combination and other documents filed with the SEC by Spree, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov , as well as in the SEC Filings section of the Spree website at www.spree1.com

INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION PURSUANT TO WHICH ANY SECURITIES ARE TO BE OFFERED OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “might” and “continues,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of zTrip’s and Spree’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of zTrip and Spree. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: (i) the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the transaction, including the risk that the transaction may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transaction in the business combination agreement (the “ Business Combination Agreement ”) not being satisfied or waived on a timely basis or otherwise, or that the required approval of the Business Combination Agreement and related matters by the shareholders of Spree may not be obtained; (ii) Spree’s potential failure to raise sufficient funds in one or more equity financings so as to meet the closing condition under the Business Combination Agreement that requires it to have $50 million of funds (including funds in its trust account, after deducting any amounts paid out for redemptions by Spree shareholders) as of the closing; (iii) Spree’s potential failure to retain sufficient cash in its trust account and/or financing in order to meet the minimum of $5,000,001 of net tangible assets, which is a closing condition to the transaction under the Business Combination Agreement (the “ Transaction ”) and a provision in Spree’s articles which cannot be waived by Spree; (iv) the potential occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; (v) the potential inability of Spree to meet the NYSE’s initial listing standards following the transaction, including due to excessive redemptions of Spree’s public shares; (vi) costs related to the Transaction; (vii) the potential occurrence of a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of zTrip or Spree; (viii) the potential disruption of zTrip management’s time from ongoing business operations due to the Transaction; (ix) announcements relating to the Transaction potentially having an adverse effect on the market price of Spree's securities; (x) the potential effect of the Transaction and the announcement thereof on the ability of zTrip to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its suppliers and customers and on its operating results and business generally; (xi) the potential failure of zTrip to meet projected business development or revenue targets; (xii) risks relating to the transportation industry generally, including changes in applicable laws or regulations; (xiii) the effects of laws and regulations affecting the market for zTrip’s services; (xiv) the possibility that the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, or adverse macro-economic conditions, including inflation, supply chain delays and increasing interest rates; (xv) variances between the historical financial information WHC LLC presents and its PCAOB audited financial statements which may be significant, when they become available; and (xvi) any other risks and uncertainties, including those to be identified in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4 (when available) relating to the transaction, including those under “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “zTrip’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” therein, and in other filings with the SEC by Spree. Spree and zTrip caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they are made, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements. Spree and zTrip undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to applicable law.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Participants in Solicitation

Spree, zTrip, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from Spree’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Spree’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be set forth in the Registration Statement when it is filed with the SEC. You can find more information about Spree’s directors and executive officers in Spree’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed business combination carefully when they become available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

Spree Steve Greenfield- [email protected]

zTrip Bill George – [email protected]

1  GAAP Financial results of zTrip for 2021 and 2020 appearing in this press release were audited in accordance with accounting rules applicable to private companies, not PCAOB rules. Please see “Private Company Audited Financial Results” below.  GAAP financial results for 2019 are unaudited other than the balance sheet at December 31, 2019.

Taxi fleet operator zTrip to go public through merger with SPAC Spree

Abu Hanifah

Taxi fleet operator WHC Worldwide, which does business as zTrip, is planning to go public through a merger with SPAC Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 ( NYSE: SHAP ) that values the company at a pre-merger equity valuation of $251M.

The deal is expected to close during the first half of 2023 and generate gross proceeds of at least $50M . Shares of the combined company will trade on NYSE under the symbol ZTRP. The combined company will be called WHC Worldwide, but do business as zTrip.

Established in 2018, zTrip bills itself as the largest taxi fleet operator in the US, operating in 26 cities. The company also offers services such as shuttle buses for airports, schools, hospital networks, businesses and local transportation authorities. Ztrip aims to build a taxi-based transportation network that can compete against app-based mobility providers such as Lyft and Uber.

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“We continue to recognize that zTrip is a great company with an exciting future ahead of them, but even high-growth and very profitable companies are finding the environment hard as a result of the present market conditions,” said Steve Greenfield, chairman of the Spree board.

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Spree is a taxi fleet operator. The deal was announced last October at an equity value of $251 million. Read more .

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Spree Acquisition Corp enters into a definitive business combination agreement for a de-SPAC merger with zTrip

Mobility space, Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (NYSE: SHAP) has entered into a definitive business combination agreement for a de-SPAC merger with zTrip, the largest taxi fleet operator in the U.S.

The business combination agreement would result in zTrip becoming publicly listed on the NYSE and the combined company will be named WHC Worldwide, Inc.

zTrip’s operational model is intended to be sustainable on a long-term basis, and to combine the favorable features of both traditional taxicabs and ride-hailing digital apps.

Stinson LLP has been serving as legal counsel to zTrip. McDermott Will & Emery and Meitar are serving as legal counsel to Spree, with a team led by  David Chertok and Jonathan Nathan with Matthew Rudolph, Benjamin Kalish, Alon Ben Yehuda, Dr. Michael Bricker and Victor Terner.

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Reviews 2.4.

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So I called Monday at 12:50 pm to make…

So I called Monday at 12:50 pm to make appointment for 14th today at 9:15 am and the lady repeated the address and time to confirm I said yes . Well today comes by and I call them at 9:30 al wondering where they are . They told me my appointment was for the day time I called they said I said no plus no z trip never showed up that day . Then I booked a ride at 9:30 am today well by 10:00 am no show so I cancelled cause my app was at 10:00 am . And 2 week ago I was stranded at Walmart nobody showed up for 2 hours . The driver Tamika told me to call her when we get in the checkout line and she told me she'll be there in 10-15 minutes I'll let 40 minutes go by to call her and she tells me oh I'm on another run so I called the company to get another ride nobody never showed up for the next hour and a half so I called my aunt back to come get me when she got to Walmart I went ahead and cancel the trip but the trip sucks I paid to make a a-dollar trip to go a mile away the neighborhood Walmart's not but maybe a mile away from my house it cost $7 and gave her a $5 tip

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

It was the WORST MOST HORRIFIC…

It was the WORST MOST HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE EVER ! I called for a ride and the driver said that he was not going to come but then asked me for a trip another day-BECUASE HE SAID HE NEEDED A JOB WHAT THE WORLD-NO!. It was almost an hour and a half later that I received a call from another driver who came after waiting for nearly 2 hours. The man came and when it was time to pay him USING A credit card he started to yell AND scream for what reason? just take the card and swipe it-dummy-he then said "you people" After that comment and waiting and WHILE WAITING ON HIS RANT TO STOP and waiting on him I had top threaten to call the police because I felt so unsafe. It was HORRIBLE!! After I said I was calling the police - he stopped and he took the card then he said "Oh, there it is." WHAT THE WORLD?! I HATE that I did not call UBER -don't know what I was thinking-dumbest decision but this company will meet the same fate as its former name-UBER will completely take over and such foolishness like what happened to me will be over--UBER from now on -promise!

Please find another option

I had scheduled a ride from the BWI airport well in advance, but was still waiting an hour later. Apparently I'm far from the first to experience this issue. You'd be better off getting a ride from a friend or using Uber.

Date of experience : May 18, 2024

Bad Service

Today was my first time with problems with Z trip I usually get called no one called me a car came in marked I didn't know if he worked with Z trip or not so I called Z trip twice and finally cancelled my trip for today and maybe I will call again another day??I have had Great service with Z trip until today.

Date of experience : July 09, 2024

If I could give 0 stars I…

If I could give 0 stars I would👎couldn't even get a f**king ride to work! I booked 2 rides that never came. This company has been so unreliable from my experience...disappointing..and all they ever say is we're trying to find a driver..

Date of experience : June 23, 2024

Reply from zTrip

I'm truly sorry for the frustration and inconvenience you experienced with our service. We are working to improve our reliability and ensure this doesn't happen again. Could you provide the state and city you tried to book the ride through?

I asked a driver how much a trip from Penn Station to Parkville would cost and was told “around $30.” That driver left so I got in the next car, number 877. I reviewed the price schedule inside the car and figured the cost to be less than $30. I looked at the meter and noticed the driver had switched to “off duty” mode. When I arrived to my destination, the driver told me the fare was $50! I told him that was incorrect and referenced the fee schedule posted. He argued with me, then said “ok $40.” I firmly believe he turned off his meter so that he could take advantage of me, a senior citizen. I called customer service to register a complaint and told them that even on their website the fare estimate is $27, but the customer representative said it would be $41. I don’t know where they’re getting these figures but it’s not what is advertised. Don’t trust this company.

Date of experience : June 28, 2024

Driver Jane Bergman cab 5238 is…

Driver Jane Bergman cab 5238 is dependable and a joy to ride with,keeps in contact with you and overall is a excellent person in general.No complaint on my end for a job well done.

Date of experience : June 10, 2024

Thank you for your kind words about Jane Bergman in cab 5238! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience. We’ll pass along your compliments to Jane.

I paid to have a friend brought to my…

I paid to have a friend brought to my house once the driver got there I used my credit card the first time I used the card it said it went through but he said it didn't get approved on his end so I swiped it again and it was approved but I told him i think you double charged me but he said he didn't i look on my transactions on my phone and it revealed he actually did charge me twice now I'm having trouble getting the issue resolved from the company so I don't recommend this company for no reason period.

Date of experience : July 30, 2024

I was threatened with violence

I was threatened with violence. The driver honks his horn early in the morning, waking up my neighbor's baby, which usually cries for about an hour. When I asked the driver to no longer do that, he got out of his car and approached me, inches from my face and said, "I'm gonna beat your ass." I retreated and called the police on him. The driver claimed he owned the company. If that's true, the company is owned by a violent hoodlum. I urge you to find another company. I see they've gotten numerous bad reviews. They've earned every single one of them.

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

I'm deeply shocked and sorry to hear about your experience. Safety and respect are our top priorities, and such behavior is completely unacceptable. We are taking this matter very seriously and conducting a thorough investigation. Could you provide this drivers number, so we can handle this accordingly?

Z Trip; no guarantee of a ride; no driver responded.

I attempted to use Z Trip to arrange a ride in Albuquerque, NM from an airport hotel to the Sunport terminal for a redeye flight to Dallas. The reservation process was fast and simple. The problem comes in when NOBODY accepted the fare, even with an advance tip greater than the fare! Z Trip doesn't actually ensure that a reservation results in a ride, so it's an expensive gamble (your advance tip is non-refundable!) when your pricey plane tickets are in peril, and you're stuck at the last second trying to get a ride to the airport at 4am. NEVER depend on Z Trip; they'll let you down. Just get a cab!

Date of experience : July 08, 2022

I'm sorry for the inconvenience you experienced with our service. Your feedback is important, and we will work on improving our reliability. Could provide us with more info on this so we can resolve this issue?

What about sending a driver when booked…Driver never showed up

What about sending a driver when booked ahead of time, and then putting up with a rude dispatcher that seem to be proud of his low professionalism. I will not use your service again. I get a reply six months later? what a joke. You know who the rude dispatcher was, as the date in on the reply, and I can tell you the time as well it was around 1:00 PM that day, and I will not need your service in the future.

Date of experience : December 20, 2023

Apologies for such a late response; we are now contacting services like Trustpilot to better help our customers. I'm sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with our service and the rude dispatcher. We value your feedback and will work to improve our booking and customer service. Thank you sincerely for providing information about the dispatcher. They will be held accountable.

My experience with ztrip was safe and fast

My experience with ztrip was very pleasant. My driver was on time and a safe driver. She was patient with me while went washing. Even when I forgot a item in the car. Fast to pick me up. Thanks again hun #5199!!

Date of experience : June 03, 2024

Thank you for sharing your pleasant experience with zTrip! We’re glad your driver was punctual, patient, and helpful. We’ll pass along your thanks to driver #5199.

Called at 9:20 to confirm 9:30 pickup

Called at 9:20 to confirm 9:30 pickup. Said he would be there in 22 minutes. 30 minutes later he said, "you still need a pickup, there is a train and it is too much trouble to come pick you up." No driver number provided; the guy didn't show up.

Date of experience : June 02, 2024

I apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with our pickup service. Your feedback is important, and we will improve our timeliness and reliability. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. What state/city?

Didn't show up at 6:30

Didn't show up at 6:30, stressful start to day, Never again.

I'm very sorry for the inconvenience and stress caused by our failure to arrive at 6:30. We appreciate your feedback and will work to improve our reliability. Could you provide the driver's number?

Tired of the surge pricing?

zTrip is the same price all day long! 

Call 512-452-9999

Download the App    https://ztrip.app.link/ztripdowload

Book from our Website  http://www.ztrip.com/austin

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available.

Clean, Safe, Reliable... it just makes sense!

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Spree Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (NYSE:SHAP) announced this afternoon that it has mutually  terminated its combination with taxi fleet operator zTrip, effective immediately.

The parties expressed that they decided to part ways due to challenging market conditions, concluding that pursuing the deal would not be the most effective route to fulfill zTrip’s long-term strategic goals. “Even high-growth and very profitable companies are finding the environment hard as a result of the present market conditions,” Chairman of Spree, Steve Greenfield, noted.

But, Spree disclosed that it still plans to continue its pursuit of successfully completing a business combination with an alternative target. It originally sought to acquire a mobility -related technology business with underexploited growth opportunities.

The SPAC announced the $251 million deal in October 2022. Spree initially brought an estimated $205.9 million from its trust into the deal, but saw this reduced to $44.72 million after redemptions removed 78.82% of the trust. It did not supplement this with a PIPE, but its original announcement indicated that the parties attempted to arrange one. Additionally, the transaction featured a $50 million minimum cash condition in order for the deal to close.

Kansas City-based zTrip operates taxi fleets in 26 US cities in the South and Midwest.

Terms Tracker for the Week Ending August 23, 2024 Welcome to our weekly column where we discuss the findings from our IPO terms tracker based on the previous week’s pricings. For the first time since the first week of May 2024, there were no new SPAC registration statements filed this week. Technically there were no...

Plum Acquisition Corp. III (NASDAQ:PLMJ) has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Tactical Resources Corp (TSX.V: RARE | OTC: USREF), a mineral exploration and development company specializing in Rare Earth Elements (REEs). The transaction values Tactical Resources at an implied pro-forma enterprise value of $589 million. Founded in 2018, the Company’s flagship asset,...

As the SPAC market resets with a flurry of new issuance, one new feature of many SPACs in this new crop is that many are filing for IPOs with structures that provide for larger proportions of shares to be set aside for the sponsor’s promote. The promote has been a contentious issue in SPACs for...

At the SPAC of Dawn SPACs have seen a bump of terminations in August, with the eighth termination being announced last night from Israel Acquisition Corp., and technically, a ninth this morning from TortoiseEcofin III. However, in TortoiseEcofin’s case, it appears they still intend to pursue the combination, but since they are also liquidating and...

Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ:IPXX) has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with USA Rare Earth, LLC (USARE), a company building out a vertically integrated, domestic rare earth element (“REE”) magnet production supply chain. The transaction values USARE at a pro-forma enterprise value of $870 million and aims to position the company as...

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• 500 Kinley Ave. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87102
• Phone: (505) 247-8888
• Phone Toll-free: (855) 699-8747
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It’s not a taxi, it’s a zTrip. zTrip was designed to combine the best features of the new e-hailing transportation services, along with the safety and security of licensed and inspected taxicabs.

zTrip stands out from the competition, providing features like: •    The zTrip app allows you to book trips for now or later. •    No surge pricing: The same low price every time. •    Professional and licensed drivers with full fingerprint background checks •    24/7 live customer service: You can talk to a live support team member anytime •    Choose if you want to pay cash or credit card or through the app.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

Have questions about ztrip check out some of our frequently asked questions. if you still have questions feel free to contact us , mobile app and transportation services, what are the hours of operation, how do i report a service issue, where can i send feedback or ideas, is ztrip available where i live, when will you expand the ride now feature to my city, account management, is there a cost to create an account, how do i create an account, can i save frequent pickup and destinations points, how do i retrieve or reset my password, how do i delete my ztrip account, how do i give driver feedback, how do i become a ztrip driver, who are the drivers, can i request a specific driver, what’s your policy for babies and minors, i accidentally damaged a vehicle. what’s your cleaning policy, what’s your cancellation policy.

We reserve the right to charge the cancellation fee.

How do I request a vehicle to pick me up now?

• Download the free zTrip app from AppStore  or Android Marketplace.
• Open the zTrip app and follow the instructions to sign up for a free user account.
• Enter or select your destination, choose for now or later using the clock icon.
• For Ride now, you will see a map and a red pin. Position the pin on the map where you would like to be picked up. You can also select the location bar and manually type in your location.
• Once you’ve identified your pick-up location, enter your drop-off location or select “I will tell the driver.”
• zTrip will send a text message with your confirmation and operator’s phone number.
• zTrip stores your credit card on file, so payments (tip included) are automatic and hassle free. Note: Airport transfers do not include gratuity.
• If you no longer need your ride, press “Cancel”. You can cancel a ride at any time; however, you will incur a $10 cancellation fee for black car service. Lucky for you, we do not assess a cancellation fee for either Ride Now or Ride Later taxi reservations.

I left something in the car. What do I do?

Can i request a vehicle for another person, can i request multiple vehicles, can i request a specific type of vehicle, how many passengers can fit in a vehicle, pricing/billing, do you charge per person or per vehicle, how is pricing calculated, can i use more than one credit card, will i get charged a fee if i cancel my ride, how do i redeem a promotional code, what should i do if i have a billing issue, app and website troubleshooting, how do i cancel an advance booking.

To cancel an advance booking: Open the zTrip app, tap the hamburger menu on the top left (the three-lined button), and select “Active Bookings”. From there, you can cancel any pending reservations or review completed trips. To cancel a trip for Now Use the blue Cancel button located at the top right corner.

Why isn’t my login working?

Why doesn’t the app recognize my exact location, what do i do if the app freezes, what if i don’t have an iphone or android can i still use ztrip, have a question not answered here.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

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For His Second Trip to Space, Billionaire Has Grander, Riskier Aspirations

Jared Isaacman is leading three other privately trained astronauts on a SpaceX vehicle for Polaris Dawn, a mission that will include a daring spacewalk.

By Kenneth Chang

Kenneth Chang has been reporting on Jared Isaacman’s spaceflight efforts since early 2021 .

Three years ago, a billionaire entrepreneur named Jared Isaacman made a groundbreaking trip to space. That spaceflight, which Mr. Isaacman called Inspiration4 , was the first to orbit the Earth without a professional astronaut aboard.

Next week, Mr. Isaacman, the founder and chief executive of Shift4, a payment processing company, is scheduled to head into space again. This time the itinerary is longer, more daring and riskier, and includes a spacewalk, the first by private astronauts.

The mission, named Polaris Dawn, hearkens back to the earliest era of spaceflight, the 1960s, when pioneers like Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union and John Glenn of NASA pushed the boundaries of what had been accomplished in space, learning how to survive and operate in an airless and weightless environment.

But unlike those expeditions, undertaken by national space agencies, this is a purely commercial effort. For Polaris Dawn, Mr. Isaacman is collaborating closely with Elon Musk and his rocket company, SpaceX, to start laying the foundations for Mr. Musk’s dream of someday sending people to Mars .

“There’s always a risk calculus to it,” Mr. Isaacman said in an interview a week and a half ago, before he and his three crewmates headed to Florida for the launch. “But the real focus is on what we stand to gain and learn from it. And in this case, we’ve got some pretty cool things.”

Most astronaut missions these days are almost boringly routine, basically taxi rides ferrying people to and from an orbiting space station.

The Polaris Dawn mission is not going to a space station. Instead, it is going farther than anyone has traveled since the Apollo 17 mission went to the moon in 1972.

“It’s time to explore,” William Gerstenmaier, a former NASA official who is now the vice president for build and flight reliability at SpaceX, said during a news conference on Aug. 19.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Crew Dragon capsule — the same spacecraft that takes NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, or I.S.S. — into an elliptical orbit that swings much farther away from Earth. The Polaris Dawn astronauts will pass through regions of intense radiation, and risk bombardment from tiny space rocks as well as bits of human-made debris that could puncture the spacecraft.

The upside of the journey is that it will test new technologies and gather data on the effects it has on the human body when people venture deeper into space.

“This is a mission that sets out to accomplish a lot of things in a very short period,” Mr. Isaacman said. “We have some pretty ambitious objectives.”

For this flight, SpaceX developed a new spacesuit to be used for the spacewalk, and will also try sending communications via laser pulses, instead of radio signals, between the Crew Dragon and SpaceX’s Starlink constellation of internet satellites .

Polaris Dawn is scheduled to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center early on Tuesday, during a four-hour launch window that opens at 3:38 a.m.

While Mr. Isaacman led and financed Inspiration4 — he essentially chartered a flight using a Falcon 9 rocket and a Crew Dragon capsule from SpaceX — Polaris Dawn and two subsequent missions are, in Mr. Isaacman’s words, a “joint effort” between Mr. Isaacman and SpaceX.

Mr. Isaacman declined to say how much he or SpaceX has spent. “We don’t ever get into the costs on all this,” he said. “I would just say that there is obviously a lot of contributions that are coming from SpaceX, and myself, in this.”

Two members of the Polaris Dawn crew are SpaceX employees: Anna Menon, a lead space operations engineer, and Sarah Gillis , who oversees astronaut training.

The other two crew members are Mr. Isaacman and Scott Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force Pilot and longtime friend of Mr. Isaacman’s who served as the mission director on the ground during Inspiration4.

Polaris Dawn will travel farther from the planet that anyone since the Apollo moon landings ended more than 50 years ago. The first few orbits will pass through a dent in the Earth’s magnetic field known as the South Atlantic Anomaly; this magnetic weak spot allows high-energy charged particles from regions known as the Van Allen belts to come much closer to Earth’s surface.

Within a few hours, the Polaris Dawn crew will receive a dose of radiation equivalent to what astronauts on the I.S.S. absorb in three months.

After the Crew Dragon completes about eight orbits, the spacecraft’s thrusters will fire to push the apogee, or farthest point of the orbit, to 870 miles above the planet.

That will be about 17 miles higher than the 853-mile altitude NASA astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon reached during the Gemini XI mission in 1966, still the record for astronauts on a spaceflight that did not head to the moon.

After about six of these high orbits, the Crew Dragon will fire its thrusters again to drop the spacecraft down to a lower, elliptical orbit, with an apogee of 435 miles.

The highlight of the five-day journey is scheduled for the third day: the spacewalk. During the two-hour operation, the astronauts will put on their spacesuits before all the air is let out of the Crew Dragon; the inside of the spacecraft will become part of the vacuum of outer space.

Then two crew members — Mr. Isaacman and Ms. Gillis, connected by umbilical cords that will provide power, air and other life support needs — will move outside the spacecraft to conduct tests on the spacesuits.

Mr. Poteet and Ms. Menon will remain inside the capsule, keeping an eye on the displays and managing the umbilical cords, but “taking all the same risks we are in the vacuum of space,” Mr. Isaacman said.

When Mr. Isaacman first announced a series of three space missions in February 2022, he said Polaris Dawn would take place by the end of that year. But the date slipped repeatedly as SpaceX engineers studied how to make the flight as safe as possible.

”At this point, there is no stone that they haven’t turned to make sure that we’re thinking about absolutely everything we can,” Ms. Gillis said.

The new technologies needed for Polaris Dawn also went through numerous iterations and tests.

Mr. Isaacman recalled that he and Ms. Gillis had gone to NASA’s test facility at White Sands, N.M., to observe small projectiles fired at the spacesuits to see how they would stand up. “We obviously weren’t in them," he said, “but to see how the suit performs in a micrometeorite environment.”

To help ensure that the spacewalk will go smoothly, the entire Crew Dragon capsule was placed in a large vacuum chamber, simulating the emptying of air that will be performed before the spacewalk, and then refilling the capsule with oxygen and nitrogen after the hatch was closed again.

The crew members acknowledge that risks remain, but said that they and the 14,000 employees at SpaceX had done everything they could to be ready to handle them.

“The first time we got into the simulator and we had to work as a crew, it went horribly wrong,” Ms. Gillis said. “We had so much to learn because we weren’t able to yet work as a team.”

She added, “One of my most favorite parts of this journey is actually figuring out how we bring together these incredible skill sets to build a team that can go execute on these objectives and be successful as a team.”

The crew will conduct about 40 experiments, including obtaining magnetic resonance images of the astronauts’ brains and attempting to take X-ray images without an X-ray machine by using the natural showers of radiation that stream through outer space.

“We’re going to spend every waking moment on orbit addressing these issues so we can capitalize on this opportunity,” Mr. Poteet said.

Mr. Poteet even underwent surgery to implant a device that was to measure the pressure of fluid around his brain. As astronauts float in orbit, fluids within their bodies shift upward, which may increase pressure inside their skulls, a potential cause of the squashed eyeballs , swollen optic nerves and blurred vision some astronauts have experienced.

However, the device was removed. “It was an experimental surgery,” Mr. Poteet said. “That particular device just didn’t work out.”

The five-day mission will end with a splashdown off the coast of Florida.

The crew will be thinking about their families during the voyage.

“I think often they have the hardest job while we’re on this endeavor,” Ms. Menon said. “One way that I have been connecting with my family on this journey is I wrote a children’s book named ‘Kisses from Space.’ ”

She and her co-author, Keri Vasek, wanted to tell “a story about the power of love to overcome any distance,” Ms. Menon said. “And it’s the story that I wrote for my kids on this journey, and I’ll have the chance to read it to them from space.”

Kenneth Chang, a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

A so-called hypervelocity object, which is either a low-mass star or a brown dwarf, is traveling through the Milky Way at around a million miles an hour. At that speed, it could be moving fast enough to break free from the gravitational clutches of the galaxy .

In 1924, a radio receiver built for the battlefields of World War I tested the idea that humans were not alone in the solar system, heralding a century of searches for extraterrestrial life .

NASA doesn’t say the Boeing Starliner astronauts are “stranded”  on the International Space Station, but it’s a word that a lot of people are using.

A study adds strong evidence to the hypothesis that the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs  came from a family of objects that originally formed well beyond the orbit of the planet Jupiter.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

Weltraum-Wirtschaft - Auf dem Mond-Trip: Regionale Unternehmen heben ab

Sie testen Mondstaub oder bauen Rover, mit denen auf dem Mond künftig Straßen angelegt werden könnten: Die New-Space-Szene in der Region zählt rund 80 Unternehmen und ist gut vernetzt. Das ist ein entscheidender Vorteil. Von Anke Burmeister

Ein Pool, gefüllt mit scharfkantigem Staub – das ist Europas größte künstliche Mondumgebung. Frank Koch steht am Rand des Beckens. Er ist Chief Moon Operator der Berliner Firma PTS Planetary Transportation Systems, die diese Anlage in Rostock-Laage betreibt. Der Pool ist 17 Meter lang und fünf Meter breit, der Boden bedeckt mit circa 40 Zentimeter künstlichem Mondstaub.

Fast 400 Kilogramm Mondgestein gibt es auf der Erde. US-Amerikanische Astronauten und sowjetische Mondsonden haben es im letzten Jahrtausend auf die Erde gebracht. Deshalb ist bekannt, wie sich das Regolith zusammensetzt. In einem Bergwerk im Harz wurden dementsprechend 40 Tonnen Gestein abgebaut, extrem fein zermahlen. Nun liegen sie im Testbett von Rostock-Laage.

Mondumgebung zu vermieten

Zwischen 1.500 und 2.000 Euro Tagesmiete kostet diese künstliche Mondumgebung. Das Testfeld kann komplett abgedunkelt oder extrem beleuchtet werden, so wie auf dem Mond. Auch die fehlende Schwerkraft kann simuliert werden. Doch am wenigsten berechenbar sei der Mondstaub, das Regolith, das den Mond bedeckt und sich überall festsetzt, erklärt Koch. "Der krabbelt in jedes Getriebe." Kürzlich habe ein Kunde eine Rover getestet, der komplett von Innen versiegelt war - und auch den ganzen Tag durchgehalten hat. Doch am Ende des Tages haben die Tester ein Kilo Regolith in seinem Inneren gefunden.

Frank Kochs Firma PTS ist nur ein Beispiel für die New Space Economy, die mit der Kommerzialisierung der Raumfahrt und dem Boom des Weltraumtourismus wächst. Seit private Investoren in den Weltraum vordringen, entwickelt sich dieser Wirtschaftszweig auch in der Hauptstadtregion. Insgesamt gibt es in Berlin und Brandenburg rund 80 Unternehmen, die in diesem Bereich arbeiten. Das reicht vom kleinen Startup über Forschungseinrichtungen bis zum mittelständischen Unternehmen.

Menschen auf dem Mond brauchen Straßen

Auch Irene Selvanthan, Gründerin des Berliner Unternehmens Neuro-Space, hat in Rostock-Laage einen von ihrer Firma entwickelten Mond-Roover getestet. "Sollten irgendwann Menschen auf dem Mond leben wollen, muss dafür eine Infrastruktur aufgebaut werden. Also Straßen gebaut, ein Stromversorgung aufgebaut werden und so weiter", erklärt die Unternehmerin. Sie seien dann so etwas wie ein kleines Logistikunternehmen, das Sachen transportiert. Neuro-Space beschäftigt mittlerweile sieben Angestellte und nochmal so viele Studenten.

Kleine, aber kreative Community in der Region

Berlin Partner, die landeseigene Gesellschaft zur Förderung von Wirtschaft und Technologie, hat eine Innovationsbeauftragte für Luft- und Raumfahrt. Marielies Becker hilft bei Fördermitteln, vernetzt, berät. Neben München und Bremen ist Berlin ein wichtiger Standort für die New Space Economy. Es gibt entsprechende Studiengänge an der TU Berlin und der Uni Potsdam. Die Charité beschäftigt sich mit Weltraummedizin und am Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt in Berlin wird zu Raumfahrt und Verkehr geforscht.

Es fehle die große Industrie wie in München oder Bremen, doch das sei auch ein Vorteil, sagt Becker. "Die relativ überschaubare Community mit vielen jungen, sehr aufgeschlossenen Unternehmen ist gut vernetzt. Es gibt ganz enge Verknüpfungen zwischen Unternehmen und Forschung und zwischen den Unternehmen untereinander." Das sei gut für eine kreatives und kooperatives Arbeiten.

Mission mit Unternehmen Space X - Berlinerin Rabea Rogge könnte erste deutsche Frau im Weltall werden

Eine Berlinerin könnte als erste deutsche Frau ins Weltall reisen: Rabea Rogge ist Teil eines Teams, das derzeit in den USA für eine Mission des Unternehmens Space X trainiert. Der Weg dahin war für die 28-Jährige sehr ungewöhnlich.

Durch den Boom immer mehr Weltraumschrott

Der im Bundeshaushalt vorgesehen Etat für Raumfahrt ist jedoch gesunken, kritisiert Professor Enrico Stoll, Leiter des Fachgebiets Raumfahrttechnik an der TU Berlin. "Wenn man sich die Raumfahrtbudgets anguckt, kommen wir in Europa weiter und weiter ins Hintertreffen", so Stoll. Was man hierzulande aber gut könne, sei aus dem wenigen noch möglichst viel rauszuholen. Auch die TU hat schon zahlreiche Satelliten im All platziert, meist über Unternehmen, die sich aus der TU ausgegründet haben. Seit private Investoren in die Raumfahrt eingestiegen sind, sind die Transport-Kosten, etwa für Satelliten der TU Berlin, extrem gesunken - und zugleich ihre Zahl gestiegen: Über 7.500 Satelliten befinden sich zurzeit im Low Earth Orbit, also im Bereich zwischen 500 bis ungefähr 2.000 Kilometern Entfernung von der Erde. Ein Satellit hat eine Lebensdauer von maximal zehn Jahren und so wird der Weltraumschrott ein immer größeres Problem.

Recycling auf dem Mond

Die Privatisierung der Raumfahrt bietet nach Einschätzung von Marcus Schladebach aber auch eine Chance, die Frage des Weltraumschrotts rechtlich zu regeln. Schladebach ist Experte für Weltraumrecht an der Universität Potsdam. Nach Artikel 6 des Weltraumvertrags, so Schladebach, brauchen private Unternehmen eine Genehmigung für ihre Aktivitäten im Weltraum. "Diese Genehmigung staatlicherseits sollte nur dann an private Raumfahrtunternehmen erteilt werden, wenn man einigermaßen sichergestellt hat, dass sich auch mit der Frage der Vermeidung oder aber auch der Rückholung von Weltraumschrott beschäftigt wird." Das müsse in sogenannten nationalen Weltraumrechten geregelt werden. Der Physiker Frank Koch, der in Rostock-Laage die künstliche Mondlandschaft betreut, könnte sich wiederum vorstellen, dass auf dem Mond eine Recycling-Anlage für Satelliten eingerichtet wird.

Folgen des Klimawandels sollen erforscht werden - Cottbuser Uni schickt Experiment in den Weltraum

Bald auch netz auf dem mond.

Silizium, Gold oder Platin werden auf dem Mond vermutet. Es geht um viel: der Mond als Rohstofflieferant, als Zwischenstation auf dem Weg zum Mars - oder als Recyclingstation. Drei Tage dauert die Reise von der Erde zum Mond und wahrscheinlich wird in zwei Jahren wieder ein Mensch auf dem Mond landen.

Noch in diesem Jahr könnte es eine Internetverbindung auf dem Mond geben. Die NASA und der Nokia-Konzern wollen ein 4G-Netzwerk auf dem Mond errichten. Dann könnten sich Mond-Rover miteinander verbinden, Bilder in Echtzeit auf die Erde schicken oder Menschen auf dem Mond nach Hause telefonieren.

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4 Kommentare

Ein sehr interessanter Beitrag, dankeschön!

Na da schau her... Dass Brandenburg in einigen Ecken wie hinterm Mond wirkt, ist jetzt sogar ein Standortvorteil. ;-) Robuste Fahrzeuge, tolle Staßen und super Netz rund um den Planeten hätten wir hier auf der Erde auch gerne...

Vielleicht wäre es ratsam, erstmal hier auf der Erde aufzuräumen! Das ist dringendst angesagt.

Man soll ja nicht alles schlecht machen, aber 4 g Netze für den Mond. In welcher Blase lebt ihr eigentlich. In Brandenburg gibt es in viele Orten nicht mal Netz zum telefonieren, aber der Mond. Ich bin zur Zeit in Italien super 5 g Netz Service vom feinsten und sauberer als Berlin, und der Busverkehr ( Schiff) klappt auch besser als bei der bvg .

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