AXE to Send 22 Guys to Space with New Apollo Campaign

Global Space Statesman Buzz Aldrin launches AXE Apollo Space Academy to Recruit Guys for the Trip of a Lifetime

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - AXE® is going where only few have gone before by giving guys the ultimate out-of-this-world experience: a trip to space.  To recruit guys for this once-in-a-lifetime epic journey, AXE® is creating the AXE Apollo™ Space Academy (A.A.S.A) with one of the first men to walk on the moon, Buzz Aldrin.  Beginning today, by joining A.A.S.A at AXEApollo.com, guys and girls will have a chance to compete for one of 22 tickets to travel to space on a flight with international space agency, Space Expedition Corporation (SXC).

There's no bigger hero than an astronaut, so AXE® is giving fans a chance to experience an adventure unlike any other.  In the biggest product launch in its 30-year history, AXE® is asking guys and girls from 60 countries in 45 languages around the globe to sign up for the A.A.S.A by creating their astronaut profile on AXEApollo.com and telling the world why they deserve to go to space.  Two Canadians, with the most votes, will win a place at the final stage at the AXE Global Space Camp in Orlando, Florida where the final 22 space travelers will be selected based on competitive space-simulation challenges.

"Space travel for everyone is the next frontier in the human experience," said Buzz Aldrin, legendary astronaut and pilot of the historic Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon in 1969. "I'm thrilled that AXE is giving the young people of today such an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of what I've encountered in space."

AXE, known as LYNX in some parts of the world, with SXC has secured 22 seats aboard the suborbital spacecraft, aptly named, the Lynx.  SXC, led by CEO Michiel Mol, operates XCOR Aerospace's Lynx suborbital space plane that will take passengers more than 100 kilometers into space, achieving astronaut status.

"The AXE Apollo™ launch is the biggest and most ambitious in the AXE brand's 30 year history," said Tomas Marcenaro, global Vice President for AXE. "For the first time, we're simultaneously launching one global competition in over 60 countries offering millions of people the opportunity to win the most epic prize on earth. A trip to space - yes, actual space."

Sign up for a chance to go to space by joining the A.A.S.A at AXEApollo.com.  Terms and conditions vary by market.  The full line of AXE Apollo™ products is available in Body Spray, Deep Space Shower Gel, AXE Apollo Shower Gel, Shampoo & Conditioner 2-in-1 and Deodorant online at Well.ca and major retailers where AXE is sold. For more information visit AXEApollo.com.

About AXE:
AXE, a leader in men's grooming, is an iconic personal care brand around the world that helps guys look, smell and feel their best. The Unilever manufactured brand is available in a line of deodorant bodysprays, deodorant and anti-perspirant sticks, shower gels and hair care products.  AXE is the No. 1 men's grooming brand in Canada, excluding razors. For more information, visit www.axe.ca or www.facebook.com/AXECanada

About Unilever Canada
Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 190. With products that are used over two billion times a day around the world, we work to create a better future every day and help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. In Canada, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe®, Becel® Ben & Jerry's®, Breyers®, Clear®, Degree®, Dove® personal care products, Hellmann's®, Klondike®, Knorr®, Lipton®, Magnum®, Nexxus®, Popsicle®, Q-Tips®, Simple®, Skippy®, St. Ives®, TRESemmé®, and Vaseline®. All of the preceding brand names are owned or used under license by Unilever Canada Inc. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 1,600 people across Canada. For more information, visit www.unilever.ca. 

Unilever's ambition is to double the size of our business, whilst reducing our overall environmental impact (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal). We are also committed to doing what we can to improve health, nutrition and hygiene, with a target to help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, as well as sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020. All of these goals are itemized in around 60 time-based commitments in our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Space Expedition Corporation (SXC)
Space Expedition Corporation's (SXC) goal is to offer daily commercial flights into space as of 2014 on the XCOR Aerospace's Lynx suborbital reusable launch vehicle. Participants will have a life-changing experience when viewing our planet Earth from 100+ kilometers and achieving astronaut status.  The Lynx is a two seat fully reusable space plane that is designed and built by XCOR Aerospace (XCOR). SXC is the launch customer of this space vehicle that comfortably takes off and lands as a normal airplane from regular airports. The Curacao airport in the Caribbean will most probably be the first location - and first purely commercial Spaceport - outside the USA. The flexibility of the Lynx spacecraft makes it possible to operate from almost any commercial airport. XCOR and SXC have sold over 200 flights to date. The Lynx's full reusability ushers in a new era for the aerospace industry, potentially foreshadowing future superfast long range environmentally friendly travel outside our atmosphere. It is this vision that made KLM airlines decide to offer a partnership to SXC in 2010. The company is led by CEO Michiel Mol who has a strong international track record in IT (founder LBi), Formula 1 (founder Sahara Force India Formula 1), and Marketing (founder Guerilla Games) among other pursuits. www.spacexc.com

No purchase required. Open to Canadian residents over age of majority. Enrolment closes 11:59:59pm EST Aug 31/13. ARV of all prizes $125,000. See www.axeapollo.com for details.

SOURCE: AXE