Space Tourism startup is developing ‘cruises’ into the stratosphere that will launch explorers aboard a capsule attached to a gigantic balloon – but tickets may cost $125,000Space Perspective announced its plans for cruises to the stratosphereIt would use a giant balloon to launch a nine-person capsule 10,000ft into the airThe entire trip would be about six hours and may cost $125,000Unmanned test-flights are set for 2021 and commercial operations in 2024
A new startup will launch tourists to new heights by flying them 10,000 feet into the stratosphere inside a pressurized capsule attached to a massive balloon.
Space Perspective announced Thursday the development of its ‘Spaceship Neptune’ that holds nine people and a mini bar, all of which will be encased in large windows.
The ‘cruise’ would entail a two-hour ascent into the atmosphere, where it will then hover over the Atlantic Ocean for another two hours.
Unmanned test flights are set to begin in early 2021 and the firm hopes to sell tickets starting in 2024 – but they may cost around $125,000.
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A new startup will launch tourists to new heights by flying them 10,000 feet into the stratosphere inside a pressurized capsule attached to a massive balloon
The startup plans to launch the capsule up to 10,000 feet into the sky, where it will hover above the Atlantic ocean. It is predicted to take two hours to get that high
Space Perspective is a new startup founded by Jane Poynter and Taber McCallum, who previously co-founded World View – a firm that deploys sensors to the stratosphere attached to balloons to capture space imagery.
And they are using this idea to send humans to the edge of space.
‘For the first time, we can make the thrill of spaceflight accessible to you, our Explorers, in a safe, comfortable manner with minimal physical requirements and as simple as boarding an airplane,’ reads Space Perspective’s website.
‘Our pressurized capsule affords a shirt-sleeves environment, and comes with a refreshments bar and lavatory, of course.’
The pods will take off from a location in the US, and remain in the air for around six hours
Ships, named Neptune, will soar above the Earth allowing tourists to capture stunning photos
Space Perspective is pioneering the mission to bring wealthy tourists into space
The Spaceship Neptune soars around 10,000 feet off the ground, allowing tourists to capture the stunning views.
The entire trip is six hours – two hours to reach the specific altitude, two hours in the atmosphere and then a two-hour descent back to the Earth.
The website suggests that cruises will take place right before sunrise.
Eight passengers, plus the pilot, will board the Neptune Capsule, and strap into their seats before ‘lift off into the predawn sky.’
Space Perspective plans to launch its balloons and capsule from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The capsule will then splash down in the Atlantic and a ship will be nearby to retrieve it and its passengers.
Eight passengers and a pilot will be onboard the Neptune, and will be strapped into seats
The first ships will take off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. However, a date is yet to be set. This remains a prototype at present
The website suggests that cruises will take place right before sunrise. Eight passengers, plus the pilot, will board the Neptune Capsule, and strap into their seats before ‘lift off into the predawn sky’
Poynter said: ‘We’re committed to fundamentally changing the way people have access to space – both to perform much-needed research to benefit life on Earth and to affect how we view and connect with our planet.’
‘Today, it is more crucial than ever to see Earth as a planet, a spaceship for all humanity and our global biosphere.’
Space Perspective plans to launch an unmanned test-flight in 2021, a crewed test in 2023 and hopes to be fully operating by 2024 – running about 500 missions per year by the end of the decade.
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