Space Perspective has taken a step closer to realizing balloon flights to the edge of space. The company, known for high altitude luxury flights, has successfully tested the Neptune vehicle. The launch took place from an offshore spaceport in Florida on September 15. The balloon was in the stratosphere for four hours, demonstrating the stability and safety of the capsule. The mission, called Development Flight 2, was the first flight during which a real Neptune capsule reached its maximum altitude. Previous flights had used a lighter mockup.
Space Perspective founder, Jane Poynter, emphasized the importance of a successful flight for future commercial launches. Neptune offers a smooth rise and descent and a safe return to the water, making space tourism more accessible. The company is striving to set new standards in space exploration and flight safety.
However, Neptune doesn’t reach space. During the test, the vehicle rose to an altitude of about 30,000 meters – three times the altitude of a commercial aircraft echelon, but three times below the Karman Line, which is considered the boundary of space. However, even at this altitude, passengers will be able to see the curvature of the Earth.
Accessible “space” travel
Space Perspective has some competitors. The Japanese company Iwaya Giken offers similar flights into the middle layers of the atmosphere, although the conditions on board are quite tight. Neptune flights will cost $125,000, which is lower than the price of Iwaya Giken travel. The first flights with passengers are expected in 2025.
The Neptune balloon promises luxury: panoramic windows, climate control, Wi-Fi and even cocktails. There is also a restroom on board, which one worker described as “the perfect place for selfies.” For those looking for a more low-cost option, World View offers balloon trips for $50,000, but commercial flights have not begun yet.
Despite the still high cost, balloon flights are much cheaper than tourist space travel in spaceplanes or rockets, which can cost millions of dollars. Space Perspective has already sold more than 1,800 tickets.
Earlier we reported on how Blue Origin released a fascinating advertisement for tourist flights.
According to spaceperspective.com
