Commercial space flight has taken a leap in recent years, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic offering paid trips into space. However, a new trend in the industry is emerging, with startups aiming to transport tourists to the stratosphere using pressurized capsules and massive gas-filled balloons. Three companies – France-based Zephalto, Florida-based Space Perspective, and Arizona-based World View – are at the forefront of this new approach to space tourism.
According to Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View, the company’s pressurized capsule is designed to carry eight customers and two crew members into the stratosphere. With a center bar for gathering and onboard facilities like a bathroom, the capsule aims to offer a comfortable experience throughout the journey. The balloon rides are expected to last around 6 hours, giving passengers a unique perspective of the earth from 15 to 19 miles above the surface.
Defining Space
While the U.S. government considers the start of space to be around 50 miles above the earth’s surface, Jane Poynter, founder of Space Perspective, argues that there is no universal definition of space. The company is regulated as a spaceship and considers altitudes above 98,000 feet to be in space. Poynter highlights that being above 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere creates a deep black sky, offering a surreal experience to passengers.
Compared to traditional rocket-powered space tourism, the sensation of being on a stratospheric balloon ride is more akin to an airplane journey. Passengers will not experience weightlessness during the flight, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals. Vincent Farret d’Asties, founder of Zephalto, emphasizes that boarding the balloon is as easy as boarding a standard plane, requiring no special physical requirements.
All three companies have reported positive consumer interest in their space tourism offerings. World View has sold 1,250 tickets, Space Perspective has sold 1,800 tickets, and Zephalto’s initial flights were fully booked. Ticket prices vary across companies, ranging from $50,000 per seat with World View to $184,000 with Zephalto, and $125,000 per seat with Space Perspective. However, the success of commercial service is contingent on the companies achieving operational readiness.
As the space tourism industry continues to evolve, the introduction of stratospheric balloon rides offers a new way for individuals to experience the wonders of space. With innovative approaches and growing consumer interest, companies like World View, Space Perspective, and Zephalto are paving the way for a future where space travel is accessible to a broader audience. Whether it’s gazing at the blackness of space or admiring the curvature of the earth, these balloon rides promise a one-of-a-kind journey for those seeking a unique perspective of our planet.
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