Tourists are now one step closer to experiencing balloon flights to the edge of outer space. Recently, Florida company Space Perspective successfully launched a balloon-lifted test capsule to the outer limits of our planet’s atmosphere, culminating in a safe splashdown landing.
Space Perspective captured attention four years ago with plans to offer sightseeing balloon flights to an altitude of 100,000 feet (30,480 m). While this height doesn’t technically reach outer space, it allows passengers to see the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space, as they soar above 99% of the atmosphere.
Each flight experience lasts six hours: two hours to ascend, two hours for sightseeing, and two hours to descend, with the balloon slowly releasing gas to return safely to Earth.
Also Read:
NASA Launches Mission to $10 Quadrillion Asteroid”
How Astronauts live on International Space Station ISS?
Last year, Space Perspective unveiled the test version of its capsule, named Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior, which represents the design that will be operational for commercial flights. Although the test capsule lacked the planned luxurious interior, it was a significant step forward.
The company also announced the completion of the Marine Spaceport Voyager, a ship designed for launching flights and retrieving the capsule and balloon after splashdown. On September 15th, the uncrewed Neptune-Excelsior capsule successfully lifted off from the Marine Spaceport Voyager off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida. It reached the targeted altitude of approximately 100,000 feet before performing a controlled descent and safely splashing down.
This six-hour flight showcased several key technologies, including a unique four-roller mechanism for liftoff and tests of the capsule’s thermal control system, essential for passenger comfort. Jane Poynter, founder of Space Perspective, highlighted the mission’s success in demonstrating the accessibility of spaceflight with its gentle ascent, descent, and splashdown.
Don’t Miss-
Latest Facts about Solar System
Plans are in place for crewed test flights to begin in the coming months, with the first commercial flights of Spaceship Neptune slated for 2025. Interested adventurers can expect ticket prices to start at US$125,000.
Catch the historic liftoff of the test capsule in the video below and get ready for a new era of space tourism!
