For some of us, the dream of someday going to space is one we’ve had our whole lives.
The idea of leaving the planet, and being able to observe it from afar is an ultimate bucket list item.
However, the cost, logistics, and technological hurdles to private spaceflight may make it out of reach for all but the world’s most wealthy.
There are a few companies pursuing a slightly more down-to-earth approach.
Space Perspective is one of those companies. Developing a high-tech, luxurious pressurized passenger capsule, Space Perspective plans to use a modified weather balloon the size of a football field to carry people to the edge of space and back.
The result will be a smooth, quiet, and eco-friendly way to reach 100,000 feet, allowing you to see the curvature of the earth, the blackness of space, and 360 degree views of our beautiful planet below.
The company is already taking reservations for flights, planned to take place in the next 2-3 years. The cost of the experience will be $125,000 per passenger.
The state-of-the-art capsule, named Neptune, is built like a NASA vessel, and offers redundancy safety systems. A backup parachute system is installed, in case of emergency.
Inside, the luxurious cabin is roomy enough for eight passengers and one pilot, and comes complete with recliners, entertainment, and a bar.
The view from the top, or apogee, will be amazing, and we can imagine the perspective would possibly be life-changing.
Lasting 6 hours from takeoff to splashdown, the entire journey will feel calm, unlike the incredible noise, g-forces, and explosive nature of a rocket ship.
The company promises a flight that will have a slow and peaceful descent, and we imagine the views on the way down will be pretty amazing.
We’re intrigued by Space Perspective’s business model, and hope that the $125,000 tickets will gradually become more affordable over time.
Would you make the journey to the edge of space, carried by a balloon?
This flight path graphic shows the journey and its timeline.
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