Commercial space flight has been making headlines recently, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic leading the charge. However, there are new players entering the scene, aiming to offer a unique experience to space enthusiasts. Startups like Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View are looking to take tourists to the stratosphere using pressurized capsules and massive gas-filled balloons.
The capsule designed by World View is set to carry eight customers and two crew members into the stratosphere. With amenities like a center bar and a bathroom onboard, passengers can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious experience. The balloon rides are expected to last around 6 hours, reaching heights of 15 to 19 miles above the Earth’s surface. While this might not be considered actual space travel, passengers will still be able to witness the Earth from a unique vantage point.
There is some debate over what constitutes space travel. According to Jane Poynter, founder of Space Perspective, there is no universal definition of space. However, regulations classify their flights as space travel once they exceed 98,000 feet. At this altitude, passengers will be above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere, enjoying a breathtaking view of the black sky.
Unlike traditional rocket-powered space tourism, balloon rides to the stratosphere offer a more serene and comfortable experience. Passengers will not experience weightlessness during the journey, making it more akin to being on an airplane. According to Vincent Farret d’Astiès, founder and chief pilot at Zephalto, there are no specific physical requirements to board the balloon, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
All three companies have reported strong consumer interest in their space tourism offerings. World View has sold 1,250 tickets, Space Perspective has sold 1,800 tickets, and Zephalto has fully booked its initial flights. Ticket prices range from $50,000 to $184,000 per seat, depending on the company and the experience offered. However, only Zephalto has conducted crewed tests so far, with the others still working towards achieving their target altitudes.
The future of space tourism is evolving, with new players entering the market and offering unique experiences to space enthusiasts. Balloon rides to the edge of space provide a comfortable and serene alternative to traditional rocket-powered missions, allowing a broader range of individuals to experience the wonders of space. As these companies continue to develop their technologies and offerings, the possibilities for space tourism seem limitless.
The emergence of balloon rides to the stratosphere represents a new era in space tourism, opening up opportunities for more people to explore beyond our planet. With companies like Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View leading the way, the future of space travel looks promising and exciting.
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