“Space balloon” for traveling: Space Perspective presents a test model of the Neptune capsule (photo)
Space Perspective, a space travel company, has unveiled the first prototype of the completed design of the Neptune test capsule. It is designed to lift tourists into space on a special “space balloon.”
Space Perspective plans to offer commercial flights and will deliver passengers to altitudes of up to 30,480 meters using a pressurized capsule suspended from a high-tech balloon. The Neptune capsule will be attached to a hydrogen-filled space balloon throughout the flight from takeoff to landing, ensuring a smooth and safe flight.
With the largest windows, the spacecraft, which seats eight tourists and a captain, will offer travelers the experience of astronauts, allowing them to see the Earth from space.
The capsule will have comfortable seats, a bar with snacks, Wi-Fi, 360-degree panoramic windows, and a toilet. The company hopes to start carrying groups of up to eight passengers by the end of 2024, with tickets costing $125,000.
In 2021, Space Perspective successfully sent a capsule simulator into space on a space balloon. The company is now focused on further testing and refining its design to evaluate all cases and non-standard security scenarios. The data collected during future unmanned test flights will serve as the basis for the development of a commercial-class capsule.
