Commercial space flight is becoming increasingly routine, with industry giants like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic spearheading ventures that ferry paying customers into space. For those looking to experience the Earth from an extraordinary vantage point, a novel option may soon be available.
CNBC interviewed three startups—Zephalto from France, Space Perspective from Florida, and World View from Arizona—each planning to elevate tourists to the stratosphere in pressurized capsules carried by large, gas-filled balloons. These innovative balloon rides promise an experience unlike typical space tourism. According to Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View, their capsules accommodate eight customers and two crew members and include onboard amenities such as a central gathering bar and a bathroom. “The entire journey lasts about six hours, ascending to heights of 15 to 19 miles above Earth, without achieving the 50-mile altitude the U.S. government considers space,” Hartman explained.
Jane Poynter, co-CEO of Space Perspective, offered a contrasting perspective, stressing that their flights, which exceed 98,000 feet, classify them as spaceships. “Once outside the capsule, it’s essentially a vacuum above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere, making the sky appear an intensely deep black,” Poynter noted.
Stratospheric balloon rides offer a physical sensation akin to airplane travel, devoid of the weightlessness experienced on rocket-powered journeys. “If you can board a standard plane, you can board the balloon,” reassured Vincent Farret d’Astiès, founder and chief pilot at Zephalto.
The growing interest in these ventures is evident. World View claims to have sold 1,250 tickets, while Space Perspective reports 1,800 tickets sold. Though Zephalto withheld specific figures, it confirmed that its inaugural flights are fully booked. Ticket prices vary significantly, ranging from $50,000 per seat with World View to approximately $184,000 with Zephalto. Space Perspective offers its seats for $125,000.
Despite the commercial excitement, only Zephalto has conducted crewed tests, albeit not yet reaching their target altitude of 15 miles. To delve deeper into this burgeoning market, watch the full CNBC video.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/13/balloons-to-hoist-tourists-100000-feet-into-the-stratosphere.html
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