Flying to space will no longer be for just trained astronauts. Space Perspective is continuing forward in their goal to provide views of Earth, from the upper atmosphere. The capsule, Spaceship Neptune, has completed its capsule shell and will begin manned testing by the end of 2024.
Space travel is something so many of us dream of. For now, the only option is rocket powered, which has its advantages and disadvantages. The extreme power allows for more weight, farther out into space. SpaceX, by Elon Musk, has proven that you can use rockets again and again, fairly safely. The disadvantages come from the pressure on riders, the cost and the dangers of explosive rocket fuel.
Space Perspective looks to get rid of those issues with an idea that seems quite simple. Take flight, ascend smoothly, enjoy views of Earth and descend smoothly, all without rocket fuel. The solution is a balloon, a really, really big one.
A space balloon, ascending from Florida
Space Perspective, the world’s first carbon-neutral spaceflight experience company, unveiled images of its completed test capsule structure. This is the first to be designed for tourism flights via a space balloon. The spherical capsule, together with the reserve descent system and SpaceBalloon, make up the spacecraft called Spaceship Neptune.
The capsule will be tested in upcoming uncrewed test flights, which pave the way for manned test flights in 2024. Spaceship Neptune represents most of what the company will fly with, once fully operational. Eventually the luxury interior, which it calls the Space Lounge, will be added. Data gathered during the upcoming test flights will inform the development of a commercial-grade capsule.
Space balloon travel path, from land to sky to sea
Spaceship Neptune was developed to be the most accessible, sustainable and safest spacecraft on or above the planet. Unlike other spacecraft, where the crewed compartment separates from one flight system and transfers to another, Spaceship Neptune’s capsule remains secured to the SpaceBalloon during the entire flight. From liftoff to splashdown, this offers a seamless and safer flight. And, it can be done at a fraction of the cost of other space travel options. Spaceship Neptune will feature the largest windows ever flown to space. The spacecraft, which accommodates eight explorers and a captain, will offer explorers the experience of seeing Earth from the blackness of space.
Manufacturing a spacecraft in Florida
Space Perspective manufactured all of the capsule in Melbourne, FL. Designing and manufacturing the capsule structure to provide panoramic views and operate in so many different environments is an engineering achievement. Taber MacCallum, human spaceflight veteran and Space Perspective Founder, Co-CEO and CTO stated, “I’m incredibly proud of our Engineering team. The entire company is hugely motivated by reaching this milestone together and seeing Spaceship Neptune come to life before our eyes so spectacularly.”
A seat on Spaceship Neptune costs $125,000 with a waitlist deposit starting at $1,000. Space Perspective has already sold more than 1,650 tickets. The company expects to raise prices next year as operations get underway. But perhaps, as space travel gets more commonplace, this flight can be more accessible to everyone who wants to visit space.
Florida is elevating space travel and camping. Glamping, with LULU Dome Glamping, has opened in South Florida. Using space travel-esque designs, these new camping pods bring luxury to the Florida wilderness.
