When someone says they plan to take tourists to the edge of outer space in hot air balloons, you might wonder if they can get past the concept stage. However, SpacePerspective has already crossed this hurdle and created a physical test model of the Neptune capsule.
We first heard about Florida-based SpaceView in 2020, when it first announced its intention to send eight paying passengers and a pilot on a six-hour flight that would eventually reach an altitude of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters). From this altitude, the curvature of the Earth and the darkness of outer space are clearly visible.
Passengers will ride in a pressurized capsule called the Neptune Spaceship, suspended beneath a "football field-long space balloon" filled with hydrogen. It takes two hours to reach altitude, two hours for sightseeing, and another two hours for descent. To complete the return process, the balloon will slowly release gas.
The capsule will be equipped with plush seats, a refreshment bar, a Wi-Fi communication system capable of live broadcasting, 360-degree panoramic windows and a restroom below deck. Considering that the pre-sale price of a seat has reached 125,000 US dollars, this level of luxury is expected.
According to reports, the just-completed "Neptune" test model is equipped with a large number of instruments and represents "the company's state after commercial operation." However, it lacks a comfortable interior lounge compared to future commercial versions, as it was only built for multiple test flights. The first test flight will be unmanned, followed by a manned flight planned for later next year.
Taber MacCallum, founder and co-CEO of SpacePerspective, said: "Everyone at the company is excited to reach this milestone together and see the Neptune spacecraft come to life before our eyes."
According to reports, the company's Marine Spaceport Voyager is also nearing completion. Flights will be launched from this spacecraft, and when returning, the capsule and balloon will be recovered from the ocean after splashdown.