Space Perspective is gearing up for its first crewed flight of a stratospheric balloon, and Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic and renowned adventurer, will be part of the expedition.
Branson, who made record-setting hot-air balloon flights across the Atlantic and the Pacific with pilot and engineer Per Lindstrand three decades ago, will serve as a co-pilot on the flight scheduled for next year. Alongside Branson, Space Perspective founders Taber MacCallum and Jane Poynter will also be co-pilots aboard the Spaceship Neptune balloon.
“Some of the most incredible experiences of my life have been on ballooning expeditions, and I am thrilled to support Space Perspective on this journey,” said Branson, who ventured to the edge of space with Virgin Galactic in 2021. “I have a passion for adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs achieve their business aspirations. I am looking forward to brushing up on my ballooning skills for some exciting test flights.”
Space Perspective recently completed a successful uncrewed test flight of its balloon. The pressurized capsule is powered by hydrogen and has the capacity to carry up to eight passengers to an altitude of 20 miles, approximately 105,000 feet, which is about three times higher than a passenger jet in cruising mode.
Based in Florida, the company aims to offer a luxurious tourism experience that provides breathtaking views of Earth against the backdrop of space during a six-hour journey from launch to landing. In 2021, Space Perspective began selling tickets for the ride at $125,000 per person.
Unlike the space tourism experiences offered by Blue Origin’s New Shepard and Branson’s Virgin Galactic, which rely on rocket propulsion to transport passengers to the edge of space, Space Perspective offers a more gentle trip without rockets, weightlessness, intense g-forces, or extensive training. It is important to note that Space Perspective’s altitude is only about a third of what Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic reach.
“Richard’s pioneering work in the ballooning industry has been a significant inspiration for us since the inception of Space Perspective,” stated Poynter. “Our mission now is to provide explorers with awe-inspiring views of Earth against a starry backdrop, all done gently in a way that only balloons can achieve.”
