One of the startups aiming to commercially transport tourists to the edges of the Earth’s atmosphere in hot air balloons recently completed a test flight without passengers, bringing its plans one step closer to implementation. Space Perspective launched its pressurized Neptune-Excelsior capsule in a balloon for the first time to an estimated altitude of 30,000 meters to practice flight control and test the heating system of the eight-passenger compartment.
Image source: Space Perspective
As reported, Space Perspective in the middle of this month completed the launch of a capsule on a hydrogen-filled balloon from a special vessel Marine Spaceport Voyager, which was located off the coast of the company’s native Florida. For the first time, the lifting mechanism was tested, which allows the capsule to be raised above the deck of a ship in preparation for launch in a hot air balloon. The flight consists of three phases of equal duration. First, the balloon capsule climbs to an altitude of about 30 km within two hours, then it flies at this altitude for two hours to provide tourists with enough time to photograph views of the earth’s surface and the boundary of the atmosphere. Finally, another two hours are spent on a smooth, controlled descent, which is achieved by releasing hydrogen from the balloon.
As with the first full test flight, the capsule should eventually splash down in the sea or ocean, from where it will be retrieved by the same vessel used for launch. All these stages were successfully completed without passengers on board, the company was able to test the operation of automation and communication systems, and also make sure that an optimal microclimate was maintained on board the pressurized capsule for eight passengers to stay at a height. Commercial launches could begin as soon as next year, with a ticket for such a “stratospheric excursion” costing at least $125,000. In the coming months, Space Perspective hopes to make the first launch of its aircraft with a crew on board for test purposes.