The prototype of the Neptune Excelsior spacecraft from Space Perspective has ascended beyond 99% of Earth’s atmosphere during a test off the coast of Florida.
The test lifted the Neptune Excelsior spacecraft prototype to an altitude of 30,000 meters. (Video: Space Perspective).
In the test, the Neptune Excelsior spacecraft was uncrewed. The vessel was towed by a giant SpaceBalloon from the Marine Spaceport Voyager, as reported by Design Boom on September 19.
The Neptune Excelsior ascended to an altitude of approximately 30,000 meters, nearing the edge of space and surpassing 99% of Earth’s atmosphere. After reaching its maximum altitude, it descended in a controlled manner and safely landed on water. The flight lasted 6 hours, from launch to touchdown. The goal of this test flight was to demonstrate the complete flight process – launch, achieving high altitude, descending, and landing – while also testing the capabilities of Neptune Excelsior.
This successful test allows Space Perspective to analyze the collected data and improve the spacecraft. During the test, the company utilized a new mechanism with 4 rollers for the SpaceBalloon’s ascent for the first time. This system enables Space Perspective to conduct space flights from marine launch sites, such as the Marine Spaceport Voyager, allowing launches from anywhere in the world at any time of the year.
View from an altitude of 30,000 meters. (Photo: Space Perspective)
The Neptune Excelsior maintained a safe and stable cabin pressure even at the highest point in the atmosphere. This confirms that the spacecraft’s design functions well. The vehicle also withstood significant temperature changes in the upper atmosphere, and the temperature control system kept the cabin comfortable even when external conditions were extremely cold or hot.
Meanwhile, the SpaceBalloon employs hydrogen to ascend. It also demonstrated its operational capabilities by safely rising and descending alongside the spacecraft.
The mission team at Space Perspective controlled the test flight using their own software and communication systems. After the flight, Neptune Excelsior was retrieved using a jet and crane.
The team collected data on the spacecraft’s performance, including its structure and durability throughout the flight. They plan to use this information in a virtual model so engineers can analyze and test the spacecraft’s systems without needing to conduct another flight test. This will assist them in refining the spacecraft’s design ahead of its official launch in 2025. Commercial flights are expected to begin in 2026.
