If you can’t afford future space travel, then experiencing the view of outer space from the stratosphere in this helium-filled balloon could be a great option for many.
An American company hopes to take passengers to the stratosphere of Earth in a giant balloon larger than a football field.
A ticket for this experience costs about $50,000 (approximately 1.1 billion VND).
The balloon will ascend to an altitude of about 30,480 meters, which is over 3 kilometers above the ground, carrying a spacious passenger cabin. From here, passengers can gaze into outer space and appreciate the curvature and atmosphere of Earth.
This concept is being developed by World View, a company based in Arizona. A ticket for this experience is estimated to cost approximately $50,000 (around 1.1 billion VND).
World View’s flights are expected to commence in 2024, launching from locations near some of the world’s wonders, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Dale Hipsh, the company’s president of tourism and exploration, stated that this experience aims to provide passengers with a transformative perspective on the planet and the universe.
Hipsh shared: “What we hope to achieve through our balloon flights to the stratosphere at over 3 kilometers is for explorers to see the curvature of the Earth and the thin blue line of the atmosphere separating it from the dark space beyond.”
World View aims to differentiate itself from other space tourism companies by offering luxurious experiences.
On the day of the balloon launch, passengers will board a cabin designed for 8 passengers and 2 crew members a few hours before sunrise.
Passengers will board a cabin designed for 8 passengers and 2 crew members.
Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the curvature of the Earth will become more apparent. It will take about 2 hours to reach the edge of space, after which the balloon will hover at maximum altitude for passengers to enjoy the view before descending.
The flight will last between 6 to 8 hours, but the ticket also includes a five-day experience at boutique hotels, exploring natural sites near the launch location, dining at local restaurants, spa treatments, yoga, and other activities.
Mr. Hipsh mentioned that tickets from the Grand Canyon launch site are already sold out for 2024.
Other launch sites are being developed and planned, including locations in Serengeti, Kenya, Norway (where the Northern Lights can be seen), the Amazon in Brazil, a site near the Great Wall of China, and near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Mr. Hipsh further shared: “Our intention is to provide a range of activities that allow passengers to experience specific destinations while they are there.”
Passengers will not experience zero gravity throughout the flight, as the passenger cabin is equipped with pressurization systems, air conditioning, and is spacious enough for guests to move around.
World View is a company with over 7 years of experience in stratospheric flights.
Although the balloon does not travel into space, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still classifies it as a spacecraft due to the altitude it will reach.
Food and beverages will be fully served, and there will be a private restroom on board. Additionally, the cabin will feature reclining seats, large windows for 360-degree views, high-speed data connectivity, and telescopes.
World View has over 7 years of experience in stratospheric flights. The company operates Stratollites, a type of special balloon designed to carry cargo and people for long journeys.
The manufacturer stated that the entire flight system and balloon technology are patented and ensure safety. There are always backup measures in place in case of any malfunctions.
The balloon returning to the surface of the Earth.
The landing system uses an air cushion system to ensure a smooth landing.
Currently, besides World View, there are several other space tourism companies offering similar services. For example, Space Perspective, a company that provides passenger flights to the stratosphere via balloon, charges $125,000 per flight. Flights will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and also reach an altitude of 3 kilometers. The service is expected to start operating in 2024, but flights are already fully booked until 2025.
Another example is Blue Origin, a private space company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, which is conducting suborbital flights where passengers can experience weightlessness for about four minutes.
