As technological advancements continue to progress, commercial space flight is no longer a distant dream but a reality. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have been at the forefront of transporting paid customers to space in recent years. However, the landscape is changing, with new players entering the market. Three startups — Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View — have emerged with innovative approaches to offering space tourism experiences.
Each of these startups brings a unique offering to the table. Zephalto, based in France, aims to provide tourists with a stratospheric experience using pressurized capsules and massive gas-filled balloons. On the other hand, Space Perspective, located in Florida, offers a captivating journey to the stratosphere that provides a different perspective on Earth. World View, headquartered in Arizona, focuses on hoisting tourists to great heights to witness the wonders of the planet from above.
The capsules designed by these companies can accommodate a small group of customers and crew members. While the balloon rides will last for approximately 6 hours, passengers will not reach actual outer space. Instead, they will fly at heights ranging from 15 to 19 miles above the Earth’s surface, a region known as the stratosphere. This altitude, although not considered space by U.S. regulations, offers a unique vantage point to observe the beauty of the planet.
While there is a general consensus on where space begins, with the U.S. government defining it at around 50 miles above Earth’s surface, some companies challenge this notion. Space Perspective’s co-CEO, Jane Poynter, argues that the term “space” lacks a universal definition. According to her, crossing the 98,000 feet mark classifies a craft as a spaceship. The experiences provided by these companies offer passengers a glimpse into the vastness of space, even if they do not venture past the Earth’s atmosphere.
Unlike traditional rocket-powered space tourism, the journey on a stratospheric balloon provides passengers with an experience more akin to being on an airplane. There is no weightlessness involved, making it accessible to individuals without any specific physical requirements. Vincent Farret d’Astiès, the founder of Zephalto, emphasizes that boarding the balloon is as simple as boarding a standard airplane, making it a viable option for a wider audience.
Despite the novelty of these experiences, there is a significant interest from consumers. World View, Space Perspective, and Zephalto have seen a positive response from potential passengers. Ticket prices vary across these companies, ranging from $50,000 per seat at World View to $184,000 at Zephalto, with Space Perspective offering seats at $125,000. While consumer interest is high, the success of these ventures hinges on the ability to transition from initial tests to full-fledged commercial service.
The landscape of commercial space flight tourism is evolving rapidly with innovative approaches and unique offerings from startup companies. These companies are reshaping the future of space travel and providing individuals with the opportunity to witness Earth from a different perspective. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for space tourism are limitless, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the universe.