Video Transcript
Hoping to introduce the next generation of space tourism in the form of balloons, French company Zephalto recently announced its plans to send travelers about 15.5 miles above the Earth’s surface via a space balloon in 2025.
For about $132,000 per person, prospective space explorers can embark on a six-hour journey on the company’s helium or hydrogen-filled balloons. The rise and descent will each take approximately 90 minutes, allowing for a three-hour hovering period where passengers will be wined and dined as they take in the sights.
According to Zephalto founder Vincent Farret d’Astiès, the altitude will put passengers in the darkness of space above 98% of the atmosphere. It’s not high enough for zero gravity, but passengers will be able to see the curvature of the Earth.
The company plans to run 60 flights annually. Each space balloon will carry six guests plus two pilots and crew. It will feature 20 square meters of space, a 7-square-meter window, and will require 26.6 kilograms of carbon dioxide for a flight.
The company was created in 2016 and has, so far, tested three flights with pilots. They have yet to reach the 15.5-mile mark, but Farret d’Astiès said the company expects a test flight to reach the altitude later this year.
Zephalto joins Space Perspective and World View in the balloon space race. World View plans to rise to about 19 miles above Earth on a two-hour ride for $50,000 per seat. Space Perspective also looks to reach the 19-mile mark on a six-hour ride and expects to launch in 2024 for a total cost of $125,000 per seat.
