Stratospheric balloon company HALO Space plans to offer a luxurious space tourism experience with its pressurized capsule attached to a helium-filled balloon. The capsule features comfy swivel seats, giant windows, and fine cuisine. Commercial operations are expected to begin in 2026, with flights lasting up to six hours, including four hours in the stratosphere.
LONDON — Stratospheric balloon company HALO Space plans to offer aspiring space travelers the space tourism equivalent of glamping. Instead of tight space suits and stomach-churning G-forces typically attached to a rocket flight, the company's pressurized capsule , attached to a helium-filled balloon , will offer comfy swivel seats , giant windows and a selection of fine cuisine .
HALO Space is one of two companies currently readying its balloon technology to begin commercial operations in the next two years. The other is Florida-based Space Perspective, which revealed a completed test model of theirin February. HALO Space said they have conducted five test flights with a mockup and plan to take off for the first crewed test in 2025 before commencing flights with paying passengers a year later.
The 16-foot-wide and 11.5-foot-tall capsule will be made of aluminum alloy and composite materials. With an internal space of 30.4 square feet , the spaceship could host eight paying passengers, plus a pilot. The internal atmosphere will be maintained by a life-support system similar to that of an aircraft. Yet despite this crammed interior and the extreme environment outside the capsule, passengers should still feel perfectly comfortable and able to relax.
“It's very easy to add weight to things and make it super comfortable," Stephenson said."It's more difficult to reduce weight, reduce material and still make it feel like a very unique experience."
HALO Space Space Tourism Luxurious Experience Pressurized Capsule Helium-Filled Balloon Swivel Seats Giant Windows Fine Cuisine Commercial Operations 2026 Stratosphere
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