Space Tourism Team Created to Pave Way for Passenger Carriage

Airship research and development outfit UAV Corporation opened a new space-focused division in preparation for low-Earth orbit tourism.

With the kernel of a team to spearhead development, the first order of business is to begin design of the pressurized, vital tourist cabin. Once the project is underway, they will be followed by propulsion experts and ground support for launch/recovery for the large "space airship." UAV will likely follow in the same vein as similar tourist companies Battelle and Space Perspectives, lofting passengers to high altitude in calm, slowly ascending airship tethered cabins.

“After the successful flight tests of the Air Force prototype electric airship in September 2021, UAV Corp’s Skyborne Technology continued its effort to develop a “SkySpace” airship that would be designed to take tourists to space at a low cost,” stated CEO Michael Lawson. "Some of the systems that will be onboard the SkySpace Airship will be tested in the first half of 2022 with the launch of the new SA 70-12 DATT airship under contract with Gulf Coast State College, funded by Florida’s Triumph Fund as a Disaster Relief communications aerial platform.

UAV Corp has made much headway on their balloon tech, and the pace should pick up with the addition of Research in Flight from Auburn, Alabama to refine its airflow design for the high altitudes it will be touring. “Our company is at the beginning of our growth stage that other commercial space tourism companies were a couple years ago; the goal is to target our cost per passenger to under $50,000 a person opening up the space experience to what we are dubbing the People's Space Experience,” said Dr. Roy Hartfield in a statement to investors. 

The development was met with excitement from the Gulf County Economic Coalition, with Director Jim McKnight telling stakeholders: “Great news for our region of Florida! The Expansion of the current Skyborne Technology’s airship design to include near-space opportunities aligns with the region's blossoming aerospace industry that is home to two air force bases and a myriad of new development companies. We are proud of Skyborne's partnership with Gulf Coast State College in the development of an emergency response airship that is the prototype for the new airship. The location of their facilities near the college training programs and a stone's throw from an Eglin Air Force base down range site designated as a launch facility provide for some interesting possibilities. 

FMI: www.uavcorp.net