Commercial ‘Space Balloon’ Completed Uncrewed Test in September

Space Perspective has announced that billionaire Richard Branson will co-pilot the first crewed flight test of its commercial ‘space balloon’ as early as next year. The vessel completed its initial uncrewed test in September.

Richard Branson is the founder and president of the Virgin Group, which owns Virgin Atlantic airlines and nearly 40 other worldwide companies. While he is famous for his entrepreneurial side, Branson is also an adventurer and thrill-seeker at heart. He has taken several balloon expeditions in the past, including setting a speed record on a transatlantic hot air balloon flight in 1987.

The billionaire has invested in Space Perspective and assisted in the development of its flight testing program, making him a prime choice to fly alongside Space Perspective co-founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum. This flight is expected to lift off in late 2025 or early 2026.

Space Perspective completed the first uncrewed flight test of its “Spaceship Neptune” balloon last month. It launched from Titusville, Florida, and made a six-hour round-trip to an altitude of 100,000 feet. The company will be hosting several additional uncrewed tests before the real deal takes place.

“What we’re incredibly excited about is that this flight not only demonstrated the technology, because it was pretty much picture-perfect, it also demonstrated all the way through the flight from launch, up to space, and back down to splashdown how incredibly gentle it is,” commented Space Perspective co-founder Jane Poynter. “That is part of making it accessible.”

Once testing is declared a success, the Spaceship Neptune will be taking commercial passengers up for a spin. No heavy g-force or specialized training is required. The “explorers,” as the company calls them, will have access to comfortable seating, cocktails, high-speed Wi-Fi, and unforgettable views throughout the six-hour journey.

Over 1,800 tickets for these tourism flights have been sold, racking in $125,000 apiece.

FMI: www.spaceperspective.com