Exploring the Future of Space Tourism

As commercial space flight becomes increasingly common, more companies are entering the market to offer paid customers the opportunity to travel into space. Names like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have made headlines in recent years for their efforts in this space. Now, new startups like France-based Zephalto, Florida-based Space Perspective, and Arizona-based World View are looking to capitalize on the growing interest in space tourism.

These startups have a unique approach to space tourism, using pressurized capsules and massive gas-filled balloons to hoist tourists to the stratosphere. The capsules are designed to carry eight customers and two crew members, providing a luxurious experience for those on board. With amenities like a central bar and a bathroom, passengers will have everything they need for a comfortable journey.

The balloon rides offered by these companies will last around 6 hours, taking passengers to heights of 15 to 19 miles above the Earth’s surface. While this falls short of the official boundary for space, which is around 50 miles according to the U.S. government, the experience is still unparalleled. The deep black sky and the vast expanse of the Earth below create a breathtaking view that few have had the opportunity to see.

Unlike traditional rocket-powered space tourism, the experience of a stratospheric balloon ride is more akin to being on an airplane. Passengers will not experience weightlessness, making it a more accessible option for those who may not meet the physical requirements for other space travel experiences. According to Vincent Farret d’Astiès, founder and chief pilot at Zephalto, if you can board a standard plane, you can board the balloon.

All three companies have noted significant consumer interest in their space tourism offerings. World View has sold 1,250 tickets, Space Perspective has sold 1,800 tickets, and Zephalto’s initial flights were fully booked. Ticket prices vary, ranging from $50,000 per seat with World View to $184,000 with Zephalto, and $125,000 per seat with Space Perspective. These prices reflect the exclusivity of the experience and the demand for unique travel opportunities.

While these companies have seen success in generating consumer interest, there are still hurdles to overcome before commercial service can begin. Only Zephalto has conducted crewed tests, and none have reached their target altitude of about 15 miles above the Earth’s surface. As the industry continues to evolve, these startups will need to demonstrate the safety and viability of their offerings to attract more customers and establish themselves as leaders in the space tourism market.

The future of space tourism is promising, with new startups like Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View offering unique and exciting experiences for those looking to explore the final frontier. By pushing the boundaries of traditional space travel and introducing innovative approaches to reaching the stratosphere, these companies are paving the way for a new era of commercial space flight.