As soon as late 2024, Space Perspective plans to take Space Explorers to space inside Spaceship Neptune’s pressurized capsule propelled by a high-performance SpaceBalloon without using rocket fuel or high G forces. "Space Explorers" see the world a new through its windows, 450 miles in any direction. The ultra-comfortable, accessible and gentle six-hour journey will, according to the company “redefine space travel.”
This week, Space Perspective reveals Spaceship Neptune’s customizable Space Lounge interior. Touted as the only carbon-neutral, zero-emission way to space, Spaceship Neptune places safety, views and interaction between “Space Explorers” (guests) front and center in its design. The patented 360-degree panoramic windows (nearly 2-by-5 feet) will be the largest-ever flown to space. (Even the restroom will have a view!)
The ascent in the climate-controlled, pressurized capsule, propelled by a SpaceBalloon, enables passengers to safely glide for two hours at the edge of space, allowing them to take in the beauty of Earth and vastness of space. Lift-off takes place at dawn, so guests can soak up the sunrise as they climb 100,000 feet (20 miles). The gradual, two-hour descent to Earth concludes with a gentle splash down in the ocean, where a ship retrieves the passengers, the capsule and the SpaceBalloon.
“Our mission is to inspire ‘Space Explorers’ to connect more closely with our planet and each other, and the environment in which they travel with us is central to this,” said Jane Poynter, founder, co-CEO and chief experience officer of Space Perspective, in a press announcement.
What else can guests expect? Reclining seats maximize the ability to enjoy both the vista and each other, as they can be reconfigured to accommodate for an intimate dinner for two. Food and beverage service capabilities including a bar will also be available. (Plants and herbs such as lavender, basil and rosemary which are used in food and drink prep, are also onboard.) The center of the capsule will be kept free to ensure group photography (Tip: Wi-Fi is also available in-flight) can easily be accommodated. Stretching out and walking around is also straightforward.
Customizable mood lighting, including low red LED lights ensures "Space Explorers" will absorb the dramatic sights of witnessing dawn, planet Earth and stars above in space while easily navigating their way around the Space Lounge. A telescope and interactive screens, including an overhead “donut” scrolling display will share key information throughout the journey.
Space Perspective also announced that hospitality and entertainment entrepreneur David Grutman is joining the company as its experience curator. He will advise on the end-to-end experience for the Space Explorer, from arrival at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to in-flight and post-landing.
So far, 600 tickets have been sold to date. With the first year of seats completely reserved, Space Perspective is currently taking reservations for 2025 and beyond. Tickets are priced at $125,000 per person and bookings are made with a fully refundable deposit beginning at $1,000 (customers can also book and pay online via cryptocurrency). Entire capsules are also available for reservations (up to eight guests and a pilot). Space Perspective’s human spaceflight launches are regulated by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
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