Sir Richard Branson to Co-Pilot World's First Stratospheric Balloon Flight in 2025
Sir Richard Branson to co-pilot world's first commercial stratospheric balloon flight in 2025. Space Perspective aims to provide breathtaking views of Earth from the edge of space using balloons. Branson's investment in Space Perspective could lead to future tourist flights.
Branson will co-pilot the world's first commercial stratospheric balloon flight in 2025, beating out Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in a race to the stars.
During the flight, Branson will ascend 20 miles into the sky aboard a pressurised capsule towed by a balloon. This venture marks a return to Branson's roots in balloon adventures, having previously broken world records crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Branson expressed his excitement, stating, "Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions, and I'm excited to support Space Perspective in its journey." He looks forward to utilising his ballooning expertise for test flights ahead of the maiden voyage.
Space Perspective's maiden voyage in 2025 will see Branson join co-founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum as one of the three pilots. The massive space balloon, filled with hydrogen, will lift the pressurised Spaceship Neptune capsule into the sky at a gentle speed of approximately 12 miles per hour.
Once reaching an altitude of around 20 miles, the capsule will float at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight. The successful uncrewed test flight in September followed the same trajectory and altitude as planned future voyages.
Space Perspective aims to provide explorers with breathtaking views of Earth against a black sky, gently enabled by balloons. Branson's investment in the company, along with other investors, will accelerate its development and test flight programme, potentially paving the way for future tourist flights.
The six-hour flight aboard Spaceship Neptune will offer passengers an unforgettable experience, including cocktails, meal service, high-speed WIFI, and incredible views of Earth. With a ticket price of US$125,000 (£96,000), passengers will have the opportunity to witness the curvature of the Earth and the vastness of space.
Despite the significant cost, over 1,800 reservations have already been made for the unique experience. Branson's involvement in this venture comes three years after his historic spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, where he described the view of Earth from space as "magical" and encouraged the next generation of dreamers to reach for the stars.
Sir Richard Branson to co-pilot world's first commercial stratospheric balloon flight in 2025.
Space Perspective aims to provide breathtaking views of Earth from the edge of space using balloons.
Branson's investment in Space Perspective could lead to future tourist flights.
Source: DAILY MAIL