TRAVELING to the edge of space will soon be possible thanks to a new groundbreaking pressurized capsule or “space balloon” experience.
French startup Zephalto announced it will offer a six-hour trip up to the stratosphere or the top of Earth in a space balloon named Celeste for a fine-dining dinner with “unparalleled views.”
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The space balloon will travel 82021ft high with 98 percent of the atmosphere below it – this is twice the height that commercial flights fly.
“We choose 25 km high because it’s the altitude where you are in the darkness of space, with 98% of the atmosphere below you so that you can enjoy the curvature of the Earth in the blue line,” Vincent Farret d’Astiès, Zephalto founder and aerospace engineer, told Bloomberg.
“You’re in the darkness of space, but without the zero-gravity experience.”
Zephalto is aiming for 60 flights per year starting in 2025.
The only catch is it costs about $131,716 USD for a ticket which includes the flight, and two gourmet meals. aperitifs drinks, winetasting, and stratigraphic photography, per Zephalto.
Although, this price is much lower than a Virgin Galactic flight to space which starts at $450,000.
Zephalto promises to offer the best space experience and views without actually breaking through the atmosphere.
The space balloon can hold up to six passengers at a time and two pilots with 215 square ft of room.
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The capsule is being designed currently by French architect Joseph Dirand and will operate by being filled with helium or hydrogen.
The project is also set in stone as it has secured funding from some high-profile players, including Airbus, Dassault, National Center for Space Studies (CNES), and European Space Agency (ESA).
Zephalto is now taking pre-reservations.
It just asked that passengers undergo significant training and medical checks before their boarding date but anyone healthy enough to fly qualifies.
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