Space Perspective Tests Balloon Flights But Heavily Criticized For False Advertising

Space tourism company Space Perspective has successfully completed the uncrewed and second development test flight of its luxury balloon-lifted capsule Neptune Excelsior. The flight was launched on 15 September 2024 from Marine Spaceport Voyager, off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida. However, space enthusiasts on social media have criticised the phrase “ride to space” as misleading.

The next step is to fly tourists on a luxury balloon-lifted capsule to the edge of the stratosphere, offering an exceptional view of the Earth.

Space Perspective’s “SpaceBalloon” ascent system carried Excelsior to an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet (30,480 metres). After six hours of a test flight a hydrogen-filled balloon and capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.

Neptune Excelsior: What’s On The Menu?

Neptune Excelsior consists of a pressurised capsule which is lifted gently to the upper atmosphere by a large hydrogen filled balloon. 

The unique capsule is suitable for eight people, promising to be spacious and comfy. Space Perspective offers a luxurious experience that includes large windows for viewing Earth, a bar,  Wi-Fi, and reclining seats. The company has even announced that Michelin-star chef Rasmus Monk will prepare an exquisite meal during the six-hour flight.

Moreover, this experience is considered eco-friendly, as it is described as carbon-neutral, thereby helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

After a recent successful test flight and some smaller tests ahead the company will be ready for a real flight with tourists onboard Neptune Excelsior as early as 2025.

The price of a ticket is $125,000 and the company has already sold at least 1,800 tickets. To compare, the prices for rocket based journeys start from $250,000. Space Perspective’s option is more affordable, though still beyond the reach of the average traveller.

Space Perspective Is Heavily Criticized For Misleading Promo

In a post by Space Perspective, the vehicle is described as “a capsule that will provide Explorers with a safe, gentle, and transformative ride to space.” 

According to the company’s website, the capsule reaches a maximum altitude of about 30 kilometres. Space is defined as beginning at 100 kilometres by the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) and 80 kilometres by the USAF (United States Air Force). Thus, it is more accurately a journey to Earth’s stratosphere rather than to space.

Consequently, the vehicle cannot be accurately described as “a spacecraft,” nor the flight as “a spaceflight.” These terms appear to be used for promotional purposes.

Nevertheless, the project remains highly promising, offering remarkable opportunities for aspiring space explorers around the world.

About Space Perspective 

Space Perspective was founded in 2019 in Florida. According to the official website, it’s a carbon-neutral spaceflight experience company, whose main mission is to make space travel more accessible than ever before. The company offers an unforgettable flight onboard a specific vehicle – “Spaceship Neptune – the safest, most accessible spaceflight capsule in existence.”