This space balloon has a super stylish cabin
Published on Aug 17, 2022 at 6:52 AM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 17, 2022 at 2:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
This space balloon is designed to take eight people up into orbit, and its cabin is super stylish.
Officially known as ‘Spaceship Neptune’, it has an amazing lounge-like interior with plush seats and ambient lighting.
Space Perspective is the engineer firm behind the project and it specifically wanted it to look like a hot air balloon.
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Eight lucky passengers will use this as a means of transport to explore the outer edge of Earth’s atmosphere.
The company says is currently developing the final prototype near the Cape Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Building the balloon wasn’t easy.
According to CEO of the company, engineers had to build 130 prototypes before getting it right.
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It is designed to land on water, which makes it easier to maneuver.
The interior features 360-degree windows, allowing passengers to look at the Earth below or into the depth of space.
It also has reclining seats that look like they come straight from a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley, plus a bathroom and WiFi connection.
And you’ll also find a cocktail bar with fresh herbs for the drinks and a cabinet for snacks.
The balloon will take off at 19km/h (12mph), slowly ascend into orbit, and then land on water.
The flight lasts around six hours.
Testing will begin early next year and the first flight is scheduled for 2024.
And the price?
Amazingly, it isn’t that expensive with tickets starting at around $125,000.
Obviously, that’s not exactly what you’d call pocket money but then again we’re talking about space travel.
How much cheaper can it get?
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