NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Technology News / These start-ups will conduct stratospheric balloon rides for space tourism
    Summarize
    Next Article
    These start-ups will conduct stratospheric balloon rides for space tourism
    Tickets are in high demand

    These start-ups will conduct stratospheric balloon rides for space tourism

    By Dwaipayan Roy
    Jul 16, 2024
    08:34 pm

    What's the story

    Three start-ups are set to revolutionize space tourism by offering stratospheric balloon rides.

    France's Zephalto, Florida's Space Perspective, and Arizona's World View plan to hoist tourists into the stratosphere, using pressurized capsules and massive gas-filled balloons.

    According to Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View, the capsule is designed to carry eight customers and two crew members for a six-hour journey.

    The capsule will also feature a center bar for socializing and a bathroom for convenience.

    Journey details

    Not quite space, but close

    These balloon rides will not take passengers all the way into space.

    Instead, they will reach heights of 15-31km above the Earth's surface, in an area known as the stratosphere.

    The US government generally accepts that space begins around 80km or about 80km above the Earth's surface.

    However, Jane Poynter, founder and co-CEO of Space Perspective, offered a different perspective on what constitutes space.

    Space definition

    Redefining space: A new perspective

    "There is no universal definition of space. We are regulated as a spaceship. If we go over 98,000 feet, we are a spaceship," said Poynter.

    She further explained that outside the capsule, it's essentially a vacuum and they are above 99% of Earth's atmosphere, which is why the sky appears so deep black.

    This redefinition challenges traditional notions and offers a fresh perspective on what constitutes space travel.

    Passenger experience

    A unique experience

    The physical sensation on these stratospheric balloon rides will be more akin to being on an airplane, than a rocket-powered space journey.

    Passengers will not be able to experience weightlessness.

    Vincent Farret d'Asties, founder and chief pilot at Zephalto, said that there are no physical requirements to board the balloon. If you can board a standard plane, you can board the balloon.

    This makes the experience accessible to a wider range of people.

    Ticket sales

    Positive consumer interest in stratospheric balloon rides

    The three companies have reported positive consumer interest in their stratospheric balloon rides.

    World View has sold 1,250 tickets, while Space Perspective has sold 1,800.

    Zephalto did not disclose the number of tickets sold but confirmed that its initial flights were fully booked.

    This early success indicates a strong market demand for this unique space tourism experience.

    Pricing & progress

    Pricing and progress of stratospheric balloon rides

    Ticket prices vary among the companies. World View offers seats at $50,000 each, Space Perspective charges $125,000 per seat, and Zephalto's tickets are priced around $184,000.

    These prices are contingent on commercial service successfully launching.

    So far, only Zephalto has conducted crewed tests, although these did not reach the company's target altitude of about 24km above the Earth's surface.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Startups
    Space News

    Latest

    IPL 2025: CSK, RR aim to finish on high Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
    'India already has 140cr…': SC rejects Sri Lankan's refuge plea  Madras High Court
    Decoding the 170-plus partnerships against Delhi Capitals in IPL Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Microsoft Build 2025 starts today: How to watch the keynote Microsoft

    Startups

    Indian startup launches first indigenously designed microcontroller chip India
    Shanghai-based start-up unveils autonomous EV charging robot: Everything we know China
    China's Zhipu AI to launch Sora competitor in 2024 China
    Meesho secures $275 million in funding, eyes further capital infusion Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

    Space News

    Time running out: Could SpaceX rescue stranded Starliner astronauts? Boeing
    Are we alone? JWST could spark revolution in exoplanet studies James Webb Space Telescope
    Graphene discovery in lunar soil challenges Moon's origin theory Moon
    Astronaut Don Pettit set for 4th space mission this September International Space Station (ISS)
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025