JAKARTA - The idea of space tourism was once thought to be just a science fiction rather than a reality. But the rise of SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin, all financed by billionaire entrepreneurs, have shown that this burgeoning industry promises new, big-money ideas this decade.
Now a space balloon company, it offers passengers the opportunity to observe the Earth's curvature from a height of 20 miles (30 km). This idea of the future seems very interesting indeed.
US-based Space Perspective unveiled more details on the giant balloon venture after creating an illustration of the swish cabin that passengers will sit in. The space in this giant balloon features 5-foot-tall (1.5-meter) windows, plush interiors and a drinks bar.
Although only an initial offer, so far the giant balloon tickets to space from Space Perspective have sold more than 600 tickets at a price of 125,000 US dollars (Rp 1.7 billion) per ticket. They are also hoping to start launching balloons from the Kennedy Space Center. in Florida by the end of 2024.
If you can't envision what your trip to space will look like as you travel the 6 hour journey, try our 3D walkthrough of the Space Lounge! Head over to our website to check out what the largest windows ever flown to space will look and feel like. https://t.co/DqhAhruQSt pic.twitter.com/Ynv8GBoYxO
— Space Perspective (@SpacePerspectiv) April 15, 2022
The price for this trip is significantly lower than the $450,000 ticket price Virgin Galactic charges for flights into space for just a few minutes. While Blue Origin tickets are considered much more expensive. Even three entrepreneurs had to pay 55 million US dollars (Rp 790 billion) each to travel on a SpaceX plane, to the ISS International Space Station.
Although travel with Space Perspective will be cheaper, but whether it really is a space flight, is still a matter of debate.
Space Perspective's giant balloon will not reach orbit but only reach a height of 20 miles or 30 km. This altitude is much lower than that of its rival Virgin Galactic, which reaches over 50 miles in height.
The rocket flight from Blue Origin has even crossed the Karman Line, 62 miles above sea level. The line is said to be the internationally recognized space frontier, while SpaceX Crew Dragons fly further into space, even to the ISS Station.
Get your first look at the Space Lounge Interior. What makes Spaceship Neptune a spaceship unlike any other? Visit our website to explore all the details! https://t.co/DqhAhrdg0V pic.twitter.com/4j5cHRcP1Y
— Space Perspective (@SpacePerspectiv) April 12, 2022
But this 20-mile altitude is still far higher than the flight capabilities of commercial aircraft, which only reach about six miles from the ground.
"We are above 99 percent of Earth's atmosphere," Space Perspective co-founder Jayne Poynter told AFP. This means passengers will actually see a jet black space in the sky.
"We wanted to find a way that really changed the way people think about spaceflight that made it more approachable and accessible," Poynter added.
In addition to the drink bar, the 'Space Lounge' inside the company's giant balloon Neptune capsule will also have WiFi connectivity. Even the lighting of the room is calm and moody. This is certainly much different from the white and clean compartments of its competitors.
The journey is also long because it takes two hours to climb, two hours to slide, and two hours to go down. The balloon will also land in the middle of the ocean. However, there is one thing that passengers will not experience, namely they will not experience a weightless condition as experienced if they ride Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX.
With the Virgin spacecraft and Blue Origin rockets, passengers were able to untie themselves and float when the rocket engines cut off but the plane continued to glide upwards for several minutes, before gravity pulled it back down.
Passengers on the SpaceX spacecraft and those on the ISS also experience weight loss as the ship orbits Earth.
However to ride the giant balloon no special training is required to travel with Space Perspective.
The balloon is rising at 12 miles per hour (19 km per hour), and the company is offering itself as a greener, zero-emissions rocket fuel alternative.
It intends to get hydrogen for balloons from renewable sources, rather than extracting it from fossil fuels.
Space Perspective plans to launch 25 flights in its first year, and all flight seats are currently all reserved.
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