Space Perspective shows off swanky Space Lounge interior

[Shawn Knight]

In a nutshell: Space Perspective is taking a slightly different approach to space tourism compared to competitors SpaceX and Blue Origin. Instead of sending customers on an exhilarating ride to space via traditional rocket propulsion, Spaceship Neptune rises slowly at 12 mph thanks to a large hydrogen-powered balloon.

Launches will take place at dawn so passengers can watch the Sun rise as they ascend. Rather than a quick jaunt to space and back, passengers will glide at the edge of space above 99 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. Here, you'll have two hours to view our planet's curve, the darkness of space and the thin blue outline of the atmosphere.

The capsule's default configuration features nine reclining, plush seats to accommodate eight passengers and a pilot. Space Perspective can rearrange or remove furniture at guests' request for a special event, like a dinner for two or even a wedding.

Dark materials are used throughout the interior of the capsule to reduce glare and reflections from the 360-degree panoramic windows. The restroom also has a huge window so you'll never miss the view. There's even a drink bar and Wi-Fi connectivity – because of course you're going to want to livestream the adventure, no?

One thing you won't experience that you get from the competition – and this is a big one – is the feeling of weightlessness. The trip tops out at an altitude of around 20 miles, far short of the Kármán line – the internationally recognized edge of space – at 62 miles high.

When it's time to return, the capsule will slowly descend and splash down in the ocean. The entire trip lasts roughly six hours.

Space Perspective says anyone that is medically fit to fly with a commercial airline can experience what they have to offer.

The first commercial flights are expected to begin in late 2024 although the first year of tickets has already sold out so any new reservations will be for 2025 and beyond. Pricing for a flight with Space Perspective starts at $125,000 per person.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/94161-space-perspective-shows-off-swanky-space-lounge.html

 

[Squid Surprise]

Far cheaper and more comfortable than a rocket to space... but of course... you're not actually GOING to space!

While I'd take this over a rocket (you couldn't PAY me to do that), I still prefer not doing this at all... I guess uber rich people need SOMETHING to spend money on...

 

[stewi0001]

I wish I had that kind of money to burn...

 

[psycros]

Build a sturdy but light aerodynamic shell around a dirigible, float it to the upper atmosphere and then fire up the engines where there's little drag. You've got a fairly high-speed transport with really good weight-to-lift, a high degree of safety and quite probably no need for a large airport.

 

[fps4ever]

I was totally expecting to rip on this company but it actually sounds pretty neat and doable. Yes its expensive but still...

 

[wiyosaya]

I don't see these "space tourism" companies as really contributing anything meaningful to humanity's advancement. As I see it, there's no meaningful science contribution, there is nothing that is contributing to better means to explore space, nor even interplanetary/intersolarsystem travel. What is the point? All I see is people offering expensive trips (depending on your viewpoint of expensive) that really do nothing except line the pockets of the companies offering these journeys. IMO, these journeys amount to little more than an amusement park ride.

 

[Aaron Fox]

So, rather than pollute waters with yachts we can pollute the atmosphere with rocket fuel.

It's wonderful that the benevolent class of Better People™ is taking such great care of the planet that gives them the bowling alleys in their mansions.

What is the point?

What is the point of enabling people to become super rich? Is it fun to derail the ability of others to fulfill their ability due to lack of funds?

That's not a theoretical debatable point. There is finite funding for creative people and lots of barriers.

 

[BobHome]

I don't see these "space tourism" companies as really contributing anything meaningful to humanity's advancement. As I see it, there's no meaningful science contribution, there is nothing that is contributing to better means to explore space, nor even interplanetary/intersolarsystem travel. What is the point? All I see is people offering expensive trips (depending on your viewpoint of expensive) that really do nothing except line the pockets of the companies offering these journeys. IMO, these journeys amount to little more than an amusement park ride.

Ah, but I see one good point to them: They should be tried by all those Flat Earthers!

 

[Greg Powell]

I don't see these "space tourism" companies as really contributing anything meaningful to humanity's advancement. As I see it, there's no meaningful science contribution, there is nothing that is contributing to better means to explore space, nor even interplanetary/intersolarsystem travel. What is the point? All I see is people offering expensive trips (depending on your viewpoint of expensive) that really do nothing except line the pockets of the companies offering these journeys. IMO, these journeys amount to little more than an amusement park ride.

Pricey yes, but just a really expensive "ride". Do I want to, a big yes! Sorry, gotta go back to work....