Spanish startup is gearing up for a test flight of its “space balloon” designed for zero-emission trips into the stratosphere. Scheduled for September in Saudi Arabia, each ticket for this unique experience is expected to cost around €150,000.
The balloon, built by Halo Space, is designed to carry eight passengers and one pilot to altitudes of up to 35km, offering breathtaking views of the cosmos. Before commercial flights can begin, Halo Space needs to demonstrate the safety of the balloon, and the upcoming test flight aims to provide crucial evidence.
The test will involve a real-size prototype capsule, named Aurora, which will ascend to 30km above the Earth. During the flight, Halo Space will closely monitor the performance of its technology. “This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing for the past three years,” said Alberto Castrillo, the startup’s CTO.
Saudi Arabia has been a significant partner for Halo Space, supporting the country’s ambition to become a global leader in near-space exploration. The kingdom has provided substantial support, leading to Halo establishing its flagship operational base and final assembly site there. The company has also collaborated with Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) to ensure safety is a top priority during the test flight.
If the test mission is successful, space tourists could soon have the opportunity to purchase tickets. Halo Space plans to launch crewed flights next year, with commercial trips expected to begin in 2026.
Source: Thenextweb
