A space balloon for tourists is set for a test flight in Saudi Arabia this September.
Spanish startupHalo Spacebuilt the balloon for zero-emission trips into the stratosphere.
Each ticketis expectedto cost around 150,000.
On each flight, Halo plans to welcome aboard eight passengers and one pilot.
The balloon will then ascend to altitudes of up to 35km.
From this lofty perch in the sky, the tourists will enjoy views of the cosmos.
But beforethat visionbecomes reality, Halo needs to prove that the balloon is safe.
The Saudi test aims to produce fresh evidence.
If all goes to plan, the real-size prototype capsule Aurora will rise to 30km above the Earth.
Throughout the flight, Halo will probe the technologys performance.
40% off TNW Conference!
Saudi Arabias space ambition
Saudi Arabia has been a key partner for Halo.
The country plans to become a global leader in near-space exploration and has given substantial support to the sector.
Halo has welcomed the assistance.
The company has established its flagship operational base and final assembly site in the kingdom.
Both CST and Halo have pledged to prioritise safety during the test flight.
If the mission is successful,spacetourists could soon purchase tickets.
Halo plans to launch crewed flights next year.
Commercial trips are set to follow in 2026.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
