A space tourism company promising stratospheric balloon rides has unveiled the vehicles capsule design.
Halo Space is building the balloon for zero-emission commercial flights to altitudes of up to 35km.
Tickets could cost a whopping 150,000 each.
On each flight, a pilot and eight passengers will enter the pressurised cabin.
The helium balloon will then gradually ascend with minimal G-forces to the stratosphere.
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Thats the plan, at least.
To make it a reality, Halo is currently putting the tech through extensive trials.
Five test flights have been completed so far.
The next one is scheduled for June in Saudi Arabia the first outside thestartupshome country of Spain.
The new capsule design is another step towards a commercial launch.
It attempts to blend breathtaking views with comfort, style, and safety.
Space age design
Halo Space recruited the renowned Frank Stephenson for the project.
The 64-year-old can now add space balloons to his CV.
His layout prioritises expansive views through 2.82 square metre windows.
Lightweight materials such as aluminium alloy and composites limit the total take-off weight to 3,500 kilograms.
Working on a project of this magnitude brings about many challenges from a design perspective, Stephenson said.
The startup aims to service 10,000 passengers by 2030.
The company eventually wants to launch flights from Spain, Saudi Arabia, the US, and Australia.
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).
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