It’s great to see so many private organisations entering the space sector. Space Perspective are another and they have just completed a successful uncrewed capsule ascent to an altitude of 30km. Their Neptune-Excelsior capsule was carried by a balloon and landed in the ocean 6 hours later.
It was able to maintain its cabin pressure and stability throughout the flight proving that it met the requirements for future passenger flights starting in 2025. Space Perspective was founded in 2019 by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum. Their focus in the sector is space tourism and they aim to provide an accessible way for people to experience space without the need for rockets.
The concept is to provide trips on board their pressurised capsules which are lifted gently to the upper atmosphere by large hydrogen filled balloons. The gentle journey is a far cry from the adrenalin fuelled rocket launches we are accustomed to seeing but still allows passengers to take in the view of the Earth from an altitude of 100,000 feet (30km.) The experience should be a comfortable and luxurious one with large windows, spacious interior and a smooth, calm experience.
The concept is a fabulous one allowing access to space by anyone and especially those less inclined to attach themselves to a controlled explosion. It’s a carbon-neutral spaceflight experience and this latest test of the Neptune-Excelsior capsule is a positive step forward. The ascent began at the Marine Spaceport from the deck of MS Voy.