Sir Richard Branson is going to float above the Earth’s atmosphere in a balloon as one of three pilots on the world’s first commercial stratospheric balloon flight.
The entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group will join company co-founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum on Space Perspective’s maiden voyage in 2025. The pressurised capsule will use renewable hydrogen to gently fly to 20 miles up, floating at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight.
Future flights by Space Perspective will be have available for $125,000 (£96,000). The company, based on Florida’s space coast, is charging $125,000 for a seat on its eight-person Spaceship Neptune capsule. With a diameter of 16 feet (4.9 m), this spacious spherical pod is designed to comfortably host eight paying customers, along with a Captain. The capsule has several amenities, including the world's first Space Lounge with wifi and a restroom, plus large vertical windows for panoramic views.
Sir Richard said: “Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey. I’m passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning licence ahead of some magnificent test flights.”
Space Perspective, the world’s first stratospheric balloon flight experience company, said more than 1,800 reservations have been made to date.
A successful uncrewed test flight following the same flight trajectory and altitude as future voyages took place in September. No specific date has been set for the maiden flight, but the company confirmed it would take place in 2025.