Skip to main content

Would You Take a 19-Mile-High Balloon Ride to the Edge of Space?

Billionaire visionaries like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are promising to ferry paying passengers into space over the next few years. But, even after commercial space tourism becomes a reality, it’ll be a while before the common man can afford a ticket to an orbiting resort. Until then, edge-of-space balloon rides might be the next best thing. One pioneering company is promising just that.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Space Perspective is touting flights to the edge of space in a one-of-a-kind “high-performance balloon and pressurized capsule.” The vessel, dubbed the Neptune Capsule, will take up to eight passengers to an altitude of 100,000 feet — nearly 19 miles — above our planet. That’s high enough to see the curve of the earth and the deep black of space as well. Unlike the jarring, white-knuckle experience associated with traditional shuttle flights, the Neptune capsule promises a smooth, first-class ride from takeoff to touchdown. Massive, tinted windows will afford unparalleled views in every direction. Passengers can wear street clothes and will have access to a restroom and even a bar on board. The cabin is roomy enough to host private events like intimate concerts, small weddings, or business meetings.

Recommended Videos

The balloons are slated to launch from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center and the rides will last about six hours. Passengers will lift off and rise higher than any commercial jet (45,000 feet) and even the U.S. military’s state-of-the-art U2 spy plane (75,000 feet). They’ll float at the edge of space for nearly two hours before beginning a gradual descent. Neptune will splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, where passengers will be collected aboard a ship waiting to ferry them back to shore. A backup parachute will be ready to take over and assure a safe, slow descent if needed.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The idea of riding a high-altitude balloon to the edge of space is nothing new. NASA has relied on the technology for decades to study weather patterns and operate large research telescopes. The first person to witness earth’s curvature first-hand saw it from a similar, though much smaller, helium-lifted balloon.  Neptune’s overall concept is virtually identical, only on a much larger scale. The massive, hydrogen-filled balloon is the size of a football stadium, allowing it to fly higher and with a bigger payload than any similar craft in history.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like everything involved in space tourism right now, the Neptune Capsule project is currently in development. Space Perspective is hopeful that crewless test flights could take flight as soon as 2021, which would place it on track to launch paying customers around 2024. Wannabe astronauts can reserve their seats right now by visiting TheSpacePerspective.com. Official pricing has yet to be announced, although experts expect round-trip ticket prices of around $125,000.

If you’re ready and financially able, the International Space Station is accepting overnight reservations for paying guests right now. How you get there is entirely on you, though.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
These two U.S. airports rank among the world’s most beautiful
Main Terminal, PDX

While air travel focuses on covering long distances quickly, a beautiful airport can elevate the experience. Plain, concrete terminals can feel drab and boring, and only add to the strain of long travel days. However, open spaces inspired by nature can feel like a resort, helping you recharge and explore before your connection.

Recently, the Prix Versailles — a series of architectural competitions — released its list of “The Most Beautiful Airports in the World”, and two U.S. airports were among the winners. Here’s why.

Read more
Ritz-Carlton’s new yacht Luminara offers luxury cruises and top-tier dining
Enjoy all of your favorite Ritz-Carlton amenities at sea
Luminara

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection just set sail on its newest and largest ship yet. Departing from Monte Carlo, yesterday, July 3, Luminara marks the third ship in the brand’s growing fleet.

With 226 spacious suites, each featuring private terraces, Luminara was designed for travelers who want the intimacy of a yacht with the comfort and amenities of a high-end resort. But what truly sets this ship apart is where it’s headed. Luminara will be the first in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to explore destinations in Asia, Alaska, and Canada, opening new routes for the brand’s loyal cruisers.

Read more
Where you vacation could raise your skin cancer risk, says new study
New study reveals alarming sunscreen truths
Palm Beach, Florida

Most of us assume everyone knows the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, yet a new study suggests awareness campaigns aren't doing enough to protect Americans. A recently published study revealed a dangerous gap between what people know about sunscreen and how they use it, putting millions of Americans at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Furthermore, the study found that specific beach destinations may have higher skin-damaging UV doses than others, indicating that where you vacation also weighs in on your overall risk of skin cancer.

The study analyzed over 378 million UV dose records from the European Space Agency and melanoma skin cancer rates from the World Health Organization for 168 countries. Those seeking the safest beach vacation possible should look to destinations such as Poland, Albania, and Iceland, with the lowest combined average daily UV radiation levels and melanoma skin cancer rates. Meanwhile, other popular beach destinations in Peru, Australia, and Ecuador had the riskiest UV radiation levels. In the U.S., Alaska, Washington, and Maine are the safest states for beachgoers who want to protect themselves from the sun.

Read more