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…
Inside Tucson’s one-of-a-kind food scene every traveler should experience
Come to the high desert hungry and leave beyond satisfied
Tucson.

Tucson is a culturally rich destination in the Sonoran Desert that manages to perfectly blend American and Mexican culture. But the result isn't just fusion, it's its own thing entirely and something any foodie ought to seek out. Here, in the college town of some 550,000 surrounded by cacti and towering mountains, there are some of the very best restaurants in all the land.

Best, you get something here you just can't anywhere else. From baked goods made with indigenous grains to Sonoran hot dogs, there are one-of-a-kind delectables every direction you turn. Couple that with some amazing agricultural history, stunning scenery, and some clean desert air and you've got something truly special in Tucson.

Read more
American Airlines unlocks new destinations for adventure seekers
Kona, Hawaii

Last week, American Airlines announced several new routes, from world-class skiing getaways to sunny, tropical beaches. The routes are part of the airline’s efforts to help travelers realize their travel dreams. Fares for the new routes go on sale June 30 on American’s mobile app or on aa.com. 

Mountain destinations and sun-drenched beaches

Read more
This country is Europe’s top spot for work-life balance, study says
Ireland takes the top spot
People walking on street in Dublin, Ireland

If you’re dreaming of escaping long hours and weekend work, Ireland might just be your ideal destination. According to Remote’s newly released Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025, Ireland ranked as the number one country in Europe for work-life balance.

The study evaluated the world’s 60 largest economies based on factors like statutory annual leave, access to healthcare, public safety, and average weekly working hours. Globally, Wellington, New Zealand took the top spot, but Europe’s crown went to Ireland, specifically Dublin, with a life-work balance score of 81.17 out of 100.

Read more