Space Perspective is preparing for its first crewed balloon flight at 20 miles high.

Space Perspective is preparing for its first crewed flight with a stratospheric balloon, and renowned adventurer Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, will be one of the passengers. Branson, who in the 1990s set records for crossing the Atlantic and Pacific in hot air balloons alongside pilot and engineer Per Lindstrand, will serve as co-pilot on this mission scheduled for next year. Joining him will be the founders of Space Perspective, Taber MacCallum and Jane Poynter, who will also take on the role of co-pilots in the balloon named Spaceship Neptune.

In a recent statement, Branson expressed his enthusiasm for the flight and his support for Space Perspective, recalling that some of his most memorable experiences have been during balloon expeditions. He highlighted his passion for adventure and his desire to help other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Additionally, he mentioned his preparations for obtaining a hot air balloon pilot's license to participate in pre-flight tests.

Space Perspective successfully conducted an unmanned test flight of its balloon last month. The pressurized capsule, which uses hydrogen as a power source, accommodates eight passengers and can reach an altitude of 20 miles, equivalent to approximately 105,000 feet, which is about three times higher than the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner. The Florida-based company aims to offer a luxurious tourist experience that allows its passengers to enjoy stunning views of Earth against the backdrop of space during a six-hour journey from launch to landing.

In 2021, Space Perspective began selling tickets for this exciting journey at a price of $125,000 per person. This experience differs from space tourism trips on rockets, such as those offered by Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, as it proposes a more serene journey without rockets, weightlessness, intense G-forces, or training. However, it is important to note that it reaches approximately one-third of the altitude of the offerings from Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. Jane Poynter commented that Branson's pioneering efforts in the balloon industry were a great source of inspiration when founding Space Perspective, stating that their mission is to provide breathtaking views of Earth in a safe and gentle environment that only balloons can offer.