The Spaceship Neptune, a pressurized capsule that will transport travelers to altitudes over 20 miles above Earth, has unveiled its final design by space tourism company Space Perspective.
According to Gizmodo, Space Perspective is constructing the capsule at its facility in Florida, close to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The business intends to launch its expeditions to the furthest reaches of space.
Space Perspective Makes 'Carbon-Neutral' Capsule
CNN reported that Space Perspective hopes to establish itself as "the only carbon-neutral, zero-emission way" to reach the furthest reaches of space.
A pressurized capsule dangling from a sizable high-tech equivalent of a hot-air balloon will carry people on suborbital trips up to 100,000 feet in altitude for Florida-based Space Perspective. The most recent patented capsule design for its Spaceship Neptune vehicle is seen in new pictures published on July 27.
The cabin is more spacious than in earlier models, thanks to a spherical capsule design that gives passengers additional head height and has the added safety benefit of being ideal for pressure resistance. We also get a better look at the opulent Space Lounge with its plush recliners, ambiance lighting, and fully stocked bar.
While a new thermal management system is in the process of being patented, reflective coated panes resembling those on an astronaut's helmet are already in place to assist in maintaining pleasant temperatures.
This innovative design was created by the London-based firm Of My Imagination (OMI) and Space Perspective. The 360-degree panoramic views provided by what Space Perspective refers to as "the largest ever, patented windows to be taken to the edge of the space" were created by Dan Window, the experience design lead for Spaceship Neptune, and Isabella Trani, a seasoned designer, in a satisfying demonstration of nominative determinism.
One of the other modifications is a patent-pending splash cone enabling a secure water landing at sea.
In terms of size, the business says the capsule is comparable to "a large balcony stateroom on a cruise ship." The balloon, when completely extended, has a volume of around 18,000,000 cubic feet, which is huge enough to fit a football stadium within.
Taber MacCallum, founder, co-CEO, and CTO of Space Perspective, said in a statement obtained by Daily Mail: "Centuries of balloon and parachute operation and development demonstrate that always flying with the balloon from launch through landing, with traditional parachutes as a reserve backup system, is by far the simplest, safest and most robust solution."
How Much The Space Flight Would Be
Trips with Space Perspective are significantly less expensive than those with Virgin Galactic ($475,000 per person) and Blue Origin ($28 million for one seat at auction in June 2021).
According to officials for Space Perspective (per Space.com), approximately 900 individuals have purchased tickets for the capsule, which costs $125,000 for each seat.
The business is up against Arizona-based World View, which intends to provide a comparable experience for $50,000 a seat in the market for stratospheric tourism.
Space Perspective has already sold around 900 seats and advertised itself as the first "luxury spaceflight experience company" in the world. Still, once you've paid your $1,000 deposit, you'll need to wait as commercial flights won't start until late 2024.
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