Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson is revisiting his hot-air ballooning heritage, partnering with Florida-based stratospheric ballooning company Space Perspective. Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, will serve as co-pilot on Space Perspective's inaugural crewed flight, slated for 2025
Render of exterior cabin of Spaceship Neptune by Space Perspective Credit:Space Perspective
Branson's ballooning exploits date back to 1987 and 1991, when he made record-breaking transatlantic and transpacific flights. "Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions," Branson said in a statement. "I'm excited to support Space Perspective in its journey."
Branson's space endeavors have been equally impressive. In July 2021, he became the first billionaire to reach space, aboard Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity space plane. This historic flight marked a milestone in commercial space tourism.
Virgin Galactic, founded by Branson in 2004, aims to make space travel accessible to the general public. The company's suborbital spaceplane, VSS Unity, has completed several successful test flights, carrying crew members and passengers to the edge of space.
Branson's investment in Space Perspective aligns with his vision for space tourism. "I'm passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams," he said. Space
Perspective has secured $100 million in funding to date.
This version of the Spaceship Neptune capsule will be the subject of upcoming test flights Credit: Space Perspective
Space Perspective's innovative approach uses a hydrogen-filled balloon and an eight-passenger crew capsule, Spaceship Neptune, to send paying customers to the stratosphere. The six-hour journey will cruise at an average wind speed, reaching altitudes of 20 miles.
Over 1,800 individuals have reserved a seat on Spaceship Neptune for $125,000, significantly lower than Virgin Galactic's $450,000 suborbital ticket price. Blue Origin's pricing remains undisclosed.
Branson will join Space Perspective co-founders Taber MacCollum and Jane Poynter on the crewed flight. Poynter credited Branson's pioneering ballooning efforts as an inspiration for Space Perspective. "We're on a mission to give Explorers breathtaking views of the Earth against a black sky, gently and uniquely enabled by balloons."
Space Perspective successfully completed its first uncrewed test flight last month, paving the way for crewed missions. Branson's participation marks a significant endorsement for the company.
As Branson expands his space tourism endeavors, his partnership with Space Perspective underscores the growing demand for commercial space travel. With Virgin Galactic's suborbital flights and Space Perspective's stratospheric ballooning, Branson is poised to play an important role to revolutionize the space tourism industry.
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