A Fully Carbon-Neutral Spacecraft Is Already On The Horizon

Space tourism is traveling at the speed of light, and one company, in particular, Space Perspective, is putting a unique twist on the movement. 

The luxury space travel agency has just released a patent for a full carbon-neutral space balloon, ‘Spaceship Neptune’, which will transport passengers to the edge of Earth’s boundary. The company claims that it is currently the only sustainable spaceship manufacturer on the market. 

Space Perspective has previously released renders of the orbiting craft. However, it has just recently added some new updates to it and announced the eco-friendly direction that the ship is going, according to a press release.  

Neptune will reportedly rely on hydrogen power and buoyancy to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet in orbit. Hydrogen is being used instead of helium since helium is in high demand in the medical community. All the other materials to build the zero-emissions spaceship will be created from recyclable materials. 

Space Perspective also states that the craft is reusable except for the material used for the balloon. However, the team will collect the balloon and recycle it once Neptune touches back down on Earth. 

It has currently completed thousands of virtual flight tests and simulations with the help of technologies from AWS and Siemens Digital Industries. 

The carbon-free balloon looks a lot like a floating astronaut’s helmet with tinted 360-degree windows. Space Perspective patented these windows and claims it’s the largest panoramic view to be taken into space. 

The cabin inside is a roomy and cozy-looking “space lounge,” according to the space company, that features reclining seats and a well-stocked bar. Space Perspective says that the interior is about the size of a “balcony suite on a cruise ship.” 

An 18,000,000 cubic feet balloon will carry the spaceship 100,000 feet into orbit. 

Another addition to the new design is the fact that the spherical ship tapers into a cone at its base, which will apparently ease landings in the sea. 

The space tourism company is looking at 2024 for lift-off and tickets will likely set you back US$25,000. 

[via CNN and Manufacturing.net, images via various sources]