Space Company Will Float You Up 15 Miles Into Earth’s Stratosphere Via Balloon
It is said that the overview effect can change a person’s life and ignite a cognitive shift that puts the world into perspective. For a long time, that has mainly been limited to astronauts who have had the privilege of heading into the galaxy. However, as space tourism picks up, more civilians are now given the chance to experience the cosmos.
In this instance, space company Zephaltos is doing just that by floating guests up in a balloon 15 miles from Earth and into the stratosphere, the second layer of the atmosphere. While it doesn’t technically count as space—some say you’re only really in the cosmos after you’ve flown up 62 miles from the ground—you’ll still be able to see much more than you would out of an airplane window, that’s for sure.
Guests will be greeted with the stunning horizon of Earth stretching on into the infinite blackness of the galaxy There, they will stay seated in the balloon’s cabin for three hours, basking in the limbo between outer space and our home planet.
The journey will begin with a 90-minute flight with a rising speed of 13 feet per second, and then it will take another one and a half hours before your feet touch back down to Earth.
The balloon will rely on helium or hydrogen to complete its mission. Its interiors have been designed by Joseph Drand, responsible for the Balmain and Givenchy stores in Paris. Here, he is looking to adopt a more minimalistic design.
Not only will Zephaltos be serving breathtaking views, high-end French food, and Gallic wines to accompany you and the stars. On top of that, there even seems to be a Wi-Fi connection, so you can do a little bragging to your friends and family while on the edge of space. And as the overview effect can profoundly change a person, you will be appointed a psychologist to speak to before the flight.
60 of these flights are set to take place in 2025, with tickets going for US$132,000.
[via Travel + Leisure and Robb Report, images via Zephaltos]
