Saudi Arabia is all set to host a test flight for a space tourism company developing a 'luxury' space balloon capable of flying up to the stratosphere.
Space Halo's Aurora capsule will offer tourists the chance to go up 35km into the stratosphere for a whopping $164,000.
Passengers onboard the Aurora capsule will enjoy stunning views of the earth's curvature set against the pitch blackness of space before gently descending back.
The planned launch in September will be the sixth test flight that Halo Space has conducted with the Aurora capsule. Halo Space plans to begin commercial operations in 2026.
The test will carry the capsule 30km above an as-of-now undisclosed city in Saudi Arabia.
“This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing for the past three years,” said Alberto Castrillo, chief technology officer at Halo Space.
“The dates and location were set to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will be on the ground operating the flight.”
Halo Space is positioning itself as a luxury operator in the space tourism industry, offering a fine dining experience on the 4-hour trip. Passengers in the Aurora capsule will not have to wear space suits, as they aren't going high enough to experience weightlessness.
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