What To Know
- Spanish company EOS-X Space has just announced that it is close to finalizing the development of a capsule capable of transporting up to seven passengers to an altitude of more than 40,000 meters.
- The company’s capsule will carry its passengers to an altitude of approximately 40,000 meters where the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space become visible to the naked eye.
- In terms of pricing, passengers on the Spaceship Neptune will have to pay around $125,000 (around 117,000 euros) for the experience, while those of the EOS-X will have to pay between 150,000 and 200,000 euros.
Those who want to (and can) may soon have the opportunity to fly to the edge of the stratosphere. Spanish company EOS-X Space has just announced that it is close to finalizing the development of a capsule capable of transporting up to seven passengers to an altitude of more than 40,000 meters. This announcement therefore marks a significant step in the development of commercial space tourism, a booming industry that promises to transform our relationship with space.
EOS-X Space: a promising newcomer
Seville-based EOS-X Space is preparing to enter the competitive market of commercial spaceflight. Its capsule is currently under development and is expected to be ready for commercial flights as early as the third quarter of next year. Unlike other space companies, EOS-X Space is banking on the use of stratospheric balloons to reach impressive altitudes, offering a unique and accessible spaceflight experience. The company’s capsule will carry its passengers to an altitude of approximately 40,000 meters where the curvature of the Earth and the blackness of space become visible to the naked eye. The carbon fiber capsule will be suspended under a helium filled balloon and will be launched at dawn. The flight will include a two-hour climb, followed by two hours of altitude navigation and a one-hour descent. This five hour journey promises a spectacular view and an unforgettable experience for passengers. EOS-X Space is not alone in this race towards the stratosphere. Space Perspectivea Florida-based company, is also developing a pressurized capsule, the “Spaceship Neptune,” capable of carrying eight passengers and a pilot to an altitude of 30,480 meters. While the concept is similar, the differences lie in the details: the Spaceship Neptune uses a hydrogen-filled balloon and offers six-hour flights, while the EOS-X uses helium and offers five-hour flights. In terms of pricing, passengers on the Spaceship Neptune will have to pay around $125,000 (around 117,000 euros) for the experience, while those of the EOS-X will have to pay between 150,000 and 200,000 euros.
Credits: EOS-X Space
Credits: EOS-X Space
A luxury experience
The company aims to offer a luxury experience to its wealthy clients, going beyond simple stratospheric flight. The company plans to build a complex, the SpaceHub, on La Isla de la Cartuja, an island located on the Guadalquivir River in Seville. This complex will include a luxury hotel where passengers will be able to stay for a few days before their flight. During their stay, they will be able to participate in various activities, such as weightless plane flights and virtual reality space mission simulations. concept SpaceHub thus underlines the ambition of EOS-X Space to create a immersive and complete experience for its customers. Before heading to the launch pad by helicopter, passengers will have the opportunity to prepare mentally and physically for their stratospheric flight, thus increasing the excitement and anticipation of the event. In terms of safety and preparation, EOS-X Space is collaborating with the Spanish National Institute of Aerospace Technology for the capsule validation tests. These tests will be crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of commercial flights.
