Space Perspective

After launching from Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager, Spaceship Neptune gently ascends to an apogee of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters). From this altitude, Explorers will be treated to unparalleled views of Earth. During Development Flight 2 in September, we captured these breathtaking perspectives at increasing altitudes of the ascent Explorers will see from the comforts of the Space Lounge. #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #view #experience #design #luxury #innovation

Fox Business Network says, "Space tourism is skyrocketing...the industry generated more than $848M+ in 2023. As the industry balloons, a new option, in the form of a stratospheric balloon, plans to take flight next year with Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson...as a co-pilot on the first crewed flight."   Check out the segment with Branson and Space Perspective Founder and CTO, Taber MacCallum, where they discuss the Space Perspective experience, Richard's history of ballooning, and a shared excitement for what's to come.

Today we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the record-breaking StratEx space jump by former Google executive, pilot, and current Space Perspective board member, Alan Eustace. Eustace, in partnership with Paragon Space Development Corporation©—at the time, led by Space Perspective Founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum and included several other, now-current Space Perspective employees—worked together to break world records with this jump. Together, they created a zero-pressure balloon to carry Eustace to 41,422 meters (~135,890 feet), as well as a pressurized suit to keep him safe on ascent into and descent out of the stratosphere. On this jump, Alan broke the FAI record for exit altitude (previously held by Felix Baumgartner during the Red Bull Stratos jump), and set the records for distance fallen with a drogue device and maximum vertical speed with a drogue device. Beyond breaking records, the suit and systems developed were important in furthering technology for stratospheric exploration. StratEx Record Stats: Exit Altitude - 41,422 meters (~135,890 feet) Distance of fall with a drogue - 37,623 meters (~123,435 feet) Maximum vertical speed with drogue - 1,320 km/h (~820 mph) If you're interested in learning more about the record-breaking jump, check out "14 Minutes from Earth", a great documentary that goes in depth on the StratEx program. #alaneustace #stratex #spacedive #worldrecords #safety #design #engineering.

Space Perspective is excited to announce that Richard Branson will co-pilot Space Perspective’s first crewed test flight next year, alongside Founder, Jane Poynter and Founder and CTO, Taber MacCallum. This comes after our historic Development Flight 2 in September, where our test capsule, gently propelled by our hydrogen-powered balloon successfully completed its full flight profile, a six-hour nominal flight from launch to landing. This extraordinary achievement will be followed by a series of additional uncrewed test flights and furthers us on our path toward crewed flights and commercialization. Branson, a renowned entrepreneur, is no stranger to world-first adventures, having broken two ballooning world records crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1987 and 1991 respectively. He said Space Perspective has the potential to revolutionize balloon flying, opening a world of new possibilities for adventure-seekers all over the globe. “Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey. I'm passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahead of some magnificent test flights,” said Branson. Branson has also, along with other investors, made an investment in Space Perspective, which will help to accelerate our development and test flight program, confirming our leadership position in sustainable, stratospheric balloon travel. #spaceperspective #richardbranson #sustainability #innovation #adventure #achievement

Leading up to Development Flight 2, we performed several comprehensive tests of all our systems to ensure successful operations. One of these was our mass simulator test, where we successfully moved a full-size model of our SpaceBalloon™ through our patented launch system aboard Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager. This launch system uses special rollers to carefully guide the balloons as they stand tall on the ship’s deck during fill. This innovative design makes launching much more manageable and has a smaller footprint compared to traditional launch methods. #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #engineering #innovation #design #safety #spaceballoon

Check out the journey Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior made a few weeks ago from our Mission Control at the Space Coast Regional Airport to Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager at Port Canaveral, ahead its recent Development Flight 2 launch. The transit through Kennedy Space Center and along the Space Coast reminds us of the long-standing space heritage that inspires our mission of bringing the transformative power of space travel to more humans than ever before. #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #engineering #design #safety #innovation

Take a behind-the-scenes look at our recent milestone—Development Flight 2. This full-scale flight test successfully tested a multitude of key systems needed to safely launch the capsule to 100,000 ft (30,480 m) and bring it back in a controlled descent to ocean splashdown. The completion of this flight kicks off a series of further uncrewed test flights that will examine every possible corner case as well as test our redundancy systems to ensure the safest future operations as we progress toward crewed test flights and commercialization. Spaceship Neptune is poised to offer a transformative six-hour experience to the edge of space. Propelled by our SpaceBalloon™, it will carry Explorers at a gentle 12 mph (~19 kph) pace. Aboard, you will find a comfortable and luxurious experience—complete with a Space Lounge, a proper restroom, and even a bar. Explorers can enjoy the life-changing experience with fellow passengers or share it with friends and family Earthside through the capsule’s Wi-Fi. Watch the full video here👇 https://bit.ly/4dklMHm #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #design #engineer #wonder #awe #flight #milestone

Forbes highlights the success of Spaceship Neptune-Exclesior's recent test flight—a massive leap towards our mission of making space travel accessible to more humans than ever before—and the impressive size of our capsule, which "will have far larger windows than any other space tourism vehicle and offer hours to gaze at the Earth against the blackness of space."

Last Thursday, Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager arrived back to Port Canaveral, marking the completion of Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior's first full-scale flight test and our second overall uncrewed flight test. Voyager successfully launched and retrieved our FAA-regulated Excelsior capsule before returning to port. The flight was a major milestone and paves the way towards further flight tests. On its return, Voyager was greeted by Space Perspective crew and their families, as well as a fireboat performing a ceremonial water salute—a maritime and aviation tradition for maiden voyages, first arrivals or departures. #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #vessel #ship #marinespaceport #engineering #design #milestone

Many people ask what the view looks like at our 100,000-foot apogee. From this height, Explorers will be able to see the thin blue line of the Earth’s atmosphere. More commonly referred to as the “Overview Effect” by authors and astronauts, we call it “The Space Perspective. This shot was captured looking out from Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior during our recent test flight. You can see the side of the capsule as well as the Earth. This view spans on endlessly and reminds us of the fragility and beauty of our planet. Our capsule is gently propelled to the edge of space by our SpaceBalloon™ at 12mph (~19.3 kph), giving Explorers two hours to soak in the view while at apogee. Inside the capsule, there is freedom to move around and take in 360° views from the largest windows flown to space, enjoy a drink, or take a moment to yourself in the Space Spa. #spaceperspective #overvieweffect #innovation #design #beyond #pioneer #milestone #luxury