Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire adventurer and co-founder of Virgin, is gearing up for another journey to the edge of space. This time, Branson will join the first-ever commercial stratospheric balloon flight, scheduled for 2025, through the company Space Perspective.
Branson will co-pilot the historic flight alongside Space Perspective founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum aboard the Spaceship Neptune, a pressurized capsule lifted by a massive hydrogen-filled balloon. The journey will reach an altitude of approximately 32 kilometers, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Earth from the stratosphere.
An Experienced Balloonist Taking on New Heights
Branson is no stranger to ballooning. In 1987, he set a record by crossing the Atlantic in a hot-air balloon, a feat he repeated four years later by crossing the Pacific. “Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have been balloon expeditions,” Branson remarked, expressing his excitement about joining Space Perspective on this journey. “I’m looking forward to dusting off my old ballooning license for some magnificent test flights.”
The Future of Space Tourism: A New Way to Reach the Stratosphere
Space Perspective aims to revolutionize commercial space travel by developing balloon technology capable of taking passengers to the edge of space. During the journey, the Neptune capsule will ascend at a gentle speed of 19 kilometers per hour, reaching an altitude of 32 kilometers—an unprecedented feat for a commercial balloon.
A successful unmanned test flight in September demonstrated the feasibility of this project, following the same trajectory and altitude planned for future passenger flights.
Jane Poynter emphasized the importance of Branson’s prior ballooning experience, saying, “Richard’s pioneering efforts in ballooning were a huge inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective. Now we’re on a mission to offer explorers breathtaking views of Earth against the blackness of space, in a way only balloons can provide.”
MacCallum also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled that Richard has chosen to join us as co-pilot on the maiden flight, bringing his wealth of ballooning experience to ensure a successful journey.”
A Luxurious and Comfortable Experience Awaits
If the 2025 flight proves successful, Space Perspective could open the door for future commercial flights, with tickets priced at $125,000 (about €115,000) per seat. The Spaceship Neptune capsule will accommodate eight passengers, offering a six-hour journey that includes luxurious amenities like cocktails, fine dining, high-speed internet, and stunning views of Earth.
Passengers will experience a two-hour ascent to the maximum altitude, where they’ll be able to observe the curvature of Earth, the “total blackness” of space, and the thin blue line of the atmosphere, followed by a two-hour descent back to the ground. The experience extends to the capsule’s restroom, designed for relaxation with “soft tones, live plants, window views, high-quality products, and unique soundscapes,” according to Space Perspective.
Despite the high price tag, demand is strong, with over 1,800 reservations already made for upcoming flights.
Branson’s Legacy in Space Exploration
This new venture follows Branson’s groundbreaking space flight in 2021 aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity, where he became the first billionaire to reach space. Reflecting on that flight, Branson shared, “Like most kids, I dreamed of this moment. But nothing prepares you for the view of Earth from space—it was simply magical.”
Branson, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of exploration, continues to redefine what’s possible in space tourism and adventure. His upcoming stratospheric balloon flight promises to be another milestone in the history of commercial space travel, inspiring the next generation of dreamers and explorers.
